Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park
Location	Arizona, United States
Coordinates	36.1069°N, 112.1129°W
Area	1,902 sq mi (4,926 km²)
Established	February 26, 1919
Visitors (latest)	4.7 million (2023)
Governing body	National Park Service
Website	Official website

Grand Canyon National Park is located in northern Arizona and is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the most stunning geological formations in the world. It was established as a national park on February 26, 1919, though the canyon itself has been protected since the late 1800s.

The Grand Canyon

The canyon stretches:

277 miles (446 km) in length
Up to 18 miles (29 km) in width
Over a mile (1.6 km) deep

It was carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, exposing nearly 2 billion years of Earth's geologic history.

Geography and Ecosystems

The park spans deserts, forests, and river valleys
Divided into two main areas:

 - South Rim – most accessible and visited
 - North Rim – higher elevation, cooler, less crowded

Contains a wide variety of plants and animals, including:

 - Desert bighorn sheep
 - California condors
 - Pinyon pines and juniper trees

History

Inhabited by Native American peoples for thousands of years
Still considered sacred by tribes such as the Hopi, Hualapai, Havasupai, and Navajo
First protected as a forest reserve in 1893, then a national monument in 1908
Became a national park in 1919

Visitor Activities

Hiking the Bright Angel Trail or Rim Trail
Whitewater rafting in the Colorado River
Scenic drives and viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower
Mule rides, camping, stargazing, and ranger-led tours

Fun Facts

Grand Canyon is visible from space
The park contains over 1,000 caves, though only one is open to the public
Home to the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon (operated by the Hualapai Tribe outside the park boundary)