The Grand Canyon National Park is a popular destination for tourists in the US, receiving millions of visitors annually. The park’s South Rim and the Grand Canyon Skywalk are some of the top attractions that shouldn’t be missed. However, if you’re willing to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, there are several hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
With a vast expanse of 1,217,262 acres, the park is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island.
Back in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt marked the Grand Canyon as a national monument. However, it wasn’t until 1919 that it officially became a national park.
The length of the canyon extends to more than 270 miles with certain parts of it reaching a width of 18 miles.
Did you know that the Colorado River, which flows through the Grand Canyon, has a length of more than 277 miles?
The ancient geological formations found in the canyon can be traced back to a period spanning over 2 billion years.
The Grand Canyon boasts an impressive range of flora and fauna. With more than 1,500 types of plants, 355 species of birds, 89 varieties of mammals, and 47 types of reptiles and amphibians, this natural wonder is teeming with diverse life forms.
The park boasts of having diverse climatic zones that encompass five unique regions. The areas range from arid and dry deserts located at the canyon’s foot and extend to chilly subalpine terrains that are present at the highest elevations.
The Bright Angel Trail is a favorite hiking trail in the park and has been used historically by the Havasupai tribe to reach water sources located at the canyon’s bottom.
This particular park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, which implies that it offers exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Numerous scientific investigations have been conducted at the Grand Canyon, such as research projects that examine how confinement and isolation can impact human behavior.
The Phantom Ranch, situated in the depths of the canyon, can only be reached by foot, mule or raft and cannot be accessed via road.