By Adam Hart
Introduction
The Grand Canyon is one of the most majestic natural wonders in the world. Located in northern Arizona, it ranks among America’s national treasures and is one of its natural wonders. The Canyon itself is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. Geologists classify it as a steep-sided canyon with layers of rock laid down. With an estimated 5.9 million visitors every year, it is one of the most visited national parks in the US.
12 Facts About The Grand Canyon
1. Even though it looks like the perfect place for excavation, the Grand Canyon does not have any dinosaur bones. But it contains other fossils.
2. The Grand Canyon is NOT the deepest in the world. Some people are misinformed and think the Grand Canyon is the deepest in the world. Both the Tibetan and Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon are deeper.
3. The Canyon creates its weather system. That means that wherever you are within the Canyon, you may experience different temperatures.
4. No one has any idea how old it is. But experts estimate that it is at least 70 million years old.
5. The Grand Canyon has a town or village called Supai Village. A lot of people don’t know this for a good reason. It is very remote, and there needs to be road access. The village has a very tiny population of fewer than 250 people.
6. The area contains a lot of gold, but mining there is strictly prohibited!
7. It is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. The park is 1,904 square miles. Rhode Island is an estimated 1,212 square miles.
8. Caves, caves, caves everywhere! The Canyon has over 1000 caves, some hidden.
9. The Canyon has pink Rattlesnakes. The only place in the US that contain such snakes.
10. It is still changing; the combination of the winds, sand, earthquakes, and the flowing Colorado River continues to change the face of the Canyon. But, unfortunately, it is happening too slowly to notice.
11. The Canyon is a World Heritage Site.
12. The Grand Canyon is 13 different colors and exposed to 5 layers of rocks, giving it various colors and structures.