Grand Canyon, Arizona

I've made several trips to the Grand Canyon in recent years.   On one trip, I miraculously obtained a "below the rim" permit and spent two nights in the canyon.   Around every bend in the trail the views are stunning -- especially looking back up toward the rim as you go deeper and deeper toward the Colorado River.   Whether it's with friends or alone, I love visiting and exploring the Grand Canyon.  

One of my goals is to do a "rim to rim" hike, a three-day backpacking trip. This is the type of excursion that requires some planning well in advance, as permits can be difficult to obtain.

On another trip to the south rim, I spent Thanksgiving with some friends -- we even camped out with the temperature below 20°.   On all my trips to the Grand Canyon, I've been surprised at not only the numbers of people visiting, but at the variety of nationalities, too.   Walking along the trail on the south rim, you can hear people saying "Wow!" in so many different languages.