Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon



Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression. The dam impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume (when it is full). The dam's generators provide power for public and private utilities in Nevada, Arizona, and California. Hoover Dam is a major tourist attraction; nearly a million people tour the dam each year.




We visited the Hoover Dam in September, 2017 as part of our vacation. Walking around the outside provided some spectacular views. In addition, we took a tour of the inside, inner workings of the dam. It was a fascinating, educational tour. Well worth it! 



Our next stop was the North Rim of the Grand Canyon


The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters). Nearly two billion years of 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. Several recent studies support the hypothesis that the Colorado River established its course through the area about 5 to 6 million years ago. Since that time, the Colorado River has driven the down-cutting of the tributaries and retreat of the cliffs, simultaneously deepening and widening the canyon.


Spectacular views all around


Heading from the North to the South Rim


The Vermilion Cliffs



Looking down on the Colorado River


Horseshoe Bend. Getting this shot required a very strategic placement of my photo gear.


The Watchtower


Our campsite on the South Rim


The Grand Canyon is a busy place. One moment, I saw this interesting photo ...


... and in the next instant, someone stepped right up and changed (some might say ruined) the image



Photos like the ones above are possible if you get close enough to the rim to keep people out of your shot. 


This is what it REALLY looks like if you step back. Crowds and crowds of people, everywhere. 


Going for a hike can get you away from the crowds ... most of the time.


Time to head home. Getting our kicks on Route 66.


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