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Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park is home to the most spectacular canyon in the world which is the Grand Canyon. It is located in north-western Arizona. This canyon measures about 1 mile in depth, 277 miles in length and 18 miles in width. It was carved by geological activity and erosion by the Colorado River over some 6 million years ago.

This canyon is neither the world’s longest or deepest gorge. It was first protected in 1893 as a reserve and later as a national monument. It became a national park on February 26, 1919.

Quick Facts: –

  • The powerful flow of the Colorado River is the reason why the Grand Canyon is getting bigger and changing its shape.
  • The Grand Canyon National Park covers a total area of 4,926 square kilometers.
  • There are more than 90 mammal species that call this national park their home.
  • There are approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss.
  • This national park was declared as a World Heritage Site in the year 1979.
  • A total of six different types of rattlesnakes can be found here. One of them has a pink hue that helps them to camouflage among the sunlit rocks.
  • The Skywalk is the most popular attraction in the park. You can walk out on a glass floored ledge with fantastic views of the canyon.
  • To prevent large canopy fires, fire fighters start small fires strategically to help refresh forest ecosystems.
  • This national park was honored with its own coin under the “America the Beautiful Quarters Program” in 2010.
  • It is the second most visited park in the U.S. after the Great Smoky Mountains national park.
  • Over 1000 caves are believed to be in the canyon but less than half so far are documented. Only one cave is open to the public.
  •  The canyon experiences different weather conditions and temperatures. It will vary vary by elevation. The higher in the canyon you go the cooler it gets.
  • The park headquarters is located in the Grand Canyon Village.
  • The canyon is home to 292 species of butterflies.