4 Fun Facts About the Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon National Park Fun Facts)

Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park had a big impact on me. Standing at the North Rim and looking down at this massive landscape, I felt the true scale of the Grand Canyon for the first time.

The Grand Canyon‘s history goes back nearly six million years, with the Colorado River shaping it into what we see today. The canyon is about a mile deep, 277 miles long, and 18 miles wide. For comparison, it’s larger than the entire state of Rhode Island, which is 1,212 square miles, while the Grand Canyon spans 1,904 square miles.

Rhode Island vs. Grand Canyon National Park

Feature	Rhode Island	Grand Canyon
Square Miles	1,212	1,904
Football Team	Rhode Island Rams (College)	None
Status	State	National Park

4 Fun Facts About The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon National Park was first the Grand Canyon National Monument
Supai Village is the most remote community in the continental United States and is located in the Grand Canyon
The most dangerous animal in the Grand Canyon is not the gila monster, bighorn sheep or the Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake, it is the rock squirrel.
The Arizona Gazette reported archaeologists found remnants of an ancient civilization in the Grand Canyon

1. The Grand Canyon National Park was first the Grand Canyon National Monument

Fun fact: Before becoming a national park, the Grand Canyon was designated as a national monument. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the Grand Canyon National Monument on January 11, 1908. The Grand Canyon’s status was elevated to a national park on February 26, 1919, by Congress.

The Grand Canyon was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and later declared one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World.” Today the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited sites, monuments and national parks in the world. Made it ma, top of the world.

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2. Supai Village is the most remote community in the continental United States and is located in the Grand Canyon

Supai Village, located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation inside the Grand Canyon, is the most remote community in the continental United States. With a population of 208, this village is unique for its isolation and the fact that mail is still delivered by pack mule.

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3. The most dangerous animal in the Grand Canyon is not the gila monster, bighorn sheep or the Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake, it is the rock squirrel.

The Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake is one of the six rattlesnake species found in the park. Bighorn sheep are more likely to be found grazing on canyon walls than charging toward you.

But despite their small size, rock squirrels are bold little suckers. These creatures approach humans in picnic areas and bite.

Park rangers from the National Park Service advise visitors to keep a safe distance from rock squirrels and all wildlife, avoid feeding animals, and store food securely. It turns out that the smallest creatures can pack a nasty bite.

Keep your eyes peeled for the infamous squirrels!

4. The Arizona Gazette reported archaeologists found remnants of an ancient civilization in the Grand Canyon

Here’s a fun fact about the Grand Canyon that started as a hoax. In 1909, the Arizona Gazette reported that archaeologists had found remnants of an ancient Egyptian or Tibetan civilization in the tunnels and hidden caves of the Grand Canyon. This sensational story captured the public’s imagination but was later discredited by scholars, who found no evidence to support it.

Despite being debunked, the tale continues to fuel intrigue and myths about the Grand Canyon’s mysteries. The National Park Service, meanwhile, focuses on the area’s documented historical and geological significance, steering attention away from unverified legends.

Visiting the Grand Canyon Facts

Area	Description
Grand Canyon Village	Located on the South Rim. Main hub for visitors. Offers amenities and services. Most popular rim of the Grand Canyon. Year-round visitor services including shuttle bus, concierge, food services, and hotels. Hosts free Ranger Talks, museums, shops, geological and historical information, Grand Canyon IMAX Experience, and Grand Canyon Railway. Visitor Center is open.
South Rim	Provides a classic National Park experience with convenient visitor services. Hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus service. Concierge and food services. Wide range of hotel options near the entrance. Open year-round. Offers free Ranger Talks, museums, shops, geological and historical information. Includes a Grand Canyon IMAX Experience and the Grand Canyon Railway.
North Rim	This side of the Colorado River is less visited and still awesome. Attracts about 10% of the park’s visitors. Offers a more remote and tranquil experience. Has its own North Rim visitor center and campground. Provides a peaceful alternative to the South Rim.
Grand Canyon West	Census-designated place in Mohave County, Arizona, located on the Hualapai Reservation. Population of 0 as of 2020 census. Hosts Grand Canyon business operations, including Grand Canyon West Airport and Grand Canyon Skywalk. Facilities open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including all holidays.