Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located in Arizona . Since President Theodore Roosevelt greatly enjoyed the scenery and wildlife, he made it the United States' first national park. For approximately 6 million years, the Colorado River carved into the rock to create what is now known as the Grand Canyon.
There are a lot of different ways to view to the canyon. For example, I visited the Canyon a few years ago and only looked into the vast expanse from the many viewpoints. However, a friend of mine traveled to the bottom of the canyon via mule and then hiked along the river. Others may take helicopter rides looking down upon the canyon. One of the most rewarding ways to view this national park, in my opinion, is to whitewater raft from upriver and enter the canyon through rafting. This experience would be challenging, yet rewarding to be able to look up from the bottom of the canyon.
Throughout prehistory, Native Americans resided in the Grand Canyon . Many people of those tribes still live in Arizona and give performances. When I went to the Grand Canyon , my family and I watched several Native American performances. These performances included tribal dances and music concerts. I found this culture aspect of the Grand Canyon to be particularly interesting and fun. The contrast of modern American life to pre-historical Native American life is shocking.
The amount of wildlife that call the Grand Canyon their home is eye-opening. There are several species of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles/amphibians. My personal favorite would be the California Condor. This species of bird is extremely endangered and finds a safe haven in the Grand Canyon . This bird is very large, with a wingspan of 10 feet!
If you ever visit the United States. make certain to visit the first national park of this country The Grand Canyon!!
Created by Abby Benkert