Anyone who has visited the Grand Canyon can attest that it is indeed not only Great, but extremely beautiful. The awe inspiring canyon boasts some pretty amazing colors, fading from pink to red to tan as the geological layers fade into themselves. Many people come to the famous canyon for to do spiritual soul searching, and spend a couple of days hiking and admiring the astounding landmark, but there are a lot of things about the great canyon that most people don’t know. Check out these three interesting facts about America’s best known natural feature:
1. It has cultural significance to Native People:
The Paiute Indian tribe has dubbed the canyon Kaibab, meaning “mountain lying down” or “mountain turned upside down”, and the creamy white Kaibab Limestone forms the surface that visitor stand one when viewing the canyon. Other native groups have folklore and mythology based on or around the canyon — some believe that the hole from which the first humans rose is in the depths of the Canyon. Only First Nations people are allowed access to this cultural and intensely spiritual location.
2. It is an extremely helpful tool for geologists:
The canyon is a way for geologists to literally go back in time. They have been learning from it for years, and it has informed many wider geological factors, as well as about the canyon itself. They have determined that the Colorado River broke out of the west end of the Grand Canyon about 5 million years ago, and cuts right through schist, a type of metamorphic rock that is 1.75 billion years old (nearly half of the age of Earth itself!)
3. It offers a plethora of options for outdoor activities:
Hiking is just one of the things you can do in, on or on top of the canyon. Investigate a Colorado River rafting company to explore your white water rafting options — instead of viewing the canyon from above, you will be in the midst of it, with its glorious walls rising up around you. Go on a Grand Canyon rafting adventure to get to know new people, and a new you.
The Grand Canyon means a lot of different things to different people — from Native Americans to those indulging on a trip with a Colorado River rafting company, the Canyon has something to offer everyone.
