The gorge is a mile deep and it is 11 miles wide from Rim to Rim(ranging from 5 to 18 miles). Nearly two billion years of the earth's history is revealed in the layers of rock, which are rich in relics of living things seashells, reptiles that roamed ancient deserts, and amphibians that roamed ancient shores.
In the canyon scientists have discovered the fossil wingprints of insects, the footsteps of lizards, and they traced wind patterns on sand dunes, from hundreds of millions of years ago, before any mammal or dinosaurs walked on earth.
The park preserves more than 2,700 archaeological sites of Native Americans, who have lived there at least 4,000 years.
Ruins of stone pueblos, cliff shelters, cave shelters, pieces of pottery, and weapon points of stone are found across the park.
The South Rim has a climate typical of the arid Southwest
The North Rim is 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, is cooler and wetter with plenty of vegetation.
The Inner Canyon is hot and dry. Can be reached only by foot, mule, or boat.
Mere words cannot do justice to the AWE inspiring majesty of the Grand Canyon. It is definetely a must see..
James C. Stathis
Associate Editor
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