Javin Elliff Photography

May 18, 2024

Road Trip - Arizona

The Grand Canyon is another amazing landscape that I had never before laid eyes on. I was intent on experiencing more remote sections of the park. I wanted to do a rim-to-river hike that was 20 miles roundtrip, with 5,000 feet of elevation change. After nine days of hiking in Utah, and forecasted high temperatures near 100 degrees in the canyon, I decided against venturing too far into the canyon. I will have to see the bottom of the canyon another time! Instead, I drove hundreds of miles of dirt roads along the rim and hiked to various viewpoints for three days.

Walking up to the edge of the canyon for the first time was incredible. I stood feet from the edge with a strong wind rising up from the river thousands of feet below.

A dirt road that leads to the Grand Canyon.
Sunset lights up cacti on the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Sunset from the north rim of the Grand Canyon, with the Colorado River visible far below.
The Colorado River reflects the dawn sky from the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
The sun rises over the horizon above the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
Morning light illuminates one side of the Grand Canyon above the Colorado River.
Early morning light illuminates one side of the Grand Canyon above the Colorado River.
Sunset from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
Radial shadows from the clouds point upwards against the orange sky in this sunset photo from Grand Canyon National Park.
Sunset from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
An abstract detail photo of a small portion of the Grand Canyon, with layers of cliffs and shadows.
A detailed telephoto shot of a small portion of the Grand Canyon showing the layers of rock.
The last light of the day hits one side of a smaller canyon that connects to the Grand Canyon.
Sunset from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
Sunset from the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
Scenery of the Grand Canyon.