Don't Fall, Grand Canyon

This is probably stating the obvious, but it’s a very long way down and a fall is likely to be, if not fatal, certainly very unpleasant. The Canyon is a mile deep and has no railings for the most part, except at a few of the viewpoints. This is understandable, given its huge size, and in any case the natural scene, already compromised in places by the tourist infrastructure, would be even more spoilt. In most places there is nothing to stop anyone from walking right to the edge, and while most of us would exercise a sensible amount of caution, children have to be especially carefully watched. I don’t want to scare anyone, but read this newspaper article about a four year old dying there, and you will definitely want to take all precautions. Apparently 53 people accidentally fell to their deaths from the canyon rims between 1925 and 2005. You don’t want to join them.

Perhaps oddly, I don't have a problem with heights myself, if it's me near the edge, but I do find it almost impossible to watch anyone else go near it. So taking this photo of Chris really tested my nerves, even though he was in no danger here.

When in the Canyon pay attention to where you are standing and any warning signs. It is very easy to get distracted and fall. The Park Ranger told us many people are too busy taking pictures to realize how close they are to the ledge and wind up having a bad fall or even get killed.

In todays world we are all so used of everything being safe. Well the Grand Canyon as rugged and beautiful and awesome as it is - isn't 100% safe.

They have little signs warning about falling rocks etc but not big enough to hit you in the face. My fiance asked our guide if they ever lose anyone over the edge. His answer shocked us a bit he said yes in the last few months a four year old had gone over. Very scary.

Just show some common sense and stay away from the edges and hold on to your little kids. The whole appeal of this place is it is wild and untamed but that is also where its danger is as well.

Be careful. While the Grand Canyon is a tourist destination it is also being kept as close to natural as possible. Use your common sense - there are no handrails! Keep your eyes on your children and don't step too close to the edge! People have died!

Some places have rails and some places don't. In both places you should be mindful. There have been more deaths in the places that have rails than the places that don't. People get comfortable with the rails and think they do not need to watch there kids or themselves. So be careful please.

*Watch your step when you are exploring the canyon. We were told that at least 12 people lose their lives each year here.

*At least 250 people a year have to be rescued from the canyon.

*About that same number of people have been bitten by rock squirrels each year--they're cute, but they're wild.

*When viewing wildlife at the canyon, keep a respectful distance. Seemingly gentle animals, can turn aggressive without warning.

In other words, please use common sense when visiting the Grand Canyon.

This was our first viewing of the Grand Canyon.. Some naked guy out on a cliff posing for a photo.. Besides the fact he could have fallen there were many many kids around.. besides that they had to run away when the Park police came..I have no idea what they were doing ,however for our entire family this was our first view as we walked up to the Grand Canyon forever embeded in our brains...

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Be aware that apart from the main tourist viewing spots the Canyon has no barriers or warnings, so keep your wits, and the kids, about you. It is tempting to get as close to the edge as you can to get some good photos but I sometimes find that I start to lose my balance when looking through a camera lens. Dont know how I survived after taking these two !!