The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that has been attracting visitors for centuries, and even more since it became a National Park. It can be seen from many miles away, and it’s impossible to resist the temptation of visiting the area in person. In the following article, we have a list of facts about Grand Canyon National Park.
The Grand Canyon has been home to many Native American tribes over the centuries, and it can be explored in several ways depending on what you’re looking for.
It’s best known for its beauty and the history exposed on the walls of this National Park. If you’re looking to explore some new place, then be sure to visit the Grand Canyon, National Park.
Now here are some more interesting facts about Grand Canyon National Park!
Facts About Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations as well as national parks in the United States. It attracts over 4 million visitors annually, who come to experience its immense size and natural beauty.
However, this great expanse of land is not just a long hole in the ground; it also features various ecosystems that support plant life and animal species such as deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and many types of birds.
1. When did the Grand Canyon become a national park?
They declared it the 14th national park in 1919 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, not to mention that there are many other parks surrounding it as well. The Grand Canyon witnessed its first helicopter flight in 1956. The first commercial river trip through the Grand Canyon happened in 1938.
2. How Big is the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, eighteen miles across at its widest point, and ranges in depth from 1000 to 6000 feet. With this much to see, visitors will find they need more than a day to explore its beauty.
3. How old is the Grand Canyon?
Most scientists agree that the Grand Canyon is approximately 70 million years old, while some others believe the canyon is much younger. After U.S. scientists carefully study the rock within the canyon they determined that portions of the canyon were in fact 50-70 million years old while other segments of the canyon were as young as 5 million years old.
4. Who Lived in the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon has been home to many Native American tribes over the centuries. These tribes include the Havasupai, Hualapai, Navajo, and Hopi people.
The Havasupai tribe was the first Native American tribe to live in the Grand Canyon and they still live there today, having been there for the past 800 years.
5. Who Were the First Europeans There?
The first European to see the Grand Canyon was García López de Cárdenas, in 1540. Over 5.9 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, which makes it one of America’s greatest attractions.
6. What Kind of Plants and Wildlife are in the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is home to over three hundred bird species, fifty reptile and amphibian species, and twenty-five fish species. These plants include cacti, yucca, agave, and Joshua trees.
Animal life is just as diverse, with over seventy-five mammal species including mule deer, elk, coyotes, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and bats.
7. What’s the Weather Like at the Grand Canyon?
The weather in the Grand Canyon varies depending on the location. The South Rim of the canyon is much cooler and receives more precipitation than the North Rim. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is only open from mid-May to mid-October.
8. What’s There to Do at the Grand Canyon?
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities at this National Park, including hiking, backpacking, and camping. Other popular options include mule rides, helicopter tours or even just taking in its beauty from one of many scenic overlooks found along the rim.
If you want to drive, be cautious about using your GPS through certain parts, as there are trails and areas only for 4×4 or tough terrain vehicles that a normal passenger car can’t handle. Have a map handy and a way to contact a ranger or emergency personnel if you become lost.
9. What is the Best Way to Explore the Grand Canyon?
The best way to explore this National Park varies depending on what you are looking for on your trip. If you want a solitary experience, then hiking, backpacking or camping would be perfect, but if you prefer group activities, then mule rides or helicopter tours may be more up your alley.
The Northern Rim is better for those wanting more activities, such as hiking, as it’s more difficult to traverse. The Southern Rim is better suited for cars, buses, or any other vehicular traffic. No matter how you choose to explore it, the Grand Canyon is sure to leave an impression.
10. Where is the Grand Canyon Located?
The Grand Canyon is on the Colorado Plateau and is 277 miles long from end to end. The canyon ranges in width from eighteen miles at its widest point to a mere one mile in the narrowest spot. It also plunges over six thousand feet below the rim, making it one of North America’s deepest gorges.
11. What is the Parashant?
The Grand Canyon-Parashant is a National Monument on the Arizona Strip of northwestern Arizona, at an elevation of approximately six thousand feet above sea level.
The monument is approximately 1,048,321 acres in size, and it’s well known for its remoteness and lack of visitation because of difficulty traversing the landscape.