The Grand Canyon has delighted and astonished people for ages. It's massive size and beautiful natural features routinely draw millions of visitors and nature enthusiasts every year. The chasm stretches an amazing 277 miles long and 18 miles across, making it one of the largest and most impressive natural landmarks in the world.

The Colorado River carved out the canyon over a period of 3-6 million years, and the river still continues to erode and change the landscape and habitat of the 75 different species of mammal, 50 species of reptiles, 25 species of fish, and 300 species of bird that live in the canyon.

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After the area was designated a National Park in 1919, the five Indian tribes (The Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Paiute and Hualapai) that live in the park have enjoyed protection and preservation of their home and ancestry. Visitors today can learn about the history and culture surrounding the canyon as they take in the breath-taking views, depths and features of the canyon.

The pictures don't do it justice, but here are some wonderful shots of this national and global landmark:

Grand Canyon NP Yavapai Museum of Geology
A man was found dead along a trail in Grand Canyon National Park on Sunday. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon NP Mather Point
Mather Point, a short walk from the Visitor Center, parking lots and the shuttle bus transit station is one of the most popular and busiest viewpoints on the South Rim of Grand Canyon. For visitors entering the park on the South Rim, Mather Point is the first place to stop and see the canyon. The views are spectacular and there are many places to look down into and across the canyon. Grand Canyon NPS, Michael Quin
Grand Canyon Sunset Near Yaki Point Summer
At Yaki Point, sea shells and corals are abundant in the limestone which forms the upper layer of the Grand Canyon walls and may be seen in the rocks at Yaki Point. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon N.P. South Kaibab Trail, quotThe Chimneyquot
The trail begins with a series of tight switchbacks known as "the chimney." This is where ice will most likely be encountered during the winter months. Hikers are reminded that during the spring freeze-thaw cycle an increase in naturally occurring rock falls should be expected. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon NP Pima Point
Pima Point is one of the best places on the rim to see and sometimes hear the river. The splash and grind of Granite Rapids below can be heard echoing up the canyon walls on quiet days. The Greenway Trail continues from here to Hermits Rest, allowing bicyclists and visitors using wheelchairs to share the path with pedestrians. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon DEIS Aerial Colorado River Towards Tanner Rapid
This view is to the northeast and is looking up the Colorado River towards Tanner Rapid. Grand Canyon National Park
Looking west across grand canyon at the sunset from desert view point
Looking west across grand canyon at the sunset from desert view point. Grand Canyon national park. To help plan your visit to Grand Canyon National Park visit: www.nps.gov/grca/ Grand Canyon National Park
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