Authorization1882: First unsuccessful attempt to establish a Grand Canyon National Park GeographyGrand Canyon National Park
GeologyGrand Canyon National Park preserves an iconic geologic landscape and resources ranging from 1.8 billion (PreCambrian) year-old igneous and metamorphic rocks to 230 million (Triassic)-year-old sedimentary rocks, 5 million (Pliocene)-year old to recent volcanic deposits, a complex tectonic and erosional history, and unconsolidated surface deposits.The Colorado River established its course through the canyon approximately 6 million years ago and likely evolved from pre-existing drainages to its current course. Geologic processes, including erosion of tributaries and slopes, and active tectonics continue to shape the canyon today. The geologic record in Grand Canyon is an important scientific chronicle and is largely responsible for its inspirational scenery. Palentology resources include nearly 300 diverse and globally significant fossil localities ranging from 1.2-billion-year-old stromatolites to Paleozoic trilobites, plants, reptile tracks, and marine invertebrates, and Pleistocene megafauna in caves. Learn more about geology in Grand Canyon. Natural ResourcesWildlifeBirds: 450 species VegetationVascular Plants: 1,747 species Cultural ResourcesHuman HistoryThe oldest human artifacts found date to the Paleoindian period and are nearly 12,000 years old. Since that time, various cultures have continually used and occupied lands that became the park. Archaeological evidence from the following prehistoric culture groups is found in Grand Canyon National Park: Paleoindian, Archaic, Basketmaker, Ancestral Puebloan (Kayenta and Virgin branches), Cohonina, Cerbat, Pai, and Southern Paiute. Historical-period cultural groups include the Hopi, Navajo, Pai, Southern Paiute, Zuni, and Euro-American.There are currently 3,391 ancestral sites documented within the park dating to the prehistoric period, representing approximately 7% of park lands inventoried. In addition, park records document evidence of historic period use from 1540-1950, including 453 locations with evidence of historic Native American use. Tribal PartnersGrand Canyon is home to 11 federally recognized tribes with deep history and connection to the Grand Canyon since time immemorial. Tribal governments and communities work closely with park administration and management on a host of programs. Through collaborative projects such as the Desert View Watchtower Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site, the park is working with tribes to provide accurate and culturally appropriate information to visitors. This “First Voice” programming acknowledges the rich and diverse cultural history of the Grand Canyon and celebrates the connections native people have to the Canyon. Tribal lands surrounding the park offer many unique tourism opportunities to visitors planning a trip to the Grand Canyon.Historic ResourcesNational Historic Landmarks
National Register of Historic Places
List of Classified Structures (LCS): 874 listingsLCS includes National Historic Landmark and National Register listed or eligible propertiesCultural Landscapes: 16ClimateClimate in Grand Canyon National Park is relatively mild. However, low humidity generally allows large temperature differences between day and night. Since precipitation totals are low, year-to-year variations can be large. The passage of a few major storms can have a significant impact on the year’s total.South RimMean High Temperature (30 year average): 64°F (17.8°C) North RimMean High Temperature (30 year average): 55°F (12.8°C) Phantom RanchMean High Temperature (30 year average): 81°F (27.2°C) 2021 VisitationDetailed park statistics are available. Total Visitation2017: 6,254,238 Shuttle System Passengers2,856,150 boardings (not passengers) Backcountry User NightsTotal: 85,656 Detailed backcountry use statistics are available. Colorado River User DaysLees Ferry to Diamond CreekCommercial: 132,991 Diamond Creek to Pearce FerryNoncommercial: 14,723 Mule Trip RidersXanterra, South RimPhantom Ranch 1 night: 1,823 Canyon Trail Rides, North RimOne Hour Rim Ride: 3,664
Half Day Inner Canyon Ride: 4,588 Half Day Rim Ride: 1,027 Train PassengersNorth-bound boardings: 164,588
2021 Visitor and Resource ProtectionLaw Enforcement ActivitiesTotal Number of Criminal Cases: 689 Emergency Medical ServicesEmergency Medical Service Incidents: 1,157 Search and Rescue (SAR)Incidents Total: 411 Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR)Total Contacts: 135,831 Structural Fire Incidents and ResponsesTotal: 82 Wildland Fire Incidents and TreatmentsFire Starts Incidents: 14 2021 Interpretive Services and ActivitiesVisitor Centers and Contact StationsGrand Canyon Visitor Center Interpretive Walks, Talks, and ProgramsPresentations: 201 to 7,764 visitors Environmental Education ProgramsPresentations: 67 to 1,732 participants PublicationsPark Unigrids/maps distributed on South Rim: 757,350 Digital and Social MediaFacebook followers: 674,026 DevelopmentBuildingsTotal: 1,182 TrailsPaved: 35 miles (56.3 km) RoadsPaved: 124 miles (199.6 km) Sewage Treatment FacilitiesTotal: 4 Trans-canyon PipelineWater from Roaring Springs to the North and South rims Total: 23 miles (37 km) Lodging UnitsSouth Rim: 908 Rim CampsitesMather: 317 family, 7 group, 2 hiker/biker, 2 livestock Recreational Vehicle SitesTotal: 123 Visitor Facilties and ServicesVisitor facilities include visitor centers, museums, theaters, backcountry offices, historic structures, scenic overlooks, accessible rim trails, lodging, campgrounds, dump stations, service stations, restaurants, cocktail lounges, coffee shops, general stores, gift shops, bookstores, clinic, bank, post offices, churches, and a dog kennel. Some facilities are seasonal.Services include educational exhibits, curriculum-based education programs, junior ranger programs, ranger programs and hikes, picnicking, bicycling, bike rentals, self-guided hikes, mule riding, backpacking, fishing, river trips, overnight lodging, camping, camper services, guided bus tours, air tours (outside of park), shuttle bus service, taxi, auto repair, publication sales, gift and grocery sales, law enforcement, medical and emergency services. ConcessionersIn Fiscal Year 2021, 22 concessioners grossed approximately $176 million and paid franchise and other fees of approximately $16.5 million.AdministrationFY 2021 FundingOperation of the National Park System (ONPS) ONPS Base Operating Appropriation: $22,568474 Special Emphasis Program Allocation (SEPAS) FirePro Base: $1,601,032 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act—80% portion(FY-12) $13,972,969 Income 2021Utilities Reimbursable: $3,519,610 National Park Service Staffing—Fiscal Year 2021Information and distribution of all staff (Permanent, Term, and Seasonal). Superintendent’s Office: 16 Total National Park Service Staffing(FY-17) 382 Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) ProgramVolunteer hours by category Administration: 743.75 Total volunteers in park: 219 Gateway Communities & CountiesFlagstaff, AZ State and Federal PartnersArizona Game and Fish Department, AZ Philanthropic & Community PartnersGrand Canyon Conservancy 11 Traditionally Associated American Indian TribesHavasupai Tribe-AZ Arizona Congressional RepresentativesSenator Kyrsten Sinema SuperintendentEdward Keable Media ContactPublic Affairs Office: 928-638-7779 Park Information928-638-7888 Social MediaAdditional Documents2021 Grand Canyon National Park Profile (2.7 MB PDF File) |
Last updated: March 8, 2022