Grand Canyon National Park

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Grand Canyon National Park is a United States national park located in Arizona, in the southwestern region of the country. The park encompasses the Grand Canyon, a massive gorge of the Colorado River, which is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park is managed by the National Park Service and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

History

The area of the Grand Canyon has been inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years. The first European known to have viewed the Grand Canyon was García López de Cárdenas from Spain, who arrived in 1540. The Grand Canyon became a national park on February 26, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Grand Canyon National Park Act.

Geography

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters). The park covers an area of 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 4,926.08 km2). The Colorado River runs through the canyon, which has been carved over millions of years by the river's flow.

Climate

The climate of Grand Canyon National Park varies greatly between the rim and the river. The South Rim has a semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot summers, while the Inner Gorge has a desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters.

Flora and Fauna

The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Vegetation varies from desert scrub at the lower elevations to ponderosa pine forests on the rims. Wildlife includes species such as the California condor, bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain lion.

Tourism

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, attracting over six million visitors annually. Key attractions include the South Rim, which is open year-round, and the North Rim, which is open from mid-May to mid-October. Popular activities include hiking, rafting, and helicopter tours.

Conservation

The park is a protected area, and efforts are made to preserve its natural beauty and ecological integrity. The Leave No Trace principles are encouraged to minimize human impact on the environment.

Related Pages

• National Park Service
• Colorado River
• Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Native American tribes