I’ll try to make this short even though it was a magical moment. It was like 30 or 40 years ago and I was sitting at the edge of the Grand Canyon on a beautiful evening after all the tourists had disappeared. I can still see the blood-red sunset on my left (south rim). There was a stiff breeze out of the south singing a beautiful tune through the branches of the pine trees behind me. I was surveying and soaking up the totality of it all when I took a glance into the canyon floor. Somehow (perhaps a camper..) there was a fire going a couple thousand feet below me - and that was the instant. For those few brief seconds I was thrown thousands of years back and felt I was one of the “wanderers and gatherers”, seeing the fire as a sign of kinship and safety in a setting that has not changed since.
In that moment, it felt so real - as if I had traveled far to find any sign of another clan. And one of the amazing sensations during this brief experience was the all-encompassing feeling of being alone and the constant search for others.
It was a seminal moment for me - there have been others (for example - Dead Horse Point State Park) but that’s for another time.
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 represent monuments to the best beauty - natural beauty...and they allow us those brief times to have every sense flooded by the intensity of the power within...”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now