Over the last 8 million years

the Colorado River has

slowly eroded the Grand

Canyon through rock as old

as 2 billion years to an

average depth of 1 mile

(1.8 km). The Grand Canyon

National Park was established

by Congress in 1919 to preserve

this world famous geologic site.

mountain with frequent snows in

winter and thunderstorms through

the summer. But a mile lower on

the canyon floor, it is often as

much as 20º to 30ºF warmer, and

rain is very infrequent.

visitors and is popular with hikers.

There are many beautiful trails

throughout the park. The most

popular are Bright Angel, Kaibab,

and the Havasupai trails. The Kaibab

suspension bridge provides for foot

traffic across the Colorado River.

Running strong after more than 80

years a vintage steam engine offers

scenic rides from Williams to the

Grand Canyon. Mule rides also

descend daily from the South Rim

to Phantom Ranch on the canyon

floor.