Grand Canyon is a without a doubt one of the most amazing geological wonderlands on earth. To really gain a geological perspective of this Natural Wonder, your best option is to take a rafting tour with Grand Canyon Whitewater down the Colorado River. As you journey into the heart of the canyon you will venture through a pallet of amazing rock layers. There are an array of surreal geologic formations in the canyon as well; some are unique only to this National Park.

Columnar Jointing is one of my favorite formations in the canyon. These structures can be found in the Canyon below Lava Falls – Mile 180 of the Colorado River. Columnar Jointing is found other places in the United States like Devils Tower in Wyoming, but more interestingly the evidence of it can be found on the planet Mars and the moon.

These structures were formed when lava flows hit the water and were rapidly cooled. Usually the faster the flows are cooled, the smaller the columnar jointing is. (The lava contracts as it cools, forming cracks. Once the crack develops it continues to grow). The formations of columns are usually 5 to 6 sided, and are formed perpendicular to the source of cooling.

If you are interested in seeing these and other extraordinary formations within the canyon let Grand Canyon Whitewater guide you on your Grand Canyon adventure. 800-343-3121.