My bucket list is getting pretty long.
See the Great Barrier Reef, swim with dolphins, dance onstage at a Beyoncé concert, meet the Dalai Lama; I have a lot to get done. Last week, I finally got the chance to cross something off my list: I got to see the Grand Canyon.
One of the most remarkable things about the Grand Canyon is the fact that pictures really can't do it justice. Even the most talented photographer can't capture just how large and vast it really is; it's something you have to experience in person. Standing on the rim, looking out over the Canyon, and breathing the fresh mountain air was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
As a college student, I also really appreciated the affordability of the visit. A $30 National Park pass gives you, and everyone in your car, access to the Canyon for seven days. Once you're on the rim, there are several visitors centers, cafes, gift shops, and history museums. Visitors have the option of driving, hiking, or taking the shuttle around the grounds.
Even though it was cold during our visit, we took the opportunity to hike about two miles along the rim, from Verkamps Visitor Center to the Yavapai Geology Museum. All the staff and rangers we encountered were knowledgeable and helpful, and helped us make the most of our visit.
If you ever have the chance to visit the Grand Canyon, please do! It's truly a life changing experience. Standing on the edge of something so huge made me feel very small and insignificant, but in the best possible way.
