Why is the Grand Canyon at risk?

The Grand Canyon tops bucket lists across the world, and yet, it faces threats from every direction. Uranium mining risks contamination of precious water sources, and proposed developments threaten the natural, cultural, and scenic values of the canyon.



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The chance of falling into the Grand Canyon is about one in 400,000. Falls, heat stroke, dehydration: Each year, hikers die on their Grand Canyon trip because they underestimate the dangers of the wilderness.

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Keep the Canyon Grand Uranium mining risks contamination of precious water sources, and proposed developments threaten the natural, cultural, and scenic values of the canyon. We address these issues head-on, protecting the Grand Canyon — the heart of the Colorado Plateau — for future generations.

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At least 56 people have been reported missing from Grand Canyon National Park since the beginning of 2018 and at least six people have been found dead.

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Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to YOU. DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially during the months of May to September.

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The mystery of the Great Unconformity What's tricky about the Grand Canyon is that the rocks in its walls seem to be missing a big part of the picture. In 1869, a man named John Wesley Powell observed that several layers of rock that should've been in the Canyon walls were not present.

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The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight to behold. Its many caves, canyons, waterways and wildlife have mystified people for ages. While it is breathtaking, there's much we actually don't know about the Grand Canyon. Secrets are hidden in the rocks, which haven't been figured out or even discovered yet.

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From the top of the Seven Devils Mountains to the deepest part of the Snake River, Hells Canyon is nearly 8,000 feet deep. That's almost 2,000 feet deeper than the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona.

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The composition (sandstone) and presence of stromatolites indicate that this area was previously a very shallow sea. The rock layers in the Grand Canyon Supergroup have been tilted, whereas the other rocks above this set are horizontal.

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View Grand Canyon Safely In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier. Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times. Know where the edge is.

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The deepest part of the Grand Canyon is 6,000 feet (1,829 meters). The average depth is 1 mile or 5,280 feet (1,609 meters). At the suspension bridge this canyon is 1,053 feet (321 meters) deep. At Artist Point Overlook the canyon is 1,200 feet (366 meters) deep.

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There are three ways to reach the canyon floor. You can do it by foot, following the many inner-canyon trails including the popular Kaibab or Bright Angel trails from the South Rim (note that Kaibab has a North Rim trailhead as well).

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The National Park Service does not charge for rescues if they are using their own equipment. But if a commercial helicopter has to respond it may charge as much as 15-thousand dollars.

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