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The Grand Canyon
Reaching for 280 miles, ranging for 4 to 18 miles in width and averaging a mile in depth. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Grand Canyon is rather impressive! The Colorado River continues to erode the Canyon, creating and carving new and even bizarre features throughout the 280 miles.
From the river you’ll get an excellent view of the rock strata, ranging from a rim of white limestone down to the canyon base of black schist, you’ll stop a rainbow of colours in the sheer canyon sides.
Facts About the Canyon:
- To get to the way it is now, the Colorado River would have taken 3 to 6 million years to erode away the canyon. The river continues and will continue to alter its shape now.
- The area has been a National Park since 1919.
- Of the 7 world climates, 6 can be seen in the canyon.
- There are 250 bird species, 70 mammal species and 5 amphibious species living in the canyon.
Weather
The Canyon’s weather is surprisingly diverse and unexpected. As it is located in a desert, it is generally dry, but with two annual times of heavy rainfall. One of these times is in the late summer, and is rather like a monsoon with prolonged heavy rain and localised thunderstorms caused by the high temperatures.
It is, however, the range of temperatures that is the most surprising aspect – the inner gorge can reach temperatures of 40C in the summer but in the winter, the rim of the canyon can get down to temperatures of –20C!
Optional Activities
The Grand Canyon has a great deal to offer in terms of sights and sounds and it is up to you how you enjoy them. If you prefer to fool around in the waterfalls, go fishing, read your book or just sit and listen to the river and enjoy your surroundings, you are most welcome to.
Getting There
You will need to fly into Las Vegas International airport, to arrive the day prior to the start of the programme, especially as you have such an early start on the first day. We recommend that you stay in the gateway hotel for that night.
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