A Grand Plan

It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, providing endless opportunities for hiking, rafting and, of course, endless picture-taking. But did you know that you can skydive at the Grand Canyon? Adventure-seekers can book a tandem skydiving experience at Grand Canyon National Park Airport, about seven miles from the South Rim.

     The experience is what bucket-list dreams are made of—and not for the faint of heart. Jumpers may travel at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour from 15,000 feet. Once the parachute opens, it is time for a peaceful decent, taking in the Grand Canyon’s grandeur and gorgeousness. “It’s so beautiful and expansive from up there. The colors and size of it…it’s very impressive,” says Rachel Pohl, an artist from Montana who made the jump several times during the making of a virtual-reality video for the Arizona Office of Tourism. “I can see why people come from all over the world to see [the Grand Canyon]. And then to be able to fly over that? That’s maybe one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”

     Paragon Skydive offers the first and only skydiving experience over the Grand Canyon, and all of its instructors are certified through the United States Parachute Association. Within an hour of walking in the door, skydivers of all experience levels can be certified to skydive (must be at least 18 years old and in good physical shape). The tandem jump is $299, not including add-ons. paragon-skydive.com.