By Youfeng (Gloria) Pan, Staff Writer
As fall break is approaching, have you decided where to go for exploration and relaxation? Just three hours away, lies the frequently-visited Grand Canyon!
photo of ABCnews
Located in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon is a natural beauty that attracts millions of people every year. It is a breathtaking wonder that Mother Nature gives to the world. I grew up with the notion that Grand Canyon is the only natural wonder that can be seen from outer space.
The mighty Grand Canyon extends 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep. It takes days for people to travel through the Grand Canyon. However, bold explorers took a simple boat on the tempered Colorado River rafting through the bottom of the Grand Canyon decades and decades ago, shown in the documentary “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secret” in the IMAX Grand Canyon. The movie costs about $14, and a 20% discount for online purchasing is offered.
Photo of Grand Canyon West
Nowadays, a safe yet relaxing way to explore Grand Canyon is to drive to the top and walk around the cliffs. On the South Rim, a special pathway exhibits the historic formation of geographic compositions of Grand Canyon. Walking on that pathway, you might be in awe by the seemingly random creativity and chronically patient construction of the nature.
If you are an adventurer, you might want to experience the once-in-a-lifetime Skywalk. The Skywalk was created and owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe, 4,770 ft (1,450 m) above sea level. You might be able to ask Vivian, the local, if you get a chance to volunteer in Project DreamCatcher, a project led by Thunderbird for Good to nurture and accelerate women entrepreneurship among native tribes.
Photo of Grand Canyon West
Another way to explore the beauty of Grand Canyon is to take a helicopter. With a bird view of the whole Grand Canyon, you will never forget the heartbeat during the tour. The helicopter tours are varied from 20-45 minutes through North or South Rim, at a cost of $190 to $250.
Autumn is a perfect time to visit Grand Canyon while the leaves are changing to gold yellow. Lying on the ground and looking at the colorful sky canvas is your treat for an intense fall semester!