Arizona in Winter: Grand Canyon

Breathtaking was my first thought, as daylight dawned over the Grand Canyon, and the colors of the desert or this natural landmark awakened.

It was the first day of our visit, as we watched the fog of early morning lift above the canyon revealing a natural landscaped portrait. Along with the hues of browns, reds, grays and purples in the stone layered in the walls, and the pinks and greens revealed in the lower layers of the strata, there are greens and browns in the vegetation which covered the base. The colors climbed toward the very edge of the cliffs, the high walls shielding the Colorado River, a ribbon of blue below. I was left breathless. In January, the South Rim glistens with winter sunlight.

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Getting down into the natural crevasse, I was amazed at the beauty, which began at the rim and shimmered deep into its depths. The Colorado River runs through it. As I examined the layers of the walls covered in plants and patchy moss, I felt more alive and appreciative of life.

Expect to see animals and plants. There's also ample hiking, mule rides and souvenir shopping. Visitors can explore the canyon by various tours, enjoy dining and lodging nearby, and visit a History Room. Bring your cameras. Canyon shots are keepers for the photo album.

Helicopter tours offer a unique vantage of the splendor of the canyon, and the flight in one of the aircraft to the bottom of the canyon in less than a half hour.

A more old-fashioned journey down can be taken on the back of a donkey or mule. It takes 3-4 hours to meet up with the park rangers at the bottom. The well-worn trail down the rim to the bottom remains open in winter.

Land, river or train, the guided tours require a fee. Travelers can hike the trail for free; but it's a trip only experienced and properly equipped hikers should attempt.

Day trips around the area created a lovely vacation. Indian tribes live on four reservations near the park.