THE BIG ROCK I GRAND CANYON

One thing that has always been on my bucket list is the Grand Canyon. The epic views, the mass space and rock has always fascinated me and it keeps making its way onto my Pinterest boards no matter how many pictures I see.

THE BIG ROCK
Morning came after trying to recover from some immediate jet lag and I styled myself in somewhat of a sporty look (by that I mean trainers and a baseball cap) - I was ready for the big rock, the Grand Canyon. My agent at Flight Centre organsied this one for me prior to my tour starting and again, I would recommend this. There are so many tours to choose from its hard to whittle them down so they can help with your expectations and budget.

I visited the West Rim which is owned by the Hulapai Tribe. It is traditionally not as 'lush' as the South but is rich in rock colour which the park is well known for and is what you have probably seen in all of the photos. The park sits on Arizona and Nevada as it is HUGE, stretching a staggering 4,926km2. It is hard to describe its mass in words.

THE TOUR
Picked up from my hotel I was took to the helicopter base and briefed by the plane pilot. Travelling by plane to the Grand Canyon meant less coach time, more floor time and some extra epic views which personally I felt was worth the extra cash. There was 8 of us in the group and as I was a single traveler I got the window seat that viewed the hoover dam. (score).

Taking the plane, the views were incredible. I couldn't stop taking photos of land planes and stretches of water. Considering I am afraid of heights I managed to stomach viewing the Hooverdam and its massive drop. It is build on the border between  Arizona and Nevada in 1931 and 1936 and sadly over 100 lives were lost in its construction. It is the largest dam in the world, built to store water for the low laying Arizona planes. (yes i did google it.)

Arriving at the Grand Canyon we were then allowed to explore the area and given a free lunch token (which was alright, I recommend grab and go as not to waste exploring times). A one-way bus service took you to the Skywalk and on to Eagle Point and Guano Point. The Skywalk is a man made, glass bridge that sits over the canyon. There are no pictures allowed which is disappointing and you have to wear some sexy shoe covers but there are photographers to hand for some photos which were pretty fun and a good souvenir. (I am pretty sure you could sneak a few if you were subtle).

Next to the Skywalk is Eagle point and is the part in the rock that wait for it, looks like an eagle. Its a great place to take some photos and admire the rock formations that is typical to the tribal hometown.

Moving on to Guano Point you were able to trek as much or as little as you like. I did feel a little pressed for time here but that is probably because me and my selfie stick were having too much fun. (Can I just say as much as I hate to admit it this is a MUST tool for travelling).

TO THE FLOOR
We then prepared to board the Helicopter which took us around the Grand Canyon and down onto the floor. This was so incredible and was made truly epic by the fact that (I swear this is true) they played the Jurassic Park theme tune as we flew. I literally was expecting Tyrranosaurus Rex to come around the corner at any point.

Landing on the floor the heat hit you like a ton of rock (ha get it). Heat was about 45 degrees and can You think 20 minutes isn't long enough when you see it on paper but it sure is enough, its almost unbearable. To be surrounded by the rock above you instead of below you this time really helped you understand the scale of these things.

TAKE ON THE WORLD
I cannot explain the feeling, it was just epic. Standing on the edge of these rocks was breath taking. I had a mini epiphany stood there by myself and the big, bad world around me.  It made me realise how big this world is; how small we really are as country and as individuals. How all the little problems mean nothing and how much there is so much to explore out there. I never new rock could be this inspiring and exciting. I mean come on, look at my face.

BACK TO THE GROUND
Returning back to base for the return plane ride I literally was buzzing the whole way back. The tour lasted around 7 hours which included transfers meant I was back at the hotel for lunch time where I then went onto explore the rest of the Las Vegas strip.

Grand Canyon has to be on your bucket list if it isn't already. The cost was approx £338. Yes, its quite a sum but something that I personally was willing to spend for such a unique experience.  It is one of the 7 wonder of the world for a reason and I am so glad I have done it. Even though I was by myself I still had a incredible time and didn't feel like I missed out. Actually, I felt so empowered having experienced this with just me, myself and I.