Grand Canyon National Park Introduction

Grand Canyon National Park, a World Heritage Site, encompasses 1,218,375 acres and lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona. The land is semi-arid and consists of raised plateaus and structural basins typical of the southwestern United States. Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep.

Well known for its geologic significance, the Grand Canyon is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. Drainage systems have cut deeply through the rock, forming numerous steep-walled canyons. Forests are found at higher elevations while the lower elevations are comprised of a series of desert basins. It offers an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time, a rich and diverse fossil record, a vast array of geologic features and rock types, and numerous caves containing extensive and significant geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources.

The Park contains several major ecosystems. Its great biological diversity can be attributed to the presence of five of the seven life zones and three of the four desert types in North America. Over 1,500 plant, 355 bird, 89 mammalian, 47 reptile, 9 amphibian, and 17 fish species are found in the park.

Outdoor Activities
Hiking is popular at Grand Canyon, from the well-defined Rim Trail to day hikes in and around the canyon or overnight backpacking trips below the rim. Another very popular activity is Whitewater raft trips on the Colorado River, with trips through Grand Canyon lasting from 3 days to 21 days.

Other Details
The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with all visitor services are available year round. Reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season and some facilities are closed during the winter.

Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Visitor Information: (928) 638-7888

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Location