Southwest USA: Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON is one of the world's great natural wonders and an instantly recognizable symbol of the Southwest. The canyon runs through Grand Canyon National Park, and is 277 miles (446 km) long, an average of 10 miles (16 km) wide, and around 5,000 ft (1,500 m) deep. It was formed over a period of six million years by the Colorado River, whose fast-flowing waters sliced their way through the Colorado Plateau which includes the gorge and most of northern Arizona and the Four Corners region. The plateau's geological vagaries have defined the river's twisted course and exposed vast cliffs and pinnacles that are ringed by rocks of different color, variegated hues of limestone, sandstone, and shale. By any standard, the canyon is spectacular, but its special beauty is in the ever-shifting patterns of light and shadow and the colors of the rock, bleached white at midday, but bathed in red and ocher at sunset.

• Mule trip convoy

A mule ride is a popular method of exploring the canyon's narrow trails.

• Havasu Canyon

Since 1300 Havasu Canyon has been home to the Havasupai Indians. Now a population of around 500 Indians lives on the Havasupai Reservation, making a living from the tourist trade.

• Grandview Point

At 7,400 ft (2,250 m), Grandview Point is one of the highest places on the South Rim, the canyon's southern edge. It is one of the stops along Desert View Drive. The point is thought to be the spot from where Spanish had their first glimpse of the canyon in 1540.

• North Rim

The North Rim receives roughly one tenth the number of visitors of the South Rim. While less accessible, it is a more peaceful destination offering a sense of unexplored wilderness. It has a range of hikes, such as the North Kaibab Trail, a steep descent down to Phantom Ranch on the canyon Floor

• View from Hopi Point

Projecting far into the canyon, the tip of Hopi Point offers one of the best sunset watching spots along Hermit Road. As the sun sets, it highlights four of the canyon's beautiful sculpted peaks.

• Bright Angel Trail

Used by both Native Americans and early settlers, the Bright Angel Trail follows a natural route along one of the canyon's enormous fault lines. It is an appealing option for day-hikers because unlike some other trails in the area, it offers some shade and several seasonal water sources.

• Visitors' Checklist

o Road Map B3.

o Visitor Center, Canyon View Information Plaza, south of Mather Point, Arizona. (928) 638-7888.

o Grand Canyon Airport,

o Grand CanyonRailway from Williams daily.