Praying for Those Impacted by the Bright Angel Canyon Flooding
The Grand Canyon is a place we deeply love, which makes the recent flooding in Bright Angel Canyon especially difficult to see. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and we continue to pray for those who remain missing. We are also praying for the rangers, first responders, pilots, river guides, and others involved in search, recovery, and response efforts throughout the canyon. For those who have reached out with questions about Canyon Ministries, we also want to offer some reassurance. The flooding was
How Was the Grand Canyon Formed? A Catastrophic Lake Spillover Model
Nate Loper - April 29, 2026 If you read most park signs, you'll find the formation of the Grand Canyon is often treated as a simple question of slow erosion and time. A river cut downward over 5.5 to 6 million years and produced the canyon we see today. At first glance that might seem reasonable. But the more closely the landscape is examined, the more that simple explanation begins to fall short. And interestingly, that explanation is losing favor among many geologists today. You see, the canyon is not
The Grand Canyon Never Gets Old
Nate Loper - January 28, 2026 The canyon doesn’t change us because it’s impressive. It changes us because it reminds us who God is—and who we are not. There are places in the world that lose their edge the more you see them. Familiarity dulls the wonder. The first visit stuns you, but over time the awe slowly erodes into routine. The Grand Canyon has never worked that way for me. I’ve been here with Canyon Ministries for twelve years now. I’ve stood on the rim, hiked the trails, floated the
Christmas and the Grand Canyon
Nate Loper - December 21, 2025 One winter morning at the Grand Canyon some years ago, I had enough time to get to the canyon before the sun did. I stepped out of the van before sunrise and felt that unmistakable stillness that only comes after a storm. The crowds were gone, the air was sharp enough to wake even the sleepiest guide, and the canyon lay hidden beneath a faint blue glow. I walked toward the rim, my boots crunching down on the new snow, not quite
Beauty in Wrath: Finding Redemption in the Grand Canyon
Just as the layers of rock in the canyon tell a story of upheaval and transformation, so too does the gospel narrative speak of God's relentless pursuit of humanity's redemption. Every year, millions of people flock to the Grand Canyon, drawn by its breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring landscape. Yet, beneath its majestic surface lies a story of cataclysmic events, a story rooted in the pages of Genesis. This landscape holds a profound message, embedded within the canyon's very rocks, reminding us of God's power to bring forth beauty from
We March Forth!
God continues to do incredible things here at Canyon Ministries, and we remain in awe of His work. Once again, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the ministry this past year. From prayers and financial gifts to notes and emails of encouragement, you have been the fuel that has kept us a strong voice in the wilderness. We praise God for you and for your place in our Canyon Ministries family. We’d like to update you on this year so far, and we trust
2022 River Trips Coming Soon!
As we ramp things up here at Canyon Ministries in preparation for our busy spring and summer season, we’re filled with excitement for all the incredible opportunities ahead. Our rim tours, walking tours, and hiking tours at the Grand Canyon are always a highlight, offering guests a chance to experience the canyon’s majestic beauty from a variety of perspectives. But we’re also looking ahead to the river trips—an adventure we hold close to our hearts. Not only are we eager for this season’s trips, but in just a
Christmas at the Grand Canyon
If you’ve been on a river trip or rim tour with us, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Each day of that adventure felt like unwrapping a new gift. Every bend of the river revealed another stunning vista, every new overlook provided a fresh perspective of the canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty. As a child, one of my favorite nights of the entire year was Christmas Eve. It was a special time when my family would turn the lights and music down low, light some candles, and gather together
WOW
We are nearly at the halfway mark of the 2019 river season. Our time at the bottom of Grand Canyon is always super sweet. Great friendships, scenery, and adventure combine in the most perfect blend of sights, sounds, and emotions. As always, the most common word spoken is, WOW! I have always attributed this to the flood of beauty overwhelming the eyes and brain. I still believe this to be true, but I have come to learn that there is more going on with every WOW moment. The word
Called and Equipped
God faithfully calls people to join the Canyon Ministries team and brings people who radiate joy and a desire to serve. As executive director of Canyon Ministries, I am blessed to help equip and celebrate others in doing meaningful kingdom work. I appreciate the words the Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others