Grand Canyon National Park
This is page 1 of a 2 page post.
Grand Canyon National Park
Northwest Arizona on the Colorado Plateau
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the natural wonders of the world that has been thrilling people for centuries. This park abounds in outdoor adventure for the whole family! Whether you are looking for backpacking, canyon hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, camping or winter sports, you will find it here. Check below for further Grand Canyon National Park information.
Uniqueness
Grand Canyon National Park has awed millions of people for generations. Aptly named, the Grand Canyon is the grand daddy of all canyons. The immensity is such that one of the only ways to actually see the entire canyon system is from space photographs. Even flying over it from several thousand feet in a commercial jet usually can’t get the whole canyon in front of the viewer. Many astronauts have been quoted at one time or another concerning the immensity of the thing. Standing on many of the crests and looking out gives one a certain emotion of space and time that may not be experienced anywhere else on the planet. The Grand Canyon we visit today is a gift from past generations.
The Grand Canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of the world largely because of its natural features. The exposed geologic strata – layer upon layer from the basement Vishnu schist to the capping Kaibab limestone – rise over a mile above the river, representing one of the most complete records of geological history that can be seen anywhere in the world. Geologic formations such as gneiss and schist found at the bottom of the Canyon date back 1,800 million years. This geologic incline creates a diversity of biotic communities, and five of the seven life zones are present in the park.
Because of its geologic significance, the Grand Canyon is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. It offers an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time, a rich and diverse fossil record, a vast array of geologic features and rock types, and numerous caves containing extensive and significant geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources. It is considered one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world. The Canyon, incised by the Colorado River, is immense, averaging 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. It is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 15 miles at its widest. Nearly 40 identified rock layers form the Grand Canyon’s walls. They have attracted students of earth history since 1858. After nearly 150 years, geologists are still not finished studying the Grand Canyon. In the mid-1970s, a new rock layer was identified in the Canyon walls.
The Grand Canyon is world renown also for its scenic vistas. With ever-changing and colorful scenery of enormous proportions, it is widely considered one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. In the park, pine and fir forests, painted deserts, sandstone canyons, mesas and plateaus, volcanic and geologic features, the Colorado River, perennial streams, and waterfalls contribute to incredible panoramic views. Many of the park’s scenic vistas are located on the South and North rims and some are accessible by car.
For viewing and photographing the canyon, the best light is early or late in the day. Mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. If you plan to see the canyon at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended that you be on the rim at least an hour before. Most visitors make a stop at Bright Angel Point, at the southern end of the entrance road. From the parking area it is a short, easy walk to Grand Canyon Lodge and a classic view of the canyon. This facility is wheelchair accessible. A paved, half-mile (round-trip) trail leads from the lodge, out the spine of the ridge, to the point. This trail is steep in places, with drop-offs and stairs, but provides dramatic views into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons. Desert View Drive (Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles/42 km east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View – the east entrance to the park. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year. Hermit Road follows the rim for 8 miles/13 km west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles much of the year, but the park runs a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to overlooks.
The Colorado River flows along the bottom of the canyon, 5000 feet/1524 m below the rim. It drains an area of approximately 41,070 square miles. The major perennial streams feeding into the Colorado (such as Kanab and Havasu creeks, the Little Colorado River and the Paria River) are related to large perennial spring systems on both the north and south sides of the Canyon. However, the majority of water sources are intermittent or ephemeral in nature. Because of the enormous depth of Grand Canyon, the river is visible only from certain viewpoints. It is a two-day hike to the river and back from the South Rim. It’s a longer trip from the North Rim. It is possible to drive to the Colorado River at Lees Ferry (near Marble Canyon, Arizona), a 2.5 hour drive (one way) from the South Rim. Lees Ferry marks the official beginning of Grand Canyon.
Day hiking in Grand Canyon is one way to experience some of the canyon’s rich natural beauty and immense size. There are Junior Ranger programs for children 4-14. There are several other activities available in the park such as backpacking, biking, bird watching, boating, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, horseback riding, interpretive programs, nature walks, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Click here for page 2.
