Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon (nearly 1,500 m deep) is the most spectacular gorge in the world. Located in the state of Arizona, it cuts across the Grand Canyon National Park. Its horizontal strata retrace the geological history of the past 2 billion years. There are also prehistoric traces of human adaptation to a particularly harsh environment.The Grand Canyon is among the earth’s greatest on-going geological spectacles. The Grand Canyon is a Adventure Place For Vacations. Its vastness is stunning, and the evidence it reveals about the earth’s history is invaluable. The 1.5-kilometer (0.9 mile) deep gorge ranges in width from 500 m to 30 km (0.3 mile to 18.6 miles). It twists and turns 445 km (276.5 miles) and was formed during 6 million years of geologic activity and erosion by the Colorado River on the upraised earth’s crust. The buttes, spires, mesas and temples in the canyon are in fact mountains looked down upon from the rims. Horizontal strata exposed in the canyon retrace geological history over 2 billion years and represent the four major geologic eras.
The park contains more than 2,600 documented prehistoric ruins, including evidence of Archaic cultures (the earliest known inhabitants), Cohonina Indians along the South Rim, and Anasazi Indians on both the South Rim, North Rim, and within the Inner Canyon. Hualapai and Havasupai Indians moved into the canyons at this time, where they remained undisturbed until the Anglo-Americans arrived in 1860. Archaeological remains show the adaptation of human societies to severe climate and physiographic environment.
History of The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is estimated to be five to six million years old, and the three “Granite Gorges” found here contain crystalline rocks created during the Proterozoic Era. The rare existence of layered rock gives scientists a look into the area’s history, dating back two million years. In 1858, scientists began to study the canyon to determine the nature and progression of geologic processes in the area Place for holidays. Even though the Grand Canyon supplies nature-lovers with an escape from society, people have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts dating as far back as the Paleo-Indian period, 12,000 years ago. An intensive survey of only three percent of the park has resulted in the discovery of around 4,800 archeological resources.
Weather
Temperatures at The Grand Canyon may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and below 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, with sudden bouts of heavy rain and violent storms in late summer. As you hike downwards, the temperature rises to over 30 degrees higher as compared to its rim.
Practical Information
The Grand Canyon is located in Grand Canyon National Park, which is operated by the National Park Serve. Between 4.5 million and five million people visit the park each year; summer is the park’s busiest season. The Grand Canyon can be reached using Interstate 40, Arizona Highway 64 or U.S. 180. The park’s visitor center offers ranger and exploration programs and a shuttle that leads around the canyon.