How was it made?

 
There are a number of different theories that attempt to describe how the Grand Canyon came to be. The most popular theory at present claims that the Colorado River was in it's present bed, or one very close to it, long before the Canyon existed. When the Colorado Plateau began to uplift the river simply cut it's way through it as it rose. It did not rise very fast and so the river had plenty of time. Since the upper layers of the Colorado Plateau are composed primarily of sedimentary rock, which erodes easily, the river did not have to work that hard. The river is working much harder now as it is currently running through a rock layer composed of granite which does not erode as easily.

An analogy commonly used by Park Rangers compares the Colorado River cutting the Grand Canyon to cutting a cake by holding the knife still and having someone lift the cake.

To learn about some other theories about how the Grand Canyon was formed you should visit the Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point.

 
What's the best way to see the Canyon?

 
There is no best way to see the Canyon. To truly experience the Canyon you must become part of it. This takes time and you should use whatever time you have at the Grand Canyon wisely. Tap here for some suggestions.

 
Where's the road to the bottom?

 
There isn't one.

 
How do you get to the bottom?

 
You have two choices for getting to the bottom. One, walk down under your own power, or, two, let a mule do the walking.

 
Why isn't there any elevator?

 
Yes, I have actually heard people ask this question, and I have seen the Ranger's eyes roll back into their heads trying answer it. The basic answer is that the Park Service tries to preserve the natural look and feel of the Canyon as much as possible and putting in a elevator would go against their philosophy.

 
What's the best time of year to visit the Canyon?

 
Anytime of year is a good time to visit the Canyon. Each season has it's own special rewards. For backpacking and hiking on the south rim the best time of year is early (late September through late November) and mid-spring (April and May). Summers on the south rim are warm and mild but summer in the inner canyon is brutally hot with temperatures well over 110 degrees F (43 C). Winter comes to the south rim by early December and you can expect snow anytime through March. It typically does not snow very much, only a few inches (10 cm) at a time, and the snow usually gets a chance to melt between storms. Occasionally a bigger storm hits that will dump a foot (30 cm) or more of snow and that will stick around for a while and may close some of the roads in the area for up to a day. Seeing the Canyon with snow on the rim is an experience that only a small percentage of the total visitors get. The beauty of this vista has to be seen to be believed.

The best times for hiking on the north rim are May, September and early October. The north rim is over 1000 feet (300 meters) higher than the south rim and is therefore much cooler in the summer and much colder in the winter. Hiking through the north rim forests is wonderful throughout the summer months. If you are planning to head into the inner canyon you will again have to deal with the heat. The north rim officially opens on May 15 and closes on October 15. After it closes the services within the park shut down and the park remains open for day use only until the first major snowfall closes the road for good.

 
Where's the best place to watch sunrise/sunset?

 
The best places to watch sunrise and sunset are on promontories of rock that jut out into the Canyon. My favorite place is Yaki Point, near the trailhead for the South Kaibab Trail, at the western end of the Desert View Drive. I prefer this spot this especially well for sunrise, to watch the sunlight illuminate O'Neill Butte, which is just below the viewpoint. Some other popular places are Pima, Mohave and Hopi Points on the Hermit Road and Lipan Point at the east end of the Desert View Drive. In the village area Yavapai Point is a good choice.

 
How do you get to the other side?

 
To get to the other side you can walk, drive or take a shuttle.

Walking is the shortest route across, only 21 miles. This will typically take you at least 2 and possibly 3 or more days, via the Bright Angel or South Kaibab and North Kaibab Trails, and camping overnight at Bright Angel Campground or lodging at Phantom Ranch.

To drive to the other side is 215 miles, a 4 to 5 hour trip. This is a very scenic drive and along the route you will get to see the Little Colorado River Gorge, Marble Canyon, and the Vermilion Cliffs.

A shuttle service is provided for people who wish to hike across one way but not the other. Contact the Transportation Desk at the Bright Angel Lodge for more information.

 
Why is the sky so hazy?

 
This is typically caused by manmade pollution blowing over the Canyon from Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The Navaho Generating Station, a coal burning powerplant located near the Canyon, has also been blamed for some of this pollution.
 

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