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THE GRAND CANYON! Sometimes even photos don’t do it justice, but, today we are going to try. This magnificent canyon with the amazing colors, is one of the amazing wonders of the world. PHOTOS OF THE WEEK, Presents: THE BEAUTIES OF THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK!

Location of the Grand Canyon is in Arizona, US.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a natural formation distinguished by layered bands of red rock, revealing millions of years of geological history in cross-section. Vast in scale, the canyon averages 10 miles across and a mile deep along its 277-mile length. Much of the area is a national park, with Colorado River white-water rapids and sweeping vistas.

Photo by Alex Azabache on Unsplash, Hiking around the Grand canyon in Horseshoe bend during the sunset and Sunrise

The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep canyon (1.6 km) that bisects the park.

Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, it takes 5 hours to drive the 215 miles / 346 km between the park’s South Rim Village and the North Rim Village.

Photo by Jim Witkowski on Unsplash: As the sun came up over the Grand Canyon’s south rim, I saw this small juniper tree growing precariously over the edge. These hearty trees seem to grow in the most unlikely places. I like how the sun highlights the needles against the dark canyon below.

What are 5 interesting facts about the Grand Canyon?13 Things You Didn’t Know About Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. …
The Grand Canyon itself can influence the weather. …
Hidden caves abound in the canyon. …
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. …
The Grand Canyon was carved over some 6 million years.

Photo by Arnaud STECKLE on Unsplash: Hitting the road, miles after miles.

The Grand Canyon itself can influence the weather. The Grand Canyon has an elevation spanning from around 2,000 feet to over 8,000 feet, allowing it to experience a variety of weather conditions. As a result, the temperature generally increases by 5.5 degrees with each 1,000-feet loss in elevation.

An amazing image of a total cloud inversion in 2013. This rare meteorological event fills the canyon with a sea of clouds when the air near the ground is cooler than the air above it. It’s something park rangers wait years to see. Photo by Erin Huggins, National Park Service.

The Redwall Limestone in the Grand Canyon is a water soluble rock, meaning that it can be slowly dissolved by water, eventually resulting in caves of various sizes. Photo by Kristen M. Caldon, National Park Service

Hidden caves abound in the canyon. Tucked within the Grand Canyon are an estimated 1,000 caves, and of those, 335 have been recorded. Even fewer have been mapped or inventoried. Today, only one cave is open to the public — the Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa.

Visitors take in the stunning views of the Grand Canyon at Mather Point. Photo by National Park Service

The oldest human artifacts found in the Grand Canyon are nearly 12,000 years old and date to the Paleo-Indian period. There has been continuous use and occupation of the park since that time. Photo of granaries above Nankoweap by National Park Service.

Squirrels that are fed by people become dependent on human food, and may lose their natural fear of humans and their ability to forage for natural foods. Photo by Michael Quinn, National Park Service.

The most dangerous animal in the park is the rock squirrel. From bighorn sheep and the California Condors to the Gila monster, the Grand Canyon is home to a large array of wildlife. But it’s the rock squirrel that causes the most trouble. Every year, dozens of visitors are bitten when they try to feed these animals. To stay safe, do not approach or feed any animals found at Grand Canyon (or any park). Learn more about keeping wildlife wild.

Sun rays shine through clouds to light up the North Rim. If you’re looking to explore Grand Canyon National Park with less crowds, the North Rim provides serenity and spectacular views. The North Rim closes to vehicles during the winter and remains open to hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers. Photo by Yan Li (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A photo from the very first weeks of the opening of the Grand Canyon Skywalk by Chris Loncar

You can get an aerial view of the Grand Canyon without ever leaving the ground. The Skywalk, managed by the Hualapai Tribe and located on tribal lands, consists of a horseshoe shaped steel frame with glass floor and sides that projects about 70 feet from the canyon rim. It is the most famous attraction at Grand Canyon West.

A visitor enjoys sunset at the Grand Canyon. Photo by Robert Shuman

Souvenirs may be bought but not taken. Grand Canyon National Park — a World Heritage Site — belongs to everyone. Rocks, plants, wood and artifacts must be left where you found them so others can enjoy them in the future.

Smoke rises from a fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 2016. Photo by U.S. Forest Service

Controlled fires are good for the canyon’s landscape. Fire has been a part of the Colorado Plateau ecosystem for thousands of years. It naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil and stimulates new plant growth. Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park work to strike a balance between restoring and maintaining natural processes associated with fire, and protecting human life and property.

Bright Angel is Grand Canyon’s premier hiking trail. Its endless switchbacks descend in the canyon, giving hikers epic views that are framed by massive cliffs. Be sure to check the weather and come prepared with water before setting out on the trail. Photo by Michael Quinn, National Park Service.

Hit the trail for some of the best views in the country. Mule trips, rafting the Colorado River and stargazing — there is so much to do at the Grand Canyon. If you can only do one thing: Take a hike. Whether it’s long or short, all trails come an exceptional view.