It is one of America’s greatest natural wonders – a spectacular scar in the dusky soil of Arizona that ranks as one of the best-known landmarks on the planet.
Indeed, show most people a photograph of the Grand Canyon, and they should recognise it instantly – those steep cliffs falling away to the silver ribbon of the River Colorado far below; the Canyon walls dancing through a rainbow of pinks, reds, oranges and browns.
So it is rare to see photographs that capture this geographical glory in a less-seen light. But the images here manage that.
The pictures show the less-visited Havasu Canyon, which flows north into the Colorado immediately to the west of the portion of the national park which plays host to the majority of tourists.
Havasu Canyon is part of the adjacent Havasupai Indian Reservation. And while it is also accessible to the public, it does not receive the footfall of the main national-park space.
The photos show a snapshot of waterfalls within this smaller canyon; the large, double-chuted Havasu Falls and the smaller Mooney Falls – as well as the almost hidden Royal Arch Creek Falls, which is part of Grand Canyon National Park.
All can be visited, although plenty of leg-work and hard hiking is required to reach the more off-path spots.
Water at its most wonderful: This breathtaking image captures Havasu Falls – the main cascade on Havasu Creek in Arizona
A different take on the theme: Depending on the volume of water, Havasu Falls splits into two distinct torrents
Come take a look at all this beauty: Havasu Falls sits on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, but is accessible to the public
One for the intrepid: Mooney Falls also lies within the Havasupai Indian Reservation – and offers a subtler form of beauty to the main Havasu Falls
Beyond the obvious: Although the Grand Canyon is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the planet, it still offers corners and areas that can surprise
Tucked away: The National Park Service describes Royal Arch Creek Falls as a ‘top-drawer canyon adventure, replete with more natural beauty than humans can absorb’
As it looks on a normal day: A more usual shot of the Grand Canyon, as seen by thousands of people every year
