The Grand Canyon is celebrating its 100th birthday as a national park. These breathtaking photos wil

Publish date: 2024-07-04

On February 26, the Grand Canyon celebrates 100 years as a designated national park. There are tons of events scheduled throughout the Grand Canyon in the coming weeks to mark its centenary as a national treasure, but there's just as much to do and see at the park all year long.

The national treasure which is not only spread across a swathe of Arizona, but also borders Utah and Nevada has much to offer, from its breathtaking skywalk to its stunning nature views. These photos might make you want to visit.

According to scientists, the Grand Canyon has been around for millions of years.

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Still, the exact age of the national park is debatable.

While some scientists believe that the park dates back six million years, other researchers feel there's enough evidence to prove that its actually been around for 70 million years.

In a study conducted by Nature Geoscience , researchers found that there's sound logic behind both of those numbers. Simply put, the middle of the Grand Canyon is likely older than its outer edges.

Its middle Hurricane segment was likely formed between 50 and 70 million years ago, while the nearby Eastern Grand Canyon was likely formed between 15 and 25 million years ago, according to Nature Geoscience.

However, the ends of the Grand Canyon are probably younger. Called the Marble Canyon and Westernmost Grand Canyon, these formations were likely carved from the Colorado River within the past five or six million years, the study found.

Much of the national park is filled with orange and red rocks.

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While many of the formations look similar, there are actually multiple types of rock found throughout the park. According to the Grand Canyon's website, visitors can expect to find rocks such as limestone, siltstones, shale, and mudstones , among others.

Occasionally, heavy clouds will completely cover the landmark.

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The view is breathtaking if you're lucky enough to see it in person.

Even when clouds over the Grand Canyon are minimal, its a sight to behold.

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This specific view is visible from Yavapai Point, a location on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

You can experience the Grand Canyon in a unique way during the winter.

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The Grand Canyons roads and South Rim area are accessible year round.

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The parks plants and wildlife look particularly majestic in the snow.

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"Crisp air and a dusting of snow bring a new perspective to the temples and buttes emerging from the canyon floor," according to the Grand Canyon's website.

The Grand Canyon is comprised of much more than red rocks and twisting rivers.

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There's a surprising amount of foliage to see at the national park. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is specifically known to experience bright colors in the fall, and offers scenic drives for travelers.

The Colorado River isnt the only body of water to see at the national park.

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Tons of wildlife can be seen roaming around the parks landscapes.

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There are tons of walking paths open to visitors.

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Many of the Grand Canyon's walkways, including those at the park's Mather Point, are guarded by short fences.

But even when walking along a fenced trail, the views arestunning.

Outlooks at the park allow visitors to view the Grand Canyon from above.

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The Yavapai Observation Station particularly stands out.

Some of the most beautiful views can be found in the parks most intimidating locations.

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One of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon is accessible from the parks Skywalk at Eagle Point.

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Not only can you look outwards from the Skywalk, but you can also look down through its glass floor.

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The only thing more adventurous than walking across the Grand Canyons skywalk is rafting amid its rock formations.

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A variety of companies offer rafting tours of the area, and bring passengers safely through the Colorado River.

The activity can get pretty intense.

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Views of the Grand Canyon from the river are said to be some of the most beautiful spots in the park.

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Even the Grand Canyons tourist structures are aesthetically pleasing.

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The Grand Canyon is celebrating its 100th birthday as a national park. These breathtaking photos wil

According to scientists, the Grand Canyon has been around for millions of years.

Much of the national park is filled with orange and red rocks.

Occasionally, heavy clouds will completely cover the landmark.

Even when clouds over the Grand Canyon are minimal, its a sight to behold.

You can experience the Grand Canyon in a unique way during the winter.

The Grand Canyons roads and South Rim area are accessible year round.

The parks plants and wildlife look particularly majestic in the snow.

The Grand Canyon is comprised of much more than red rocks and twisting rivers.

The Colorado River isnt the only body of water to see at the national park.

Tons of wildlife can be seen roaming around the parks landscapes.

There are tons of walking paths open to visitors.

Outlooks at the park allow visitors to view the Grand Canyon from above.

Some of the most beautiful views can be found in the parks most intimidating locations.

One of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon is accessible from the parks Skywalk at Eagle Point.

Not only can you look outwards from the Skywalk, but you can also look down through its glass floor.

The only thing more adventurous than walking across the Grand Canyons skywalk is rafting amid its rock formations.

The activity can get pretty intense.

Views of the Grand Canyon from the river are said to be some of the most beautiful spots in the park.

Even the Grand Canyons tourist structures are aesthetically pleasing.