Majestic Grand Canyon

Colorful panoramic photograph of the Grand Canyon in the late afternoon with the warmth of the winter sun casting shadows from above. ... more

by Janice Sakry

Title

Majestic Grand Canyon

Artist

Janice Sakry

Medium

Photograph - Photographs, Digital Art, Prints, Canvas, Metal, Acrylic, Framed

Description

Colorful panoramic photograph of the Grand Canyon in the late afternoon with the warmth of the winter sun casting shadows from above.

This image is especially brilliant printed on metal. Also available on canvas, acrylic, framed, poster, or print in small or large sizes.

The massive canyon was carved over several million years by the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park boasts an elevation change of nearly 7,000 feet (2130 m) from Point Imperial (at nearly 9,000 feet or 2740 m) to the banks of Lake Mead (at just over 2,000 feet or 610 m). The canyon itself is, from rim to river over a mile (1610 m) deep. In spots the rock layers exposed in the canyon display over two billion years of geologic history.

We entered the park by taking I-40 west toward Williams to the junction with AZ 64 and continued north to the south rim, which was approximately 80 mi (129 km). Since we traveled in October and weather conditions can be very unpredictable during this time of year, we chose to travel the wide multi-lane interstate (approx 20 mi (32 km), to AZ 64) rather than try the slightly more mountainous 2-lane US Route 180 (US 180) northwest through Valle.

Temperatures and weather within the park vary greatly by location. Temperatures on the North Rim are often 20-30 degrees F (11-16 degrees C) cooler than at the river. This is a land of extremes. It can be snowing at the rim, while others are comfortable sunbathing at the river. Conversely, it can be cool and comfortable at the rim in the summer, while temperatures at the river exceed 120 degrees F (49 degrees C). It is not unusual for local canyon guides to encounter neophyte hikers in desperate shape. Unlike some young people who overestimate their abilities, we take no unnecessary chances when it comes to traveling through wintery weather in the mountains. When we visited the park, it was cold enough to wear insulated jackets, but the sun was beautiful and radiated plenty of sunshine to keep us warm. Although we arrived late in the day, and temperatures dropped rapidly at sunset, we were prepared and had a wonderful experience visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Uploaded

January 19th, 2015