Grand Canyon

With a brief stopover in Williams, we finally made it to the Grand Canyon National Park. You could already catch a first glimpse of this gigantic natural wonder from above during the approach to Las Vegas, but you really only comprehend its magnitude when you stand on the edge. Before we managed to get to the edge, we spontaneously decided to take a helicopter flight based on a recommendation. And we don't regret it! It is definitely the best way to see the canyon, including a bit of excitement and goosebumps. At first, you fly over the flat plateau, gentle music playing in the headphones. And then that incredible moment when the helicopter flies over the edge of the canyon! Suddenly, the earth opens up 1,600 meters deep. Wow...almost incomprehensible and so surreal.

The imposing rock layers visible here reveal almost 2 billion years of Earth's history. A paradise for geologists, but also impressive for laypeople.

The flight went over to the North Rim of the canyon, which is slightly higher than the South Rim, resulting in quite different vegetation zones. Here it is much greener and more densely vegetated, while the South Rim appears somewhat drier and less lush.

After the flight, we drove further into the national park by car to reach the edge of the canyon. It is indescribable and makes you feel very small. People appear like ants in comparison to this vast expanse. To put it in perspective: The canyon is about 29 km wide and 1.6 km deep. In the valley, the Colorado River flows, which looks like a small creek from above but is actually a raging river that has contributed to the formation of this gigantic valley of red sandstone cliffs.

Not knowing where we were allowed to sleep in our hookah, we parked on one of the more remote parking lots in the national park and were promptly awakened from our deep sleep by the ranger. The National Park Patrol, arriving with flashing blue lights, left no doubt that they meant business. We got a first impression of what it must feel like to do something illegal in America and get caught right away. In typical American style and an extremely rough tone, our passports were confiscated and we were informed that sleeping in a car in the park is illegal. We were able to smooth things over and, dazzled by the flashlight of the ranger, quickly and penitently complied and left the park. He kindly explained to us where we could legally spend the night in the car. However, a smile couldn't be drawn from him.

In the end, we spent the night in the National Forest just outside the park gates, where sleeping in the car is fortunately allowed nationwide. On this day, we explored a few more viewpoints at the South Rim. In the end, the countless amazing views into the canyon almost become dull. But as Theodore Roosevelt said, you have to see this natural wonder at least once in your life.