Sunrise lights the inner canyon on the Kaibab Trail.
John Miranda took these absolutely breathtaking shots of the Grand Canyon while hiking from the South Rim to the North Rim (and back) over various years, along with overnight camping trips.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (1.83 km). Nearly two billion years of the Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted.
“If you visit the Grand Canyon around mid-may or mid-October you might see us,” Miranda says. “We are usually dressed lightly, even in the cold morning, and can be spotted in the South Rim, the North Rim, or somewhere in between. Many wear small radios, waist packs or light backpacks with water bottles. Frequently we travel in small groups. If it’s early and dark enough, you’ll know where we are by the telltale string of flashlights descending down the trail. I’m talking, of course, about a special group of Grand Canyon visitors, the hikers that traverse non-stop from Rim to Rim.”
Early morning light hits the South Kaibab Trail.
Overlook from South Kaibab Trail.
First rays of light reaching the canyon. The South Kaibab Trail can be seen in the distance (towards center).
Hiker, South Kaibab. This picture is featured in the South Kaibab Trail Guide published by Grand Canyon Association.
Ridge on South Kaibab.
The Kaibab trail leading to tip-off point, which then takes us sharply down to the Colorado River.
Late afternoon on the Colorado. This picture was taken on a different trip while camping below the rim.
South Kaibab Trail rewards hikers with stunning ridge views.
Switchbacks leading down to the Plateau below.
The trail descends into the inner gorge, revealing new colors as we approach the Colorado River.
A mule train crosses the Black Bridge over the Colorado River.
Silver Bridge leading to Bright Angel Trail.
Spring near the bottom of Bright Angel Trail.
Box Canyon, as we traverse to the North Rim.
Sunset as seen from the North Rim. This image can be seen as a 30 foot mural at the National Geographic IMAX Theatre near the Grand Canyon.
Storms in the distance. John Miranda