Fun Facts about the Grand Canyon
Arizona Travel Guide brings you some fun facts about the Grand Canyon.
- The Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world because of its size and beauty.
- The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only three U.S. national parks with that designation.
- The Grand Canyon is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. It is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and a mile deep.
- The Grand Canyon has an observation deck with a glass floor right at the edge, called the Skywalk. It offers a thrilling view of the canyon below.
- The Grand Canyon has a variety of weather conditions and climates due to its elevation range. The temperature can change by 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of elevation change.
- The Grand Canyon has about 1,000 caves within its walls, but only one is open to the public: the Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa.
- The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. It reveals geological history dating back to 2 billion years ago.
- The Grand Canyon has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found artifacts from prehistoric cultures as well as Native American tribes such as the Havasupai.
- The first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon were Spanish explorers led by Francisco Coronado in 1540. They did not explore much of it or appreciate its beauty.
- The first scientific expedition to explore the Grand Canyon was led by John Wesley Powell in 1869. He and his team navigated the Colorado River through rapids and dangers, making maps and observations along the way.
Frommer’s Arizona and the Grand Canyon
This is our recommended guide for Arizona and the Grand Canyon, if you’re thinking of planning a visit. The two authors both live full-time in Arizona and the book is therefore based on lifetime experiences of the state. It has 86% 5- and 4-star ratings on Amazon.
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