What is the major river that flows through the Grand Canyon? | Reference.com What is the major river that flows through the Grand Canyon? A: Quick Answer The Colorado River is the major body of water that flows through the Grand Canyon. Two dams affect the flow of the river through the canyon: the Hoover Dam at the lower end of the canyon and the Glen Canyon Dam at the upper end, according to Arizona State University. Rivers and Streams - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rivers and Streams Rivers and Streams Rivers and Streams Water is a vital natural resource, particularly in the arid southwest. Most of the flow of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon originates in the Rocky Mountain region. From its origin to its mouth in the Gulf of California, many hands have claimed the Colorado waters for such purposes as irrigation and water supply. The Colorado River within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park drains an area of approximately 41,070 square miles. The major perennial streams feeding into the Colorado (such as Kanab and Havasu creeks, the Little Colorado River and the Paria River) are related to large perennial spring systems on both the north and south sides of the Canyon.

However, the majority of water sources are intermittent or ephemeral in nature. The availability of water in these individual systems is closely related to geologic structure, seasonality and annual precipitation. Knowledge of all water sources within Grand Canyon is incomplete. A partial inventory was done in 1979 over a 1,881 square mile area of the park which found 57 perennial water sources, 21 of which are streams and 36 which are seeps. Specific geologic layers, such as the Muav limestone, are the most common sources for these perennial waters. The Colorado River NV: 1.8% People The first settlers on the Colorado River were probably the Paleo Indians. They lived alone there for many years. Later, they were joined by others, such as the ancient Puebloan (or Anasazi) Indians who developed the first system of supplying water from the lakes. This system was developed in Chaco Canyon, home to many Indians, like the Finasazi. Ancestral Puebloan stone points In the 17th century Europeans came, changing their lives greatly. The Indians were anything but pleased with their new neighbors. This caused many territorial fights, most of which the Indians lost.

In 1846, forces led by Kit Carson forced thousands of Indians out of their homes. After this they signed a treaty reserving 27,000 square miles for the Indians. By the year 2000, the population of this area was over 180,000. Portrait of Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson Indian's rights to water were ignored during resource development in the 19th and 20th centuries. The building of dams flooded many Indian villages and caused terrible droughts. History Until Commander John Wesley Powell mapped out the Colorado River in 1869, no one knew about its wild course. For weeks his team ran and portaged rapids and climbed cliffs. On August 28th, 1869, three men left them because the team was about to run a rapid too dangerous for them to consider possible. The three of them climbed out of the canyon. The others remained, and ran what is now known as the Separation Rapid. Powell's team finished charting the River and made it back alive. The three men who had left, however, were later found dead.

Commander John Wesley Powell Lots of gold was found the during the Gold Rush. This attracted much of today's population on the river. In 1859, a team found a huge gold mine attracting even more settlers. Gold-limonite mined in Colorado In the early 20th century, over 40 million people directly relied on the Colorado River's waters. In 1922, the six U.S. States relying on its water divided it up. The "upper" half went to Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The "lower" half went to Arizona, California, and Nevada. Each State was allocated 7.5 million square acres of water per year. The Hoover Dam On September 30th, 1935, the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) finished the Hoover Dam in Black Canyon. Behind the dam, Lake Mead rose, the largest artificial lake in the world. The dam stopped floods, stored water for droughts, and also powered one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Uniqueness The Colorado River is unique in many ways.

It is not only a huge water supply, certain parts of it, such as the Grand Canyon, serve as major tourist attractions. The Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the world. As such a large tourist attraction, it produces lots of money for the states around it. This also causes population growth; Nevada alone had a population increase of 60% from 1990 to 2000. In that same time the population of Arizona increased by 40%. It is also an important historical landmark. In its walls are fossilized aquatic life and plants. It's also one of the largest energy producers in the world that doesn't run on nuclear power. Grand Canyon fossils Wildlife Over 16,000 species of plants live along the Colorado River. These plants range from cacti, to trees, to many other plants. Because of population growth, many plants have died. Cactus growing along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon The river was originally home to 49 species of native fish. Dams and other construction projects on the river let water in only from deep parts of lakes which is much colder.

The river's temperature has dropped from 85 degrees (29 Celsius) to just 46 degrees (8 Celsius). This rapid change has killed some native fish species, and endangers others. The change also invited other newer species, and there are now 40 new species that eat and endanger the original native species. Conservationists are trying to save the Humpback Chub, one of the species of fish found only in the Colorado River Why I Chose This Topic I chose this topic since I saw a video of the Grand Canyon and wanted more info on it. I also had a lot of information on it, making it easier. I always liked topics relating to water. In previous grades I did reports on other bodies of water, and became "thirsty" for more knowledge on it. My father bought us Blu Ray discs with videos on it, and even though I have watched them all, I still wanted to learn more. So here I am doing a report on the Colorado River. Since I had never done reports on water basins surrounded by sand, I picked this one specifically. Thank you for taking your time to read this.

