An historic legacy shrouded in tragedy
In 1956 two passenger planes crashed into each other in mid-air when they were flying over The Grand Canyon National Park. Everyone died on board each plane. The crash directly resulted in the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration in 1958.
What's in a name...
The name "Grand Canyon" comes from the Paiute Indian tribe, which called it " Kaibab," meaning "mountain lying down" or "mountain turned upside down." However, it was one-armed war veteran John Wesley Powell who chartered the Colorado River between 1891 and 1892 who referred to it as the "Grand Canyon."
The Grand Canyon graveyard
Yes, there's a graveyard in Grand Canyon National Park. In order to access the graveyard you'll need to follow the signs to the Shrine of the Ages, near the park's headquarters.
The most notable grave is dedicated to prolific painter Gunnar Widforss, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1879 and died in 1934. There is a Swedish flag in the ground and usually a paintbrush sticking up as well (over the years visitors claim seeing many paintbrushes that were stuck in the ground around Gunnar's grave).
Here's what's engraved on his tombstone:
Bury this man there?
Here. Here's his place, where meteors shoot, clouds form
lightnings are loosened, stars come and go
lofty designs must close in like effects
loftily lying
leave him still loftier then the world suspects
living and dying.
Here. Here's his place, where meteors shoot, clouds form
lightnings are loosened, stars come and go
lofty designs must close in like effects
loftily lying
leave him still loftier then the world suspects
living and dying.
Grand Canyon village
The Havasupai Indian tribe reside in Supai Village (a very, very remote town), which is most well-known for Havasu Falls. But, more on that in a bit. The village of Supai is also located near Havasu Creek, a stunning turquoise creek. You can only get to the village by foot, helicopter or mule. Definitely plan on visiting and booking a stay at the Havasupai Lodge orHavasupai Campground.
Hidden Waterfalls
On the Havasupai Indian Reservation is one of the world's most beautiful, most secluded and most breathtaking waterfalls, Havasu Falls. The only way to access the falls is by hiking along the Havasu Falls Trailhead, which is near the village of Supai. What gives the falls their gorgeous color is a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium, which naturally occurs in Havasu Creek. What happens is the calcium carbonate precipitates from the water and is deposited onto rocks and over time forms pools, and as the pools deepen the calcium carbonate is released, and the magnesium content increases. It's the magnesium in the water that's responsible for the turquoise hue. The best time to visit is early spring or late fall, this is because it's less crowded. The summer doesn't only bring the crowds, but the heat as well. So, be warned. Ooh, Mooney Falls is another gorgeous waterfall to visit.
Phantom Ranch
Phantom Ranch is renowned as being the only place in America where mail is carried solely by mules. Mail yourself a postcard when you're there and it'll actually be stamped with "carried by mule from the Grand Canyon."
The best view away from the crowds
South Rim of Grand Canyon is fantastic, but it's where all the tourists go. I recommend spending time along the North Rim. It's way less crowded and still provides a mindblowing view of the canyon.
Pink snakes. I repeat. Pink snakes.
The Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake is actually the most common snake in the park. It's a rattlesnake so be wary of approaching it for a picture. And in case you're curious, yes, I hated looking up "Grand Canyon Pink Snake" in Google Images.
How the heck was it formed?
It's believed that the Grand Canyon was formed 5 million years ago when the Colorado River first started gushing westward. However, scientists and geologists can't seem to agree on whether the river itself is responsible for carving the canyon, or if the ancient gorge was there before the river started flowing.
Where to rest your weary head
El Tovar Hotel and Cliff Dwellers Lodge are two fantastic locations that can serve as your homebase for all your Grand Canyon adventuring.
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