Night at the Grand Canyon

When you think of the most iconic natural wonders in America (or the World, really) the Grand Canyon is always one of the first sites that comes to mind.

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Grand Canyon several times, both for work and for recreation - but no matter how many times I’ve seen it, it always inspires a sense of wonder.

Looking over this enormous canyon, you can see the incredible power of water and its ability to dramatically change the landscape around us. You can also see time, geologic time, visually represented on the sides of the canyon like a painting. Not only different colors, but different shapes and wear patterns all reflect different ages and rock formations. When the Colorado slowly eroded what is now the canyon, it exposed the rock record and gave us this glimpse into the far past.

Looking at the night sky in a very dark place can give you the sense of just how vast the universe is. In the same way, the Grand Canyon can give you a sense of just how old, compared to humankind, the Earth really is.

Location of my photo shoot near the edge of the Grand Canyon

I set up my camera late at night to capture the Milky Way over the Grand Canyon and sat near the edge in the dark (always being very careful and aware of just where I was!). Seeing the open sky, full of stars and planets and other galaxies above me, while knowing one of the best exposed records of Earth’s history sat below me, was truly an awe inspiring moment.

So whether you have visited the Grand Canyon before, or its still on your bucket list - if you get the chance to see it, take a moment to really take it in. It’ll be worth it, I promise.