Who ever thought of putting a cement plant 40 miles upwind of the Grand Canyon needs to get slapped in the face, then carted out to the South Rim to look at what they could have ruined.

Backpacker picked up a story about a proposed Cemex cement plant in Seligman, Arizona, and picked up the thankfully prevailing attitude that – hey – maybe we shouldn’t build something that pumps sulfur dioxide and particulates into the air so close to a Natural Wonder of the World.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most jaw-droppingly inspiring places on the planet. It’s impossible not to go there and not be put in your cosmic place. Picture this, filled with haze:

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Cement plant?!? WTF?

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.