The Grand Canyon is a world-famous destination. Most people probably think they know a thing or two about this place, and they likely do. We all learned about this park in grade school and probably recall at least some of that information.
However, there are a number of Grand Canyon facts that will probably surprise even the most astute park junkie.
Guide to Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Fun Facts
fact 1: Despite its wondrous beauty and world famous stature, the Grand Canyon is not actually the worlds longest, or deepest canyon… Not even close.
The Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet is, at its deepest point, more than 2 miles deeper than the Grand Canyon. Its’ depth of 17,567 feet makes it almost three times as deep, although its average depth is only about 7,500′. The Tibetan canyon is more than 300 miles in length, which is nearly 30 miles longer than the Grand Canyon.
fact 2: The vast differences in elevation present in the Grand Canyon create a landscape that is partly responsible for the weather it receives.
The climate varies greatly from point to point in the Grand. The coldest and wettest area of the park is the Bright Angel Ranger Station on the North Rim, and the hottest and one of the driest, lies a mere 8 miles away, at Phantom Ranch.
fact 3: The unique river environment of the lower Grand Canyon spawned a few rare species of fish.
Prior to the construction of dams that alter water flow, the habitat of the Colorado River in this area was much different. Large floods, heavy sandstone silt and extreme variations in temperature allowed only 8 species of fish to inhabit the waters of the canyon. Six of these species are found nowhere else on Earth.
fact 4: Most who visit this area probably think of the canyon as uninhabitable. Yet, there is indeed a town here, and we’re not talking about Grand Canyon Village.
Supai Village is found at the base of the canyon and is the village from where visitors access the famous Havasupai Falls. This community is home to more than 200 residents, and is not accessible by road. It is the most remote community in the lower 48 and is the only place in the US to still receive mail by pack mule.
Grand Canyon Stat Sheet
established: February 6, 1919 as Grand Canyon National Park
monument: January 11, 1908 as Grand Canyon National Monument
rank of admission: 13
annual visitation: 2018 – 6,380,495
rank in visitation: 2
size: 1,217,403 acres
rank in size: 11
time zone: Mountain Time (Arizona does not recognize Daylight Savings)
park phone: 928 638 7888
Guide to Grand Canyon
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