The Grand Canyon's North Rim

The Grand Canyon's spectacular mile high walls provide a largely intact display of the earth's crust dating back as far as two billion years, easily pre-dating the oldest know living organism on the planet at 250 million years. At 8,000 ft-msl, the North Rim offers spectacular hiking, views, night skies, and far fewer people than the South Rim.
 

One of the truly classic hiking trails in the U.S.; Buckskin Gulch slot canyon

This is considered one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world at nearly 20 continuous miles. The slot canyon has challenges, including navigating through rock jams, pools, quicksand and the potential for flash floods that can rapidly make water depth in the slot approach 50 feet. Hikers are told not to enter the canyon if there is a chance of rain within a 100-mile radius. We had our share of pools and mud pits to navigate since this is late monsoon season. Well worth it, as Buckskin Gulch is a wonderland of sandstone colors and swirls that is truly amazing to see.