First Impressions of Grand Canyon National Park

Jordan, Matt Patt, and I knew all the stops along the way. Rick, at his request, did not. As a graduation gift, we offered him this only clue, “God, Man, Godlessness.” Beyond those three words, we offered no other hints.  

With bags stuffed into the trunk of my yellow Mitsubishi Lancer, we drove west. The first hint of our destination revealed itself.  

For hours, we drove on I-40 from Oklahoma City toward Arizona. If you have ever had the fortune of driving this interstate, you know that things can quickly become monotonous. Oklahoma and Texas are flat for as far as the eye can see. New Mexico shines with the setting sun. It isn’t until you cross into Arizona that you get a sense of the possibilities before you.  

With each new state line, Rick’s mind attempted to piece the puzzle together. Thinking on “God, Man, and Godlessness,” I hoped he was readying himself for the awe of our first stop. Being fully aware of our destination, my excitement was difficult to contain. This journey to the Grand Canyon would be my first visit to the park. Beyond knowing the destination, the vastness and inspiration that define the park for so many people would be brand new to me. Like most people, I only knew of the Grand Canyon from photographs and books. I knew this brief trip would not be enough. A couple of hours in the park would be just the beginning. Nevertheless, I was thankful for the opportunity.  

After hours and hours of driving, we finally entered the park. As we did, Rick got his first sense of what we meant by “God.” Parked in an overcrowded lot near the Southern entrance, we walked toward the rim. Nothing in this world can prepare you for the first time you stare into the canyon. No picture does it justice. It is indescribable. Even today, almost two decades later, words fail me. It took my breath away and left me stunned.  

In every direction I looked, I found myself frozen in awe. I am not a religious man, but this was one of those rare instances where I felt some higher power.  

For a couple of hours, we explored the rim with dreams of what it might mean to traverse the canyon floor. Matt and I snapped photos. Jordan and Rick explored on their own. It was this trip that unlocked a deep love for photography. This hobby has taken me across the country and around the globe. It has opened doors and provided the foundation for friendships I will forever cherish. I love attempting to capture the beauty I see in this world in a frame.  

With a constant tick of the clock in the back of our minds, we pulled away from the park. We began traveling toward our next destination. As we did, I made a quiet promise to return to this special place. While I have yet to fulfill that promise, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon still beckons me from America’s great southwest.  

For a few more hours, we drove toward the Hoover Dam. Here, we experienced the exceptional power of “Man.” From there, we drove toward Las Vegas. There, we experienced “Godlessness.” When all was said and done, I had cherished memories of a road trip I will never forget.  

 Be good to each other,  

Nathan