Grand Canyon

That ancient Egyptian theory about Earth being as flat as a pancake holds some credibility when you discover Nevada's most famous natural attraction. Over 280 miles long, with sheer drops into an abyss over 1 mile in depth, the Grand Canyon does indeed feel like the edge of the world - and on some fanciful note, it is! Grand Canyon National Park encompasses an area of 1,902 square miles – the geographic area of the canyon representing just a tiny percentage of its overall layout. Beyond the scarlet-tinged cliffs and great eroded obelisks of honey layered stone, there is nothing but desert as far as the eye can see. But there's more to discover of the Grand Cayon than a photogenic view and record-breaking mountains – this is the place where once in a lifetime adventures begin!

Nevada State's Grand Canyon attracts worldwide attention for its intrinsic natural beauty, yet perhaps more greatly so for the plethora of geological artifacts gradually exposed by the erosion of time. From dinosaurs and lumbering mammoths, to ancient macropods and reptiles, Grand Canyon preserves an abundance of mesmerizing fossils among the colorful layers of rock and rubble. Many a hiker comes here, purely to discover the riches of the world's largest natural geology museum. South Rim Visitor Center near Grand Canyon Village presents the ideal base for discovery of these fascinating natural fossils – a number of which have been excavated for display within the facility. Tusayan Museum, 22 miles West of the Village reveals a far different aspect of Grand Canyon's history – the habitat of Pueblo and Anasazi Indians for over 800 years. Remnants of Anasazi settlements are dotted throughout the Tusayan vicinity, however the best preserved artifacts can be found within the museum.

Millions of avid hiking enthusiasts descend upon Grand Canyon each year, purely to experience one America's most challenging terrains. True, many of the canyon trails are perilous and trying, however you don't need to be a veteran to enjoy unparalleled mountain top views. No Grand Canyon trail is easy and much of the terrain is so desolate, you won't come across a soul for many miles. Of the more friendly routes, Widforss remains one of the most popular. Located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon at the confluence with Zion National Park, Widforss is situated just 1.75 miles from the North Rim Visitors Center and a short distance from Mount Carmel. The hike is a straight 5-mile “out and back” to Widforss Point, a peak of 8,080 feet made famous by the paintings of artist Gunnar Widforss in the 1930's. Ten miles overall, the route takes between 3-6 hours to complete.

Are you a thrill-seeker keen to discover the adventures of Grand Canyon? A small tropical oasis bounded by palms, Havasu Creek is the only place of Grand Canyon still inhabited by indigenous tribes, known as the Supai. Just North of their settlement lies Havasu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on South Rim and the starting point for many a 3-day white water rafting adventure. Should you prefer to feel the wind in your sails and an aerial view, Chicamocha Canyon now offers para-gliding opportunities throughout the summer. Whether you experience the thrill of Grand Canyon from way up in the sky, or from the silty depths of its huge canyon ravines, this is one Nevada experience that mere photographs can never do enough justice!