Marble Canyon, Colorado River, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, northern Arizona, USA

© trekandshoot/Alam

Marble Canyon, Arizona, USA

You may think that this plunging canyon is the Grand Canyon, but today we’re exploring a lesser-known canyon about 115 kilometres away. Named for its resemblance to marble, the natural sandstone and limestone topography of Marble Canyon contains ethereal hues of pink, grey, purple, white and even gold. Located on the Colorado River, Marble Canyon may not be as well known as the Grand Canyon, but it is still a popular destination among adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Bordered on the east by the Navajo Indian Reservation and on the west by Kaibab Plateau, Marble Canyon tells a story of desert-life culture. Among the remnants found here include split-twig animal figurines that date back 4,000 years. It’s also home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, such as the Townsend’s big eared-bat, the now-endangered Kanab ambersnail and humpback chubs.

In 1995, the twin bridges in today’s image, known collectively as Navajo Bridge, were officially dedicated as the second bridge was installed. The first bridge had long been essential for travel across the 250-metre gap of Marble Canyon. But as the area experienced more traffic, and after much debate about the impact on Native land and endangered plants, plans were developed for the nearly identical second bridge. Now, Marble Canyon has two bridges, each about 150 metres over the Colorado River. The original serves as a path for humans and horses while the new bridge carries vehicles. Both bridges hold the title of ninth-highest in the United States (though the newer one is about a metre higher).