Why Interesting Facts About the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most famous natural wonders and is a favourite attraction to visit for tourists. Before going to visit the attraction, it might be an idea to get to know the site a little better; why not wow your friends and family or simply other tourists with these titbits of information on one of the world's greatest natural wonders?

The Grand Canyon is Arizona's number 1 tourist attraction. This is not particularly surprising considering the widespread fame of the canyon, but with places like Monument Valley and the Four Corners monument to compete with, the Grand Canyon has surely earned its position at the top.

At 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide it is one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The huge gorge is joined on the list by other natural wonders such as the Aurora Borealis, Mount Everest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Only 10% of visitors enter the North Rim. This part of the canyon still gives visitors spectacular views of the canyon but the more familiar vistas of the South Rim draw in the larger numbers.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk was completed in 2007 at a cost of $31 million. This is located on the West Rim and allows visitors to walk out on the glass-bottomed platform. The Skywalk does have amazing views, but unfortunately cameras are not allowed on it, so some people leave the Skywalk feeling disappointed. For the best views of the canyon it would be more advisable to take a helicopter ride and perhaps incorporate the Skywalk into that trip.

Humans lived in the Grand Canyon around 4,000 years ago. Those who have travelled deep into the canyon discovered a number of caves, and in these caves were artefacts that proved there had been human existence long ago. Animal figurines that were a few inches tall were found, and they were made mostly from willow or cottonwood twigs.

The canyon is populated by 5 Native American tribes: the Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Paiute and Hualapai tribes. The ancient tribes live around the canyon area and some are happy to integrate with tourists, showing visitors all about the history of their ancestors and the cultural practices that have been passed down through the ages.