Grand Canyon Fact and History

There are different theories of exactly how this massive gorge formed, but the general consensus puts its formation from 5 to 20 million years ago. That may sound like a long time, but it's pretty recent in geologic time. The Grand Canyon was cut by the Colorado river from rock layers that formed between about 250 million and 2 billion years ago!

Humans have lived in and around the canyon for at least 4,000 and as many as 10,000 years. It has been used by native ancient cultures, the Anasazi, the Havasupai and Hualapai, as well as other groups.

The first Europeans to see it were the members of a scouting party led by Captain García López de Cárdenas. They were sent by Coronado to scout for riches in the area, but found the south rim instead. It took 236 more years for a European to visit the north rim.

In 1869 a one armed Major, John Wesley Powell, went all the way through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado river (quite a feat on a monstrous wild river in wooden boats). In 1893 President Benjamin Harrison designated the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve.

The Kolb brothers started a photography business at the south rim in 1902. They photographed visitors taking mule rides. One of those visitors was Theodore Roosevelt, and he was so impressed that he designated it a Game preserve and National Monument. Finally, Congress created Grand Canyon National Park in 1919.

The climate changes markedly from top to bottom of the Canyon. Going from the south rim to the canyon floor, you'll pass through four climate zones. If you leave from the north rim, you'll pass through five.

Today, the only native americans still living at the Grand Canyon are the Havasupai and the Hualapai. The Havasupai live near Havasu Falls, lovely blue-green waters falling onto travertine terraces. The Hualapai are located at Grand Canyon West, and they derive most of their income from tourism. Go to their website.

About 5 million tourists visit every year, mostly to the south rim. Only 1 in 10 will visit the north rim. That's because the south rim is easier to get to, it's only 80 miles or so from Flagstaff, AZ. Also, the south rim is open all year, while the north rim is only open from about mid-May to mid-October due to increased elevation and heavy winter snows. There are also plenty of services available at and near the south rim.

Grand Canyon Geology
An interesting description from someone who knew John Wesley Powell!

Grand Canyon Pictures
The Parks Service has plenty of Grand Canyon Pictures for free!

Animal of the Grand Canyon
The Hardy Creatures that call the Grand Canyon Home.

Satellite Photo of Grand Canyon
The View from Space.

Grand Canyon Weather Info
Will it rain or will it snow?

Grand Canyon Sunrise View
Start Your Day with the Best View in the Country

Geological Feature of Grand Canyon
Learn More about Grand Canyon Geology

Grand Canyon Historical Information
Human Habitation dates back Thousands of Years

Grand Canyon Scenery Photos
The Best the Canyon has to Offer

Storm Photos of Grand Canyon
Thunderous Applause

What Kind Animals Live Grand Canyon
Squirrels, Mule Deer and More

Jigsaw Puzzle the "Grand Canyon"
Get my free jigsaw puzzle the "Grand Canyon".

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