The nature pulls many surprises around the world. How would you explain the towering mountains of the Himalayas or the icy slopes of the Alps? We all marvel at the sights of the Wildebeest migration in Kenya and the vastness of the Amazon Forests. And yet, nothing quite prepares you for the beautiful landscapes of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States.
The nature pulls many surprises around the world. How would you explain the towering mountains of the Himalayas or the icy slopes of the Alps? We all marvel at the sights of the Wildebeest migration in Kenya and the vastness of the Amazon Forests. And yet, nothing quite prepares you for the beautiful landscapes of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States.
The Grand Canyon was carved out by the Colorado River. The steep sided canyon is one of the greatest natural endowments in the United States. Only the great Praires and the Niagara Falls come close to compete with it.
If you doubt its majesty, here are some facts that will turn you into a believer;
- The Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and has a depth of 1857 meters
- The steep walls of the Canyon expose 2 billion years of the Earth's geological metamorphosis
- The Canyon has been home to the tribal nations of the Americas for thousands of years. Such people include; Hualapai Tribal Nation, the Navajo Nation, Havasupai People, and the Pueblo People.
- It is home to several historic buildings including; Buckey O'Neill Cabin, El tovar Hotel, Hopi House, Grand Canyon Railway Depot, Desert View Watchtower, and Bright Angel Lodge.
- Flora and Fauna Species - Among the rare flora species to be found here are 1737 vascular plant species, 195 species of lichens, 64 species of Moss and 167 species of Fungi. Among the animals species you are likely to find here include; coyote willow, red-spotted frogs, leopard toads, big horn ewe, bob cats, grey foxes, raccoons, weasels, mountain lions and many more.
Among the holiday activities that travelers love to engage in at the Grand Canyon include; hiking, flyover tours, sightseeing, jogging, back packing, camping, mule-back rides, rafting and biking.
If the Grand Canyon does not feature on your bucket list, then you need to do some editing. This is a place you do not want to kick the bucket before visiting.