Tourists Visiting The Grand Canyon Need To Follow This Important Safety Rule

Carved by the Colorado River, and home to , the Grand Canyon is truly majestic. flock to northern Arizona annually to witness, photograph, and pose among its natural beauty, aiming to get as close as possible to the edge. However, due to safety reasons — including the risk of death to you or others — visitors should make sure to stay behind the  at all times while taking in the breathtaking views. 

While saying that the canyon's environment is fragile may sound like a cliché, in this case, it is true — and it can potentially mean life or death when walking down paths or standing on the Skywalk, a thrilling, gravity-defying canyon walkway. Geologically, the Grand Canyon is composed of layers of stacked on top of igneous and metamorphic rock. , these  a process 

As such, the canyon's rims are truly fragile, and a rainstorm, windstorm, , or even a . This means that hopping over the barricade or making your own path, even for a moment, can cause the ground to give way, sending you falling thousands of feet. While, statistically, only each year —  your odds of surviving such a fall are effectively zero.

For all of its beauty, the Grand Canyon surely has a dark side. Of all the national parks in America, the iconic national park has the highest fatality rate of all, and is definitely not a place to test Mother Nature. That being said, you can take several precautions while visiting to limit your risk and still have a wonderful trip. 

For starters, if you plan on visiting the Grand Canyon, be sure to prepare well for your trip in advance — especially if you are venturing out. Trails here range from to one of the most dangerous in America, and even if you're going for a short walk, make sure to check the weather and prepare for the unexpected, such as a or a lost water bottle. Additionally, paths on trails can be narrow, so , not the subject you're snapping, regardless of the scenery. 

Another important safety rule is never throwing rocks or other objects into the canyon. Although it might seem like innocent fun — especially for kids — it can be dangerous to both hikers, park staff, or animals below the rim. Even small rocks can gain dangerous speed or  Because of this, the National Park Service constantly reminds visitors to remember their  and consider how their actions will impact others' experience.