What is the Grand Canyon known for? If you’re like most people, you probably have Grand Canyon National Park on your bucket list. This treasure of the planet will leave you awestruck as you gaze back into millions of years of geological history.
Here are 10 amazing Grand Canyon National Park facts showcasing why it’s one of the world’s most cherished tourist destinations.
Visitors to the Grand Canyon are always left speechless by its sheer size and erosion patterns. However, one of the Grand Canyon facts they don’t know is that the Colorado River is the unsung hero of this wondrous marvel.
Running calmly at the bottom of the canyon, the Colorado River has been carving the Grand Canyon for millions of years, and it’s still at work. The sediment in the water, coupled with its powerful flow, continues to gradually wear away the floor and walls of the canyon, leaving behind the dramatic cliffs and intricate formations that we see today.
One of the indisputable fun facts about the Grand Canyon is that it’s ancient. However, geologists don’t seem to agree on the actual age of the Grand Canyon.
For years, most scientists have argued that the canyon started forming about five to six million years ago. However, a 2012 study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that the Grand Canyon may be as old as 70 million years! Keep in mind, though, that the Kaibab Formation, the youngest rock layer in the canyon, is about 270 million years old.
The Grand Canyon is a large hole stretching 277 miles in length and measuring 18 miles at its widest point.
Grand Canyon National Park covers an area of 1,904 square miles, which is bigger than Rhode Island (1,034 square miles) and about the same size as the state of Delaware (1,982 square miles).
The depth of the Grand Canyon varies from place to place, with the average depth being 4,000 feet.
At its deepest point, the Grand Canyon is a whopping 6,093 feet from the rim. Here’s one of the most interesting Grand Canyon facts for kids. If stacked on top of each other, six Eiffel Towers or five Empire State Buildings could fit here.
The Grand Canyon may be the deepest point in Arizona, but it’s not the deepest canyon in the US, let alone in the world. Hell’s Canyon, straddling the border between Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, is the deepest river gorge in the US at 7,993 feet.
Globally, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Tibet, southwestern China, is the deepest, plunging 17,490 feet at some points.
Grand Canyon National Park comprises two main sections: the North Rim and the South Rim. The South Rim is the most popular due to its central location, many accommodation options, and easy access to Grand Canyon National Park attractions.
On the other hand, the North Rim receives way fewer visitors than the South Rim, meaning the vibe there is more chill. But of all the cool and interesting facts about the Grand Canyon North Rim, we like that it’s pretty high in elevation. This translates to cooler temperatures even in summer, allowing for a more comfortable experience.
Grand Canyon National Park is among the most popular parks in the US, with about five million visitors per year. However, according to the National Park Service, only about 1% of visitors hike to the bottom of the canyon despite the crowds. The major reason for this is the steep and rugged terrain that poses a challenge even to the most experienced hikers.
You can ride a mule to Phantom Ranch via the Bright Angel Trail. However, reservations for the rides are extremely competitive and can be expensive.
García López de Cárdenas is considered the first European to reach the Grand Canyon. However, the Grand Canyon’s history facts show that humans have inhabited the area for over 10,500 years.
The first people known to live around the Grand Canyon were the Paleo Indians. The Paleo Indians were the first Native American tribe and hunted large mammals like mammoths for food.
There’s more to Grand Canyon National Park than its rock formations, vistas, and colors. Among the most overlooked fun facts about Grand Canyon National Park is that it’s home to abundant wildlife.
Despite its desert nature, this Arizona landmark hides more than 600 animal species on the rim, below the rim, and even on the canyon floor. Raccoons, deer, elk, squirrels, and ravens are the most common on the rim. You may also come across bobcats and mountain lions if you’re lucky. Expect to counter a lot of squirrels below the rim, as well as lizards, scorpions, and snakes, although these are rare to see. At the bottom, you’ll see herds of deer grazing and fellow hikers.
One of the unique things about the Grand Canyon is its tendency to overwhelm the senses. This may sound ridiculous at first, but views from areas such as Mather Point, Desert View Watchtower, and Hopi Point will likely leave you an emotional wreck. Are there destinations that have made you soft?
Are you planning your first vacation to Grand Canyon National Park? Here are a few things to know and tips that might make all the difference.
Visit the South Rim first
It’s best to view Grand Canyon National Park as two separate parks divided by a big ditch. You can drive from the South Rim to the North, but that takes 4-5 hours. For your first visit, we recommend going to the South Rim, as it’s open year-round and offers more hiking opportunities. The Grand Canyon North Rim opens from May 15 through October 15 each year.
Stay inside the park (if possible)
There are five lodges on the South Rim and one on the North Rim. Staying here lets you enjoy early morning views of this world heritage site when there are fewer crowds and the air is clearer. These lodges get snatched up pretty fast, but they can be reserved up to 13 months in advance.
Park in Tusayan and take the shuttle
If you’re not staying inside the park, it’s best to park 10 minutes outside the park in Tusayan and take the free shuttle. You’ll avoid the long lines at the gate as well as the hassle of finding a parking spot on the South Rim.
There’s no shortage of interesting facts about the Grand Canyon National Park, but these are some of our favorites.
The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world that you can only see to really appreciate. While it’s best known for its breathtaking views, there’s more to this American icon, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and taking scenic drives.
Feeling inspired but don’t know where to start? We got you! Here’s a detailed Grand Canyon National Park travel guide with everything from when to visit, where to stay, and what to do.
Featured image by: Hermann.
The Grand Canyon is one of the world's natural wonders due to its size, geologic history, and impressive rock formations.
The leading causes of death in the Grand Canyon are cardiac arrest due to extreme heat, flash floods, falls, and drowning.
The Grand Canyon is famous for its stunning geology. Its exposed rock layers, particularly, record millions of years of history into the earth. These varyingly colored layers tell a story about the different types of environments that preceded what is currently a desert.
This area is out of bounds for visitors for reasons ranging from ecological and archaeological preservation to cultural and cultural significance. Some forbidden zones in the Grand Canyon include Hopi Salt Mines and Furnace Flats.
The Grand Canyon is estimated to be 5-6 million years old, but some scientists believe it started forming 70 million years ago.
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