277 Miles Long
Stretching across Arizona
6,000 Feet Deep
Maximum depth
6 Million Years
Age of formation
6 Million Visitors
Annual visitors
🏞️ About Grand Canyon
🌊 Formation Story
The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over the past 6 million years, exposing rock layers that are nearly 2 billion years old. This geological masterpiece reveals Earth's history like an open book.
🦎 Wildlife & Ecosystem
Home to over 1,500 plant species, 400 bird species, and 90 mammal species. From desert bighorn sheep to California condors, the canyon supports diverse ecosystems across different elevations.
🥾 Popular Hiking Trails
Discover the canyon's beauty through these carefully selected trails for all skill levels
🗓️ Best Times to Visit
Spring
March - May
✅ Pros:
- •Perfect hiking weather
- •Wildflowers blooming
- •Fewer crowds
⚠️ Cons:
- •Some trails may have snow
Summer
June - August
✅ Pros:
- •All trails open
- •Long daylight hours
- •North Rim accessible
⚠️ Cons:
- •Very hot
- •Crowded
- •Higher prices
Fall
September - November
✅ Pros:
- •Ideal temperatures
- •Beautiful colors
- •Clear skies
⚠️ Cons:
- •Popular season
- •Book early
Winter
December - February
✅ Pros:
- •Fewer crowds
- •Snow-capped views
- •Lower prices
⚠️ Cons:
- •Cold weather
- •North Rim closed
- •Icy trails
💡 Essential Tips for Your Visit
Safety First
- Bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Wear proper hiking boots with good grip
- Start early to avoid afternoon heat
- Tell someone your hiking plans
- Carry a first aid kit and emergency whistle
What to Pack
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Layered clothing for temperature changes
- High-energy snacks and electrolytes
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Camera with extra memory cards
Photography Tips
- Golden hour: 1 hour after sunrise/before sunset
- Use polarizing filter to reduce haze
- Include foreground elements for depth
- Try different viewpoints along the rim
- Capture the changing light throughout the day
Planning Your Visit
- Book accommodations well in advance
- Check weather conditions before hiking
- Download offline maps to your phone
- Consider shuttle services to avoid parking
- Allow extra time for unexpected delays
Ready for Your Grand Canyon Adventure?
Start planning your unforgettable journey to one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Every step reveals new breathtaking views and memories that will last a lifetime.