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Grand Canyon National Park

, Arizona

Acreage: 1,217,403.32
Category: National Park
Date Established: 02/26/1919

Found on the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. The canyon, created when drainage systems carved the semi-arid desert, offers a record of three of the four eras of geologic time and supports five of the seven life zones. The park protects endemic and threatened species and rare ecosystems like the boreal forest.

As a visitor, you can enjoy extensive hiking and backpacking trails or raft the majestic Colorado River, either with a professional rafting guide or on your own on a private river trip. Explore the many activities of the popular Southern Rim or venture to the remote Northern Rim, visited by only ten percent of park visitors. From Tuweep Overlook, enjoy views of the Colorado River 3,000 feet below that will take your breath away. A gorgeous classroom of arid-land erosion and a hub of outdoor recreation, the Grand Canyon is a true wonder of the American Southwest, and of the North American continent.

—Caroline Griffith

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Comments

When I was watching Ken Burns series on National Parks, I could not have agreed more with T. Roosevelt: Leave it alone for it can not be improved upon... Truly a grand site.
Submitted by ChugAbug at: September 30, 2009
Plan your hike and stick with the plan. Make sure you have water and food available for the trek, you'll need it. Have well fit hiking boots, clothes etc. Now start down the trail and be as prepared as you can for the overwheling experience in front of you. Camping, Cabin or Dorm, you'll have a great stay at Phantom Ranch. If time allows, stay two nights to fully appreciate the solitude and beauty. Meals and staff are great. The overall trip was too amazing for words. Just as well... You need to see for yourself. -enjoy-
Submitted by MiKee at: September 27, 2009
The Canyon is indeed beautiful. The vistas are so large, the canyon is HUGE! There are practically NO RAILS or BARRIERS and if I still had small children I would be more than a little nervous having them with me afraid that they may take one excited running step too many! As an adult though I'm happy there are no rails to protect us from ourselves. I am often disappointed when safety precautions keep people from getting "just a little closer to get 'the perfect' picture"! As a parent and grandparent I'm concerned for the safety of those who get too close. Too bad we can't have it both ways! Try and see The Canyon of the Gunnison. It is also beautiful. Well over 1,500 ft. deep and only 1,000 ft. wide. An "up close" and beautiful experience. Both parks are Handicap accessible.
Submitted by jobojarr at: September 26, 2009
I took 4 of my grandchildren to the Grand Canyon in July 2009 in anticipation of the Documentry. They range in age from 5-14 and loved, as did I, the Park! They will remember the quiet majesty of the Canyon at sunset as well as the moose herd that visited with us. What a memory!
Submitted by sandiegogramma at: September 26, 2009
We loved the North and South rims of the GC, but the South rim has the best views, by far! On our way out of the park, we couldn't help but stop at every turnout just to drink in the magnificence of the scenery, and the changing hues and shadows.
Submitted by Onthego at: May 30, 2009
When I went to the Grand Canyon it was awesome and so windy that day. The bottom is so far down and there were 2 people climbing up the canyon. It was insane. Check it out. Awesome!!!!!!!
Submitted by Anonymous at: April 29, 2009
I spent 14 summers, from 1977 through 1990, working for a rafting company in Grand Canyon. The peace and beauty of the Inner Canyon is incredible. The rapids are, of course, world class, but it is the amazing surroundings that are so awesome. As beautiful as the Canyon is from the Rims, the wonder it engenders when you are seeing the cliffs and waterfalls, the beaches and wildlife is magical.
Submitted by Rivermama at: April 5, 2009
i love learning about the grand canyon and it is a really nice place to go and visit. my family and i would love to go see it one day hey, maybe we will well idk so i'll just have to wait and see if we can go. ut i know it is a really nice place to visit because my friends go there on vacation and tell me all about it so when i could go to a diffrent part of arizona i will go there bacause i was in tombstone when i went to go visit my uncle and it was fun. whoever is reading this i would like to tell you that you should visit tombstone one day.......gotta run bye :]
Submitted by rene at: March 15, 2009
i love the grand canyon so much i wish i could there again. i love everything, it was so beautiful
Submitted by lovethecanyon at: March 11, 2009
Well I am going to the Grand Canyon and I have figured out a lot while I read this Websight! Thank you for making it!
Submitted by SNOOPY at: March 11, 2009
The park is amazing and the rangers were awesome!
Submitted by The Blazing Family at: February 19, 2009
GRAND CANYON ROCK!!!!
Submitted by AZNCRUZ at: February 17, 2009
I'm a little late in answering this but when we went to the North Rim of The Grand Canyon they had a handicapped accessible cabin, an elevator in the main lodge to get down into the dining room and many of the trails were also pretty good for my wheelchair. All of the buildings were accessible. Hope this helps!
Submitted by bonniebraids at: February 4, 2009
I would like to know what accomidations are available for the handicapped. For instance, someone who can not walk or stand very long, or has a walker or a wheelchair.
Submitted by Carole-s at: November 7, 2008
spend more time here, go inside on tours, you can learn so much.
Submitted by hello at: May 22, 2008

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