Grand Gulf, often known as Missouri's Little Grand Canyon, has a long history as a geological
curiosity. It is a awesome place to be and see as it is a true chasm, deeper than it is wide. The park features the collapsed
remains of a major cave system with a sinkhole, cave, natural bridge and the gulf itself. Formed by the "recent" collaspe of the
cave systems roof sometime in the last ten thousand years, it is to me a really beutifull hole in the ground. The gulf is the canyon
three fourths of a mile long with sheer dolomite walls as high as one hundred twenty feet. The portion of the cave roof that did not collapse
remains as a natural bridge that spans two hundred feet and has a opening seventy feet high, making it one of the largest
in the state. sinkholes have collapsed along the floor of the gulf, indicating more cave levels below. The most complete
look at Grand gulf is available from the quarter mile loop trail around the chasm and a trail that crosses the natural bridge and winds through the
western edge of the gulf. There are also four overlooks, one handicapped accessible, show great views of the gulf below from
observation platforms.
There are also four overlooks, one handicapped accessible, show great views of the gulf below from
observation platforms. To get the great views, you have to be fit and patient as well as willing. If you go off the trail and
go clear around the canyon, then go to the edge of the cliffs, you have a spectacular view of pretty much everything.
You need to be carefull as there are alot of areas that are steep and slick going to the cliffs. The two pics on the bottom
of the page is of the site on the other side of the gulf. Also just do some exploring, there are alot of caves all around the park
that are easy to get to. There are few visitors here so you have the park to yourself, so it is the perfect place for explorers
that are beginners.
