The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, as seen from either Artist Point or
Inspiration Point, is one of the truly great wonders of the West. It is
hard to conceive such breath-taking beauty. Once you have gazed into its
jagged depths, alive with color, you will never forget it, nor would you
if you could.
Perhaps you stand on the rim, and gaze down into a seemingly bottomless
void. Eagles and fish-hawks quite likely will be circling far below. The
sides of the ragged pit will be painted with myriads of shifting,
changing, vivid colors, with shades of yellow predominating. In the
bright sunlight the canyon flames in glory. No sound comes from the
echoless, yawning gulf at the bottom.
Grand Canyon—richly named! From Artist Point it is nearly 1,600 feet to
the opposite side. There is a sheer drop of nearly 800 feet below the
platform on which you stand. Down there lies the green, serpentine
Yellowstone River. Your gaze follows the curve of the canyon to where,
in the distance, may be seen the silvery sheet of the Lower Falls
plummeting downward in a billowy cloud of misty spray.
You can also see the Canyon from other angles and obtain a fuller
realization of its majestic beauty. This may be done at Point Lookout,
or farther up, at the Grand View.
Time stands still at this mighty chasm. However long you stare in silent
wonder, it seems like but a fleeting moment.