Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park

Miles Davis and the Grand Canyon NP. Strange? During the summers of 1967-68-69 I worked as a seasonal park ranger. During 1967 & 68 I was assigned to Desert View District with three other seasonals and a District Ranger. We only were officially on duty from 7am to 10pm. I often finished at 10pm on Saturday night and would drive out to one of the vista points on the east rim. At that time the vistas would have no park visitors(we were not to use “tourist”). My car radio would pick up KSL from Salt Lake City and a weekly jazz show hosted by a Wes Bowen. During that time he played the now legendary jazz album by Miles Davis called Kind of Blue. It became, and still is after almost 50 years, one of my favorites. When I hear one of the five cuts on the album it reminds me of siting in my car looking out at the Canyon on those Saturday nights many years ago. Music and memories. Those three summers at Grand Canyon were very important in my life.

Sincerely,
Mac Erwin

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

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