The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most astonishing natural wonders, captivating the hearts of travelers and scientists alike with its immense size and intricate, colorful landscape. Shaped by the Colorado River throughout millions of years, the canyon spans an impressive 277 miles in length.
This majestic chasm also holds surprises that can deepen our appreciation for nature’s artistry. Discover 10 surprising facts about the Grand Canyon that will provide you with more insight into this natural wonder and its past.
The Grand Canyon Is a Major Fossil Source
People often think of the Grand Canyon as a visual spectacle, but with a wide array of fossils embedded in its layers, it’s also a treasure trove for paleontologists. Although you won’t find any dinosaur fossils in the Grand Canyon, it contains many marine and terrestrial fossils dating back billions of years. For example, people have found fossils of extinct marine life forms such as trilobites and crinoids at the canyon. These relics have allowed visitors to gain a window into prehistoric life. Each fossil discovery at the Grand Canyon enriches our understanding of Earth’s evolutionary saga.
It Features More Than 1,000 Caves
The Grand Canyon is home to a complex network of over 1,000 caves. Shrouded in darkness, these subterranean chambers offer a stark contrast to the sprawling vistas above. However, so far, people have explored only a fraction of them. Many more revelations in unexplored caves may be waiting for us to uncover them.
The Grand Canyon Is Bigger Than One of the US States
One of the most surprising facts about the Grand Canyon is that it’s even bigger than one of the US States. The canyon’s immense scale can be difficult for some people to comprehend, but to put it in perspective, the entire park covers more than 1.2 million acres, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. This majestic natural feature’s plateaus, tributary canyons, and surrounding grounds altogether exceed the size of America’s smallest state. This comparison not only highlights the canyon’s vastness but also underscores the substantial effort needed to manage and preserve such an expansive section of American wilderness.
It’s Not the Largest Canyon in the World
Despite its impressive status of being larger than an entire US state, the Grand Canyon doesn’t hold the title of the world’s longest canyon—or even the deepest. That record instead goes to Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, which extends over 310 miles and reaches depths of more than 19,000 feet.
Despite this, the Grand Canyon remains one of the most-visited and most revered canyons in the world, celebrated for its rich hues, its historic layers, and the awe-inspiring experiences it offers.
The Canyon Is Home to a Pink Rattlesnake
The Grand Canyon’s diverse ecosystem is a refuge for countless species, including the elusive, unique Grand Canyon rattlesnake, which you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Named for its distinct pink-hued scales, which camouflage perfectly with the canyon’s reddish rocks, the Crotalus oreganus abyssus is in the Western rattlesnake family.
This rattlesnake highlights the canyon’s role as a bastion of unique biodiversity, adds to the mystique of the Grand Canyon’s wildlife, and symbolizes the intricate balance of its ecosystem. However, it’s best to stay away from these reptilian creatures, as their venom is dangerous and they’ll defend themselves if they feel they’re in danger. Still, these snakes are so good at concealing themselves that you might miss them entirely.
Theodore Roosevelt Was a Defender of the Grand Canyon
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was a fervent proponent of conserving the Grand Canyon’s unparalleled beauty. During his presidency, he took decisive actions to safeguard it. Roosevelt’s foresight and passion for nature led to the proclamation of the Grand Canyon as a game preserve. Its dedication as a national monument followed in 1908, which laid the foundation for its future as a national park.
People Believe the Grand Canyon Connects to the Afterlife
Some people believe the Grand Canyon is a sacred site with spiritual significance. The Hopi tribe regards the canyon as the gateway to the afterworld, where spirits ascend to their final resting place in the cosmos. This belief underscores the deep connection and reverence native populations have for the land, illustrating how the Grand Canyon’s significance transcends its physical boundaries and enters the realm of the eternal and spiritual.
It Led to the Birth of the FAA
Another historical effect the Grand Canyon has had on the history of the United States was the development of aviation safety regulations. After a deadly midair collision over the canyon in 1956, there was public outcry for standardized flight regulations. This tragic event underscored the need for a governing body to control air traffic and ensure the safety of the flying public. Consequently, it catalyzed the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1958, highlighting the canyon’s unforeseen role in shaping national policy and modern aviation as we know it.
The Canyon Continues To Evolve
Even today, the Grand Canyon is a dynamic landscape that the forces of nature continue to constantly reshape. The Colorado River, along with weathering and erosion, continue to sculpt the canyon’s walls, creating new features and altering old ones.
Mother Nature also brings about dramatic changes by washing sediment downstream, occasionally revealing new geological layers and reshaping the riverbed. Thus, the Grand Canyon we see today is not the same as it was a century ago, nor will it be the same for future generations. This represents a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Earth’s remarkable geological structures.
With its profound depth, fascinating history, and ongoing geological evolution, the Grand Canyon stands as a venerable testament to the raw, enduring power of nature. Comedy on Deck Tours offers you the chance to marvel at wonders such as this one in person with our Las Vegas tours to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Our VIP trips will give you awe-inspiring experiences as you witness these impressive landmarks in person and learn about them from our entertaining, informative guides.
