Cutting through rock
The Colorado River has cut through the rock layers over the past 5 million years, creating a depth of 1,6 km. The sidestreams, carving numerous side-canyons, have widened the canyon from the river's edge as much as 29 km.
The river
The Colorado River seems small and insignificant next to the massive rock formations, yet without the river there wouldn't have been a Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon sunset
In this telephoto sunset shot from the South towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the stunning textures of the canyon are dramatically enhanced. Layers of cliffs resemble massive buildings. Small wonder they were given divine names like Zoroaster Temple, Shiva Temple or Wotan's Throne.
Life on the edge
A gnarly juniper seems to defy the elements on the edge of the canyon
Last light
The sun colors the highest points of the canyon seen from Yavapai Point on the South Rim.
Cardenas Butte and the Colorado River
Seen from Lipan Point on the South Rim the Cardenas Butte seems to follow the bend of the Colorado River.
A new day
The sun appears on the horizon, east of Desert View.
First light
The Grand Canyon at Lipan Point minutes before sunrise.
Shadowplay
The setting sun creates dramatic shapes and contrasts.
The view
Tourists press towards the edge of the cliffs near Yavapai Point. Almost 6 million visitors come to see Grand Canyon every year, making it the second most visited National Park in the US (after Great Smoky Mountains National Park ).
The raven
The smart raven is the undisputed master of the skies over Grand Canyon.
The River
The Colorado River appears very prominent in this aerial telephoto shot from Desert View Point on the South Rim of the Canyon.
Evening light on the Grand Canyon seen from Desert View Point.
A living organism
The Grand Canyon resembles a living organism. Not only the colours of the rocks change throughout the day, but the shadows also create different shapes in the canyon's appearance. And that's not even taking into account the real changes in time due to erosion and natural decay.
