NATURAL WONDERS ARE BIG IN ARIZONA

Especially the Grand Canyon, which is 277 miles long, a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide. It's so big it can create its own weather, and it can be seen from outer space.

A PORTFOLIO EDITED BY JEFF KIDA

PRECEDING PANEL: Clouds tumble over the Palisades of the Desert, as viewed from Lipan Point, as an afternoon monsoon storm rolls through. These imposing cliffs form part of the Canyon's eastern edge. CLAIRE CURRAN LEFT: The water of the Colorado flows over weathered rocks at Granite Rapids, located at river Mile 94. The Canyon's section of the river is home to more than 80 rapids. RALPH LEE HOPKINS ABOVE: Dappled light brings a painterly quality to a South Rim view of Isis Temple (background) and Cheops Pyramid (middle ground). Plateau Point is at the edge of the platform in the foreground. ADAM SCHALLAU

PRECEDING PANEL: Vivid colors emerge in the Canyon during a September sunrise. This view is from Lipan Point, looking west; the Colorado is visible on the left.