Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon - Arizona's Natural Wonder of the World

One almost has to see it to believe its great beautiful depths - and of course many flock from around the world to get a good look at this natural wonder - about four million visitors per year. Visitors can marvel at the more than 6,250 feet of river-carved geology - a feat of nature and nothing like it can be found elsewhere in the world. The following article describes this grandest of canyons and the many splendours to be discovered and enjoyed in its region.

The first Europeans to witness the spectacular sight of the canyon were Spanish explorers around 1540; however, its first true inhabitants made it their home about eleven thousand years ago. It is also home to a wide array of animal life: about 285 species of birds, 88 different mammals, 50 types of reptiles and 8 amphibians. The south-western boundary of the Grand Canyon is also home to the Havasupai Indian Reservation which attracts many visitors as well.

In order to travel from one end of the canyon to the other, a 277 mile journey down the mighty, and cold, Colorado River would be required. Such a trip down the length of the canyon allows onlookers to witness the canyons two billion years of geology. And what's more, the Colorado continues to shape and carve the canyon as it flows southward. Most visitors prefer the view of the canyon from the South Rim; it is the most widely visited and the area is the seat of most tourist activities.

The geology of the canyon is the core of its majesty. In fact, scientists can find no better place on the planet to study the formation of the earth. Nearly two billion years of geological history are exposed for viewing - from the Palaeozoic era rim tops to the Precambrian era inner canyon. The canyon is also great viewing for fossil enthusiasts studying the earliest life forms of the planet. There are many specific geological features of the canyon that draw individual attention such as the Inner Gorge and Toroweap Point.

The Wave, Vermillion Cliffs

While one could never truly tire of witnessing the canyon's magnificent geological formations, the flora and fauna of the canyon and its surrounding areas are noteworthy in themselves. The broad assortment of animals in the area brings the whole setting to life. Great Horned Owls as well as Red-Tail Hawks are a few of the canyons avian hunters. Other birds typically seen in the area include the Western Kingbird, Hairy Woodpecker and Black-Throated Sparrow. Also, don't be surprised to see a Roadrunner zipping around.

Other animals to be found in and around the canyon include black bears, prong-horned antelope, mule deer, bobcats, beavers, squirrels, grey foxes, chipmunks, skunks, bighorn sheep, coyote, jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, king snakes, various lizards and plenty of fish in the river itself.

The flora of the canyon and surrounding areas differs substantially from the top to the bottom of the canyon. Even the North Rim is very different in terms of vegetation than the South Rim, so a varied presentation of tree and plant life is to be had across the areas of the Grand Canyon. Visitors often admire such trees as blue spruce, ponderosa pine, one-seed junipers and blue elderberries as well as Douglas fir and bigtooth maple. Other forms of plant life include cliff-roses, agave, desert marigold, barrel cactus, prickly pear, yuccas, weedy herbs, sagebrush, sunflowers, Indian paintbrush and many more that are breathtaking to behold.

Visitors to the Grand Canyon have many ways to enjoy it. Whether appreciated at the top or at the bottom, people may view the canyon from the many designated lookout spots or watchtowers; some people choose to hike into the canyon and camp. Still others prefer a raft trip down the river. No matter how you choose to view and enjoy the canyon, you are destined to never forget your experiences at the Grand Canyon.

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