Great Natural Wonder: The Grand Canyon
Roughly 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep, with the Colorado River at its base., the Grand Canyon is the world’s biggest canyon and one of its greatest natural wonders.
Located within the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homelands of 11 present day tribal communities , Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—a mile deep canyon unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from both north and south rims.
Flowing through the canyon is the Colorado River which is 1,450 miles (2,333 km) long from its source in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the Gulf of California.
The Colorado River established its course through the canyon approximately 6 million years ago and likely evolved from pre-existing drainages to its current course. Geologic processes, including erosion of tributaries and slopes, and active tectonics continue to shape the canyon today. The geologic record in Grand Canyon is an important scientific chronicle and is largely responsible for its inspirational scenery.
Grand Canyon National Park preserves an iconic geologic landscape ranging from 1.8 billion (PreCambrian) year-old igneous and metamorphic rocks to 230 million (Triassic)-year-old sedimentary rocks.
Palentology resources include nearly 300 diverse and globally significant fossil localities ranging from 1.2-billion-year-old stromatolites to Paleozoic trilobites, plants, reptile tracks, and marine invertebrates, and Pleistocene megafauna in caves.
The Grand Canyon attracts millions yearly for breathtaking views, hiking, rafting, and learning about its immense scale.It was established as a National Park in 1919 and a World Heritage Site.
There are numerous trails, to explore from rim walks to inner-canyon treks.. you can also go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, take helicopter tours, or ride the Grand Canyon Railway.
You can also learn about the culture of numerous Native American tribes whose ancestral lands are located in the canyon.
