My first national park was the Grand Canyon in 1976. I came to the USA for a three month visit and never left. There are a great many reasons why I stayed but not least among them is the staggering beauty of this land that was shown to me by way of the National Park System. That first visit with Murphy the dog to the Grand Canyon made such a huge impression on me that I went back two years later with a friend and we hiked down the Bright Angel Trail to the bottom of the Canyon. That was really the beginning of my deep love and adventures into America’s awe inspiring national landscape. The national parks, the rangers… all of these things left such a serious impression on me that I eventually became an environmental educator/ranger. I also worked for California State Parks at Hearst Castle as a tour guide I think all these great jobs have their roots in that very first visit to Grand Canyon National Park. I now have my senior park pass and am just waiting for my husband to retire so that together we can start exploring as many parks as we can.
Sincerely,
Grand Canyon National Park
America’s Southwest is full of breathtaking canyons, but none as famous or as widely visited as the Grand Canyon. This world-famous landmark offers wondrous views, spectacular hiking, exhilarating whitewater rafting and countless adventures. One look across the enormous chasm confirms just why this inspirational place is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-see destination for so many travelers. The park also protects a wealth of biological diversity, including numerous endemic and threatened species and several rare ecosystems.
State(s): Arizona
Established: 1919
“They tell us so many stories of our America's wild and varied history. Its pioneers, teachers, vagabonds and adventurers. Our national parks are the priceless, beautiful landscapes of our culture.”
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Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park
Twelve years ago, my husband and I spent 3 days visiting the Grand Canyon. One of those days I suggested taking a hike down into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail. It was amazing! You don’t realize the vastness of the canyon until you’re down in it, looking up,…
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Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park
I returned to the Grand Canyon a few months after my father passed away. I hiked solo down the crumbling switchbacks below Horseshoe Mesa and across the stark plateau to Hance Rapids. My dad introduced me to the Canyon; as a reluctant teenager we hiked down to Bright Angel campground.…
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Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park
We’re a family of four from South Carolina that includes a son in fourth grade and a daughter in college. A tradition of ours is to take at least one vacation each year to a national park. For Christmas 2021, we planned to visit Grand Canyon National Park and Saguaro…
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