A Canyon as Artists' Palette

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone looks like a work of modern art, with various colors splashed across the rock at random. The colors are caused by thermal features within the canyon, which send water of varying mineral content flowing down the walls.

Combined with the colors are diverse rock formations, ranging from round to jagged. There are throngs of tourons at Artist Point, but hike just 500 to 1000 meters up the canyon rim trail and you leave virtually everyone behind, and you can enjoy the splendor of the scene in solitude.

The climate here is rigorous. Subzero winter temperatures contrast with hot summer sun. Wind is strong, snow can be heavy, but rain is often sparse. Still, limber and ponderosa pines tough it out. Blow up these pics for more detail.