Grand Canyon National Park: Two Billion Years of History
Grand Canyon National Park
“A deep valley carved by the Colorado River, revealing nearly two billion years of Earth’s history.”
Park Overview
Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona protects a spectacular gorge carved by the Colorado River. The canyon stretches about 277 miles long, spans up to 18 miles wide, and plunges over 6,000 feet deep below the rim — making it one of the most iconic natural wonders on Earth. Designated a national park in 1919 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it draws over 4.7 million visitors each year.
Fast Facts
| Location | Arizona (Coconino & Mohave) |
| Established | Feb 26, 1919 |
| Area | ~1,218,000 acres (~1,904 sq mi) |
| Length | 277 miles |
| Width | up to 18 miles |
| Depth | over 6,000 feet |
| River | Colorado River through canyon |
| Visitors (2023) | 4.73 million |
What to See & Do
- South Rim viewpoints like Mather Point, Hermit’s Rest & Desert View
- Bright Angel & South Kaibab Trails — classic rim-to-river hikes
- North Rim scenic drives to Point Imperial, Cape Royal & Roosevelt Point
- Mule trips or rafting on the Colorado River
- Historic Grand Canyon Village featuring El Tovar, Kolb Studio & Hopi House
Geology & Natural History
The canyon reveals a cross-section of nearly 2 billion years of Earth’s history, from ancient Precambrian rocks at the depths to younger Paleozoic layers at the rim. The Colorado River, spanning about 277 miles through the park, carved the canyon over the last 5–6 million years. Erosion, floods, and tectonic uplift continue to shape the landscape today.
Wildlife & Wilderness
The canyon is home to desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, elk, and California condors. More than 90 species of mammals and 300 species of birds live here, along with unique plants adapted to this steep, layered environment.
Human History & Conservation
Native Americans — including Puebloan, Havasupai, Navajo, and Hopi — have lived here for thousands of years. European explorers arrived in the 1500s, but it was Theodore Roosevelt’s 1903 visit and his creation of a national monument in 1908 that led to full park status in 1919. Today the park faces challenges like overcrowding, water sustainability, and protecting cultural sites.