Why the Grand Canyon is Such a Wonder
Flying coast-to-coast for several years as the pilot announced we were flying over the Grand Canyon cemented my desire to see it one day. Of all the sights seen from an airplane 30,000 feet up, none appear bigger than this monument of the past.
Growing up in a military family, we moved almost every year and dad would always make the effort to draw our attention to roadside attractions, all man-made of course – cheesy larger-than-life statues of dinosaurs and other farm animals, cars buried in the ground vertically up to the dashboards, the world’s largest rubber band ball. Signs would begin miles away, building the anticipation until you could see each on the horizon as you neared.
Going to the canyon is nothing like that. In fact, it’s almost as if there were a deliberate effort to keep the location a mystery with an absence of signs. You don’t even see the grandeur of this remarkable place until your toes are almost to the edge! Then BAM, you are awestruck by the magnitude of layered history of rock, all uniformly laid across planes in the earth…so long it would be like driving from San Diego to Bakersfield. You can’t see the end of it.
On my second trip, my son and his wife joined us for a weekend and planned a sunrise hike into the canyon. We spent the night in Williams, got up at 4 AM, and stood at the edge of Mather Point Amphitheatre. This vista had seating for well over 100 people with room for many more along the railing. It was chilly and we layered in clothing knowing it would warm quickly, but the cool air gave way to what I could only describe as a scene from 2001 Space Odyssey. Music queued as the sun rose. Everyone was silent as we watched the golden globe slowly reveal the multiple crevices of the wall off in the distance and the ground begin to glow down the slope beneath us. Pictures and words didn’t do it justice; it was a surreal experience.
Its Popularity is unmatched
Year after year millions of people visit the canyon, and less than 1% go below the rim. We scouted a trail just a short distance away and hurried off to experience the full effect of the sun lighting up the ground ahead of us. With each switchback, the dark shadows gave way to light and took our breath away at every turn. You couldn’t take a bad picture, and a couple of times I thought I was going to have the last picture of my son David, as he was determined to get the perfect selfie along the edge. (The canyon is one of the most shared locations for selfies on Facebook.) I can’t believe this place is so close to where I live. You could spend a lifetime here and not see it all.
Along the way, we passed a couple of group tours conducted by park rangers. I paused to listen…and had to almost cover my mouth to keep from interrupting when I heard them explain the age and formation of the canyon. After working with Canyon Ministries, I had learned about the significant evidence pointing to a young earth and a catastrophic flood and knew there was much evidence to contradict what they were sharing. But had I not come to know the evidence one learns on the ministry’s tours, I would likely have bought it hook, line, and sinker. Canyon Ministries rim tours are a great way to see the “big picture” of the canyon yourself for the first time or as a gift to friends or relatives, a gift that is fun, educational, and comfortable.
What Happens in the Canyon Stays with You Forever
This wonder of the world will always be a favorite destination of mine and one I plan to visit regularly. A sunset tour is on my list next. In all my travels, there hasn’t been anything like being at the canyon. Its solitude and natural, unspoiled habitat is like stepping back in time, reminding us of the beginning. It is a place to reflect and reconnect with God and the master plan He has for us all. I encourage all to visit, young or old; the Canyon Ministries team will make your trip memorable.
Farley Lafferty,
Board Member
Director of Marketing