About the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters).
Nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. The canyon's geologic record spans all four eras of geological time, from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic.
Why Visit the Grand Canyon?
- Breathtaking Views: Panoramic vistas that change with the light throughout the day
- World-Class Hiking: Trails ranging from easy rim walks to challenging inner canyon treks
- Geological Wonder: Visible rock layers representing nearly 2 billion years of Earth's history
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to diverse species including California condors, bighorn sheep, and mule deer
- Cultural Heritage: Sacred site for numerous Native American tribes with archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back 12,000 years
Exploring the Canyon
The Grand Canyon offers experiences for all types of visitors, from scenic drives along the rim to challenging multi-day backpacking trips into the canyon's depths.
South Rim vs North Rim
The South Rim is the most visited section, open year-round with numerous facilities, viewpoints, and services. The North Rim, 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, is more remote and accessible only from mid-May through mid-October due to winter snow. The North Rim offers a quieter, more forested experience with equally stunning views.
Popular Activities
Hiking: From the easy Rim Trail (13 miles along the rim) to the challenging Bright Angel Trail (9.5 miles to the river and back). The most famous hike is the Rim-to-Rim, crossing the canyon from one side to the other (21-24 miles).
River Rafting: Multi-day Colorado River rafting trips offer a unique perspective of the canyon from the bottom up.
Scenic Flights: Helicopter and airplane tours provide breathtaking aerial views of the canyon.
Mule Rides: Guided mule trips descend into the canyon along historic trails.
Grand Canyon National Park
Conservation & Sustainability
The Grand Canyon faces numerous conservation challenges including air pollution, water management issues, and the impacts of climate change. The park implements sustainable practices including:
- Water conservation measures throughout park facilities
- Solar power installations reducing reliance on fossil fuels
- Shuttle bus system minimizing vehicle traffic and emissions
- Leave No Trace principles for all backcountry visitors
- Partnerships with Native American tribes for cultural and natural resource preservation