Grand Canyon National Monument is created.

Grand Canyon National Park: A Timeless Natural Wonder in Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, nestled in the rugged landscapes of northwestern Arizona, stands as a monumental testament to natural erosion and geological history. It holds the distinguished title as the 15th site in the United States to be formally designated a national park, a status it achieved on February 26, 1919, through an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson. This designation followed earlier significant protections, including its establishment as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, who was a staunch advocate for its preservation and famously declared, "Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it."

The park's dominant feature is the magnificent Grand Canyon itself, an immense gorge meticulously carved over millions of years by the powerful Colorado River. This geological masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the natural wonders of the world, captivating visitors with its unparalleled scale, intricate rock formations, and the vibrant palette of colors displayed in its exposed ancient rock layers, which offer a visible timeline of Earth's geological past, spanning nearly two billion years.

Encompassing a vast 1,217,262 acres (approximately 1,902 square miles or 4,926 square kilometers) of unincorporated area across Coconino and Mohave counties, the park is immense. This expansive wilderness provides diverse visitor experiences, primarily accessible via its distinct North and South Rims. The South Rim, open year-round, is more developed and offers numerous iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point, along with extensive visitor services. In contrast, the North Rim, higher in elevation and typically open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October due to snow, provides a more secluded and rugged experience with different perspectives of the canyon's grandeur.

Its breathtaking beauty and myriad recreational opportunities consistently draw millions of visitors annually. In 2017, Grand Canyon National Park welcomed over six million recreational visitors, securing its position as the second most visited American national park, only surpassed by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This immense popularity underscores its appeal for a wide array of activities, from scenic drives and photography to challenging multi-day hikes into the canyon's depths, exhilarating whitewater rafting adventures on the Colorado River, and backpacking through its designated wilderness areas.

The global significance of the Grand Canyon is officially recognized. In 1979, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the Grand Canyon a World Heritage Site. This prestigious status acknowledges its outstanding universal value, particularly for its dramatic geological features, ongoing geological processes that continue to shape the landscape, and the unique biological diversity found within its various ecosystems, which range from desert flora and fauna at the bottom to forest life at the rims.

The park proudly marked a significant milestone on February 26, 2019, celebrating its 100th anniversary as a national park. This centennial highlighted a century of dedicated conservation efforts, groundbreaking scientific research, and invaluable public enjoyment, reaffirming its enduring legacy as a cherished natural treasure for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Canyon National Park

Where is Grand Canyon National Park located?
Grand Canyon National Park is situated in northwestern Arizona, primarily spanning across parts of Coconino and Mohave counties, offering access from its North and South Rims.
When was Grand Canyon National Park officially established as a national park?
It was formally established as the 15th U.S. national park on February 26, 1919, through an act signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. Prior to this, it was a national monument designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908.
Why is the Grand Canyon considered one of the natural wonders of the world?
The Grand Canyon is often regarded as a natural wonder due to its immense scale, the profound geological history exposed in its multi-colored rock layers (dating back nearly two billion years), and the ongoing erosion by the Colorado River, which collectively create a landscape of unparalleled beauty and scientific significance.
How large is Grand Canyon National Park?
The park covers an expansive area of approximately 1,217,262 acres, which translates to about 1,902 square miles or 4,926 square kilometers, making it one of the larger national parks in the United States.
When was Grand Canyon National Park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Grand Canyon received its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1979. This recognition underscores its outstanding universal value for both its dramatic geological features and its unique natural processes and biodiversity.