Indeed, for nowhere in the world that this colossal natural wonder finds similarity. Geologists and scientists believe it was mysteriously formed six million years ago, but the rocks and limestone walls are 360 million years old.

The northern part of the rim is almost at a perfect level. There are deep chasms, interspersed by buttes, spires, mesas and valleys in varying heights of hundreds of feet.

The rim of the Canyon is 446 kilometers long and the widest distance between rims is 29 kilometers. The highest plateau is 9,000 feet above sea level.

Ironically, it is only at the South Plateau that vegetation abounds. Here it is where tourists – some 4 million a year – get a commanding view of almost 360 degrees of the entire Canyon.

Viewing decks mounted on protruding walls that just outside the rim, hiking trails, information and historical markers are provided the visitors.

At an elevation of 7,129 feet above sea level – portion of Colorado river barely visible – (the northern rim across at 9,000 feet), sightseers with respiratory or heart problems are advised to refrain from strenuous walking or jogging. I myself had difficulty of breathing after taking just 10 steps up from the viewing decks.

The Grand Canyon is one of nature’s gifts to America, along with some frequently visited national parks like Yosemite, Colorado Glaciers and Mount Rainier, among others.

In 1936, a concerned American named Stephen Mather fought Congress and the White House for the preservation of the Grand Canyon as a native American heritage. He advocated the delicate conservation of the surrounding areas as natural habitat.

Geological data

Scientists said that marine sediments at the Canyon floor make up most strata, and indication that the floor was once a shallow sea. The turbulent Colorado River cut and excavated the lowest portion of the Canyon.

Apparently, volcanic eruptions came into the picture six million years ago. One can see old lava flows, and hills that show volcanic debris. Whatever vegetation there is on the southwest slopes this is mainly of desert plants.

The plateau regions above the Canyon, including the public park, has extreme heat in summer and biting cold in the winter. The park is open 365 days a year.

There are also visible signs of soil erosion, carving valleys in the walls of the Canyon.

The rest of the Canyon is nothing but solid rocks with little soil.

One hiker

My son-in-law, Troy Seufert who loves the outdoors, narrated is experience going down the Canyon using the Sunset Trail with a companion during the summer of 2000. They went down 4 miles from the southern plateau.

It took them one whole day going down and coming up which was more difficult, avoiding the morning sun at 10:00 and the afternoon sun at 4:00.

How do you prepare yourself for the trek?

"One has to be physically fit, and bring plenty of water so you won’t get dehydrated," says Troy who works for Verizon Wireless in its Washington State corporate headquarters in Everett.

Prospective hikers are advised to get a briefing from the Grand Canyon National Park officials.