The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. It is about 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters) deep. The canyon and its surrounding areas are part of Grand Canyon National Park and several Native American reservations. The Grand Canyon exposes nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history through its layered rock formations. It was formed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut through the Colorado Plateau over millions of years. Its geological history is complex, with some parts of the canyon possibly being as old as 70 million years, while other sections formed around 5 to 6 million years ago. The area has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years and is considered a sacred place by some tribes. It became a major tourist attraction with iconic viewpoints mainly at the South Rim, which is the most visited part, while the North Rim offers a different, less crowded perspective. The Grand Canyon also features historic lodges like the El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge and has a variety of hiking, rafting, and sightseeing opportunities for visitors. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
