The woman lives in a remote village with stunning waterfalls at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (Image: Getty)
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe each year. One woman has revealed how she actually lives at the bottom of the vast canyon, sparking fascination and astonishment about her way of life.
Located in north-west Arizona, the Grand Canyon extends for 277 miles and is a vast gorge sculpted by the Colorado River. Ancient red rock formations enhance its appeal and beauty, and it has operated as a National Park since 1919. The destination proves popular with tourists seeking spectacular views, hiking opportunities, and even white water rafting adventures.
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In a recent TikTok video, a content creator posting under the handle @heyarielnicole shared drone footage of the remarkable site. Overlaying the clip, she included text stating: “Today years old when I found out people live in the Grand Canyon.”
In the caption, she explained further: “I must have skipped school this day because I did not know this lol! Did y’all know people live in the Grand Canyon?”
Her footage has accumulated more than 65.5 million views to date. In the comments section, viewers voiced their shock, while others highlighted Shila S Siyuja, a woman who actually lives in the Grand Canyon alongside her family.
Shila posts a range of content on social media, providing glimpses into the realities of life within this natural marvel. While she’s encompassed by stunning scenery and can savour everything the local environment provides, there are still some disadvantages.
In one widely viewed video, Shila documented herself and her family beginning an “eight-mile hike home” following their missed flight to return to the canyon. The family lives in the famed Supai Village, situated at the canyon’s base.
This historic settlement remains extremely isolated and can only be reached via an eight-mile trek, helicopter journey, or mule transport. It serves as the capital of the Havasupai Tribe and is celebrated for its stunning, vivid blue waterfalls and its close-knit communities. There’s a shop for necessities, a postal service, a school and even a café.
In the comments of Shila’s widely viewed hiking footage, other social media users were keen to share their views. One said: “So beautiful!! How long did it take?” Another commented: “The real American people.”
A third wrote: “I got the privilege to visit your home years ago. Thank you.”
A fourth added: “Sister and I hiked at night to avoid the heat. Miss this place so much.”
Shila has posted other popular clips, including footage displaying goods they’d purchased while shopping outside the Grand Canyon. In the footage, Shila can be seen boarding a helicopter for her journey home.
Video captured from beneath the aircraft reveals their shopping secured in an external sling load, which dangles from the helicopter’s body via a cable and cargo hook.
Shila and her family aren’t the only residents to live in the canyon, though. More than 2,000 people also live in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the site.
