Road trips through the USA often include some pit stops at some ‘holes’, but no other American hole quite compares to the Grand Canyon. This place is a big hole.

Everyone knows of the Grand Canyon, but few know the cause of it’s existence. The steep-sided canyon was actually carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries which cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. Recent evidence suggests the Colorado River established its course through the canyon at least 17 million years ago. Which is pretty damn old and pretty damn amazing. Not to mention it’s size. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and attains a depth of over a mile (6,000 feet / 1,800 metres). Wow.

I have been lucky enough to visit the Grand Canyon a number of times throughout my life, from infantry photo ops, family motorhome holidays and one fun Contiki tour I have seen the hole from a number of angles and still haven’t lost any appreciation for it.

Although I have only experienced the Canyon on foot, next time I get the chance to pass through I am definitely going to save up for the helicopter scenic flight or maybe even a donkey ride into the Canyon if my budget doesn’t quite reach the sky.

The Grand Canyon is one of the words greatest attractions, but not everyone who visits agrees. I stumbled across some of the funniest 1 star TripAdvisor reviews of the Grand Canyon from people who are impossible to please:

“Went there from Vegas for a few hours… Nothing special.”

“I drove nine hours one-way to see it, but it felt like it was only worth a two-hour drive. So if you happen to be within two hours, it’s worth considering. Also, the trails are polluted with horse and mule feces. I found myself on the canyon edge dangerously jumping and shifting around to avoid it.” 

“Seeing the canyon in person is about as good as seeing pictures of the canyon. It’s possible the pictures might be better since the photographer only releases the most interesting views of the park.”

“I have been lucky enough to remember the spectacular beauty from 30 years ago when it was not spoiled by tourist centers, souvenir shops and other spots of …civilisation.”

“I’ve been to a umber of so called landmarks in my time – but what the hell was this? Just an overblown sandy ditch. Really don’t get the fascination! Took two hours to get there – should have stayed in my hotel and watched a DVD instead…’

You won’t find President Roosevelt’s review on TripAdvisor but after his visit in 1903, he had a slightly more accurate review…

“The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world…Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see.”