It is a famous landmark in the United States, and it's huge! It is one mile deep and ten miles wide. It was carved out of rock by the Colorado River. It stretches across parts of four states. What is it? It's the Grand Canyon!
Exploring the Canyon.
Many tourists visit the Grand Canyon. In fact, almost five million people take a trip to this national treasure each year. People come from around the world to hike the dusty trails. They take boat rides down the Colorado River. They gaze across miles of massive red and brown cliffs.
Nature lovers visit the Grand Canyon, too. They come to look for animals. They peek at the hundreds of different kinds of plants. They may spot eagles and see mountain lions. They may spy snakes and spiders, and some may even see bats. Some visitors also come to learn about the canyon's history
History of the Canyon.
Explorers from Europe first saw the Grand Canyon in 1540. Then in 1857, American explorers discovered it. They found groups of Native Americans living there. One of these groups was the Ancient Pueblo people.
The Ancient Pueblo people lived in the canyon for almost one thousand years. They were farmers and hunters. Scientists have found traces, or parts, of their old homes still standing. A Great Big Park. The Ancient Pueblo people lived in cliff houses .
Scientists have also found very old rocks in the Grand Canyon. These rocks are some of the oldest in the world. They are clues to how the canyon was formed. Some scientists look for clues about the people who lived there. They have found tools and pieces of pottery. It's a Landmark.
President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Grand Canyon in 1903. He saw how beautiful it was. He said it was a special place. As a result, he made it a national monument. Then in 1919, the Grand Canyon was declared a national park. That means the land is protected. No one can build homes on it. The Grand Canyon is a place all Americans can enjoy.
Protect the Canyon It is important for people to take care of national landmarks. We can do our part by following the rules when we visit. Animals and wildlife are safe there and should not be touched. Rivers must be kept clean.
There is still a lot to learn about this beautiful landmark. It is important that we protect it.
