Introduction :
The Grand Canyon sits in the USA state of Arizona and is currently managed by the Grand Canyon National Park and two of the native American Indian tribes namely the Hualapai Tribal Nation and the Havasupai Tribe. The canyon measures 446km in length and has a depth over 1800 metres and is one of the largest canyons in the world. The is the result of 2 billion years in the geological history of Earth as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layers of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. Today, it is considered as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The formation of the Canyon ranges from 17-70 million years ago.
Aerial view of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon National Park
Really scenic view of the Canyon
History : The Pueblo people of a native Amercian culture were the first to settle in the Grand Canyon that dates back to more than 10,000 years ago. In 1540, the Spanish soldiers explored into the area but there was little interest in the Canyon until the late 19th century where mining began to take place. The first settlements along the rim of the Canyon came during the 1880s. It soon became more well known as a tourist attraction that became more profitable than mining.
Hotel built at the southern rim of the Canyon
Spectacular view at the Southern Rim
Trees at the Grand Canyon
Getting there :
The nearest international airport to the Grand Canyon is the Sky Habor International Airport (PHX) and is 375km from the Grand Canyon. This can be followed by a 5 hour drive or a transit to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport(FLG) which is 130km from the sountern rim of the Canyon.
