Google’s efforts to Street View the Grand Canyon is finally available to view online. It in no way is an adequate replacement for actually going to one of the world’s most breathtaking works of nature, but it’ll have to do. Take a break, stock up on some water, and take a virtual hike past views like the Bright Angel Trail, the Colorado River and the Meteor Crater.

Google employed an army of “Trekker” backpacks to capture the amazing panoramic views, which employ 15 camera lenses and weight about 40 pounds. In all, Google employees walked over 75 miles of trails, giving viewers a comprehensive tour of some amazing scenery.

With the Grand Canyon checked off of Google’s list, it’s unclear where the search giant is off to next. Yosemite? Yellowstone? Death Valley? Wherever the company goes, I’m sure we can expect some top imagery.

 GOOGLEBLOG