It was formed over millions of years by erosion, mostly from the Colorado River and by water seeping into the cracks and freezing causing the water to expand and large chunks of rocks to brake off the canyon. The Glen Canyon Dam was built to stop the flood waters of the Colorado River which are strong enough to move cars, buses, and even houses if there were any in the canyon. The plants don't have very deep root systems because the Grand Canyon gets an average of only 8 inches of rainfall a year and they need to get as much water as they can. It was largely unknown before the civil war. Major John Wesley Powell was the first person to find the Grand Canyon, other than Native Americans who lived there.
The Grand Canyon was declared a nation park on February 26, 1919. It is not the largest canyon both The canyon has two rims, the north and south. The North rim is an average of 1200 feet higher than the south. The south rim is open 365 days and 24 hours a day. The North Rim is only open through May to November. All Firearms and fireworks are prohibited from the park. Pets are allowed in the park but not recommended and they must be on a leash at all times.
When hiking in the Grand Canyon it is highly suggested that you bring at least a gallon of water per person because of the hot dry air can easily pull moisture from your body. Water sources are available but are not available on most trails.
The Bottom of The Grand Canyon is 1850 feet above sea level and the highest point on the canyon is 9,000 feet above sea level. The canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide and covers over 1.2 million acres.
