Grand Canyon Fast Facts
Ah, the Grand Canyon; one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of the most awestriking sights to behold on the Earth. Some people claim that if you have seen it once, you have seen it enough. I, however, disagree wholeheartedly. It is more than just easy on the eyes, it is a miracle.
- The Grand Canyon stretches across 277 miles of the northern Arizona plains. It has an average depth of about one mile and at one point is over 18 miles across from rim to rim.
- The canyon houses over 250 species of birds, five species of reptiles, and almost 100 species of mammals, several of which are native and exclusive to the canyon.
- The Colorado River runs through the canyon at an average width of almost 300 feet and depth of about 100 feet. Its current averages 1,000 cubic feet of water per second, which is often compared to the speed of 1,000 basketballs passing by every second.
- The north rim of the Grand Canyon is much taller than its south rim; at some points almost a mile taller. There is only one bridge going from south to north across the canyon because of this vast difference in height.
- The difference in temperature between the rim and the bottom of the canyon can be up to 35 degrees.
- White water rapids rafting is so popular in the Grand Canyon that if you are lucky enough to go on a trip, you are not allowed to go back within the calendar year. The waiting list for white water rapids rafting trips on the Colorado River is currently almost a year and a half long.
- The Grand Canyon was made a national monument in 1908, four years before Arizona became a state. The area became a national park in 1919.
- Despite only five percent of the park being intensely surveyed for artifacts, there has been over 2,700 artifacts found. The oldest of them, left by Desert Archaic cultures, are up to 3,000-4,000 years old.
The Grand Canyon can be overwhelming for first time visitors, but it can also be a favorite vacation spot for families, new romances, or anyone who is interested in pure, natural beauty. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon, you should do so as soon as possible.
- The Grand Canyon stretches across 277 miles of the northern Arizona plains. It has an average depth of about one mile and at one point is over 18 miles across from rim to rim.
- The canyon houses over 250 species of birds, five species of reptiles, and almost 100 species of mammals, several of which are native and exclusive to the canyon.
- The Colorado River runs through the canyon at an average width of almost 300 feet and depth of about 100 feet. Its current averages 1,000 cubic feet of water per second, which is often compared to the speed of 1,000 basketballs passing by every second.
- The north rim of the Grand Canyon is much taller than its south rim; at some points almost a mile taller. There is only one bridge going from south to north across the canyon because of this vast difference in height.
- The difference in temperature between the rim and the bottom of the canyon can be up to 35 degrees.
- White water rapids rafting is so popular in the Grand Canyon that if you are lucky enough to go on a trip, you are not allowed to go back within the calendar year. The waiting list for white water rapids rafting trips on the Colorado River is currently almost a year and a half long.
- The Grand Canyon was made a national monument in 1908, four years before Arizona became a state. The area became a national park in 1919.
- Despite only five percent of the park being intensely surveyed for artifacts, there has been over 2,700 artifacts found. The oldest of them, left by Desert Archaic cultures, are up to 3,000-4,000 years old.
The Grand Canyon can be overwhelming for first time visitors, but it can also be a favorite vacation spot for families, new romances, or anyone who is interested in pure, natural beauty. If you have not had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon, you should do so as soon as possible.
