Geologists! Hikers! Tell me about the Grand Canyon.

February 16, 2022 10:09 AM

I won the lottery to spend a night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I have to take the burros down and back, can't walk it. Tell me about what I will see as I descend and ascend. History, geology, time will unfold for me. Give me your thoughts, observations.
posted by ebesan to Science & Nature (6 answers total)

If you start your descent at the Bright Angel trailhead (and I think you will), just after going under a rock arch (the first? the only?) you'll see some petroglyphs on your left side, rather high up. I imagine your guide will point them out but it was a pleasant surprise to me.
posted by cooker girl at 10:12 AM on February 16, 2022

If you're a reader, I recommend checking out the Emerald Mile: The epic story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon. It goes into quite a bit of the history and geology of the area and I really enjoyed it when I listened to it on audio.
posted by lucy.jakobs at 11:18 AM on February 16, 2022 [1 favorite]

Congratulations! This was definitely one of my favorite trips of all time. I second checking out Emerald Mile- it incorporates a lot of geology and history along with the story of the boat trip. There is also a book, I am the Grand Canyon, about the Havasupai tribe and their connection to the canyon.
I am not a geologist but I listened to some podcasts before my trip and learned a little about the types of rock and the formation of the canyon and I think it enhanced the experience.
Depending on when your trip is, the bottom of the canyon is HOT-depending on the area, 20-40 degrees F above the temps at the rim. Just something to be aware of!
There is a man who has lived at Phantom Ranch for 30+ years, Sjors Horstman. At least, he was still there in 2019, when he dumped a bucket of ice water over my head (with my consent! It is really just so hot!). He is so friendly and enthusiastic about the canyon, so make sure you say hi.
There are ranger programs at Phantom Ranch that are definitely worth checking out.
posted by Missense Mutation at 12:44 PM on February 16, 2022

One interesting thing about the rocks exposed down the canyon side is that the oldest rocks [at the bottom] are 1,500 -2,000 million years old and pre-date life as we know it, Jim. The topside exposures go from 50 mya to 500 mya. So there is a billion years missing from the geological record at this location - it's called the Great Unconformity. I guess that for those billion years the area was consistently above sea-level because sedimentary sandstones and limestones, of which you'll see a great variety, are laid down in [shallow] seas. I defer to any real geologists.
posted by BobTheScientist at 1:17 PM on February 16, 2022 [2 favorites]

For similar trips we have found a book summarizing the geology of the region helpful. Most important is a reference chart so that when you look over at a rock outcrop you have a good chance of being able to figure out what it is, how old, etc. Bunch of options here. You're not going to read a giant tome while you're there - you're looking for more of a quick reference. (But maybe read the tome beforehand.) Even just printing a web page like this might be all you need.

Also a guidebook for the trail you're taking can be very helpful. Looks like some options here. Reading ahead to get an idea of what you're going to see and what you want to look for is very helpful. When you're there it's more of a reference.
posted by flug at 6:25 PM on February 16, 2022

Chekkitout New youtube today 22Feb22. The Geologic Oddity in Arizona; The Grand Canyon 4 minute summary of geological history of the canyon; including a proper explanation of the Great Unconformity.
posted by BobTheScientist at 12:51 PM on February 22, 2022