History & Culture

Although the Grand Canyon is known around the world for its vast vistas, beautiful colors, and incredible geology, it's a lot more than just a big hole in the ground! People have been living in and exploring Grand Canyon for thousands of years, forging human connections to this incredible landscape.

As part of the mission of the National Park Service, Grand Canyon National Park also protects and preserves all of the human history and culture found within the park. From archeological sites which preserve ancient Native American structures and artifacts, to stories about exploration and the settlement of this region by European American explorers, miners, and pioneers, to more recent stories about conserving and protecting Grand Canyon as a national park.

This incredible place tells innumerable stories left by the many different people who have tread here in the past.