For your viewing pleasure, one last spectacular picture of a horseshoe bend in the Colorado River Created By The River Flows Through Me | Arizona Project WET The River Flows Through Me Other Related APW BLOG Posts: Congregate on Twitter at: #coloradoriver, #raisetheriver John Muir wrote, “Rivers flow not past, but through us; tingling, vibrating, exciting every cell and fiber in our bodies, making them sing and glide.” I am a 5th-generation Arizonan living in Tucson, Arizona. My ancestors lived in this area when it was Mexico, the Arizona Territory and finally a state. They valued water as a precious resource, and that value was passed down over the generations. My grandma told stories of journeying on horses from downtown to their summer ranch east of Tucson. They spent the night at the Pantano Wash when the water was running after a summer monsoon. Her brother managed the desert ranch throughout his life. I remember him guiding my dad and brothers to the fallen or dead mesquite trees they were allowed to take for firewood so that they would not upset the ecosystem.

Growing up, my only connection to the Colorado was fishing trips to its tributary the Little Colorado River in Greer, Arizona. I carefully put salmon eggs on my hook and floated my line into the trout hiding places that my Dad confidently pointed out on the stream. He laughed at my excitement and astonishment as I pulled fish out of these pockets of water. Years later, it was my husband who laughed at me when a porcupine scared me on a late afternoon hike along the river from Sheep Crossing to Greer. 1989 marked my first trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon from Lees Ferry to Pearce Ferry. This is the point of my life that John Muir described when the river started to flow through me. In the 1990’s the Colorado River reached Tucson through the 336 mile-long canal of the Central Arizona Project. Many residents pushed any concerns about water availability aside since we now had another source. I knew better than to dismiss the idea of water as a valuable resource after traveling 279 miles on the Colorado River. I began to understand the history of the river and man’s affect on it.

As the years progressed I introduced hundreds of kids to the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon on annual field trips to the area as a seventh grade science teacher. They learned about John Wesley Powell’s first exploration of the river. We discussed some of the dams: Glen Canyon, Hoover, and the ones that never made it thanks to the efforts of Martin Litton and the Sierra Club. The most painful part of those 2-day whirlwind trips was getting out of the boats after floating from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. I was often tempted to stowaway on boats that were readying themselves for a trip through the Canyon. One of the best moments of my field trip occurred on the river as we neared Lees Ferry. A student asked me when we were going to get to end of the float trip. I assured her we didn’t have too much further to go. She sighed and said, “I wish this would last forever.” I knew her life would never be the same she now had the river flowing through her too. In 2007, my husband and I took our two children on a trip down the river through the Canyon.

My daughter, who was 13 at the time, wasn’t too sure about the wilderness camping idea at first. By the end of the trip she delighted in taking pictures of the views from each of the outdoor latrine spots, and one our first night back in civilization she insisted in sleeping in her sand-laden sleeping bag in the hotel. We recently returned to the Canyon on a 3-day backpacking trip over the winter break. My son and daughter zipped down South Kaibab trail that first day. They diligently waited for us to catch up at each major stop. By the time we caught up with them at Tipoff, I knew the river was calling them, and we set them free. We eventually met them at Bright Angel Campground with enough time in the day left to just sit by the river and enjoy its magnificence. As I prepare on a new Colorado River adventure, I am excited to see the possibilities of introducing this river to a new generation. I can’t wait for the people who live in this area to share it with their families and create their own memories. Each drop of water that flows into the delta will give people the opportunity to experience a river as John Muir did.

“Rivers flow not past, but through us; tingling, vibrating, exciting every cell and fiber in our bodies, making them sing and glide.” How did the Grand Canyon form? | Reference.com How did the Grand Canyon form? A: Quick Answer The Grand Canyon was formed primarily by erosion from the constant water flow of the Colorado River. This erosion occurred gradually over the past 5 to 6 million years. Full Answer Other forces have also contributed to the formation of the Grand Canyon. Rainfall, melting snow and small tributary streams have all changed the landscape over time. The Grand Canyon developed its shape because the different layers of rock and soil erode at different rates and in various ways. Some types of rock erode into cliffs, while others form more gentle slopes. Since the Colorado River is still flowing and the area continues to receive rainfall and other weather events, the Grand Canyon's appearance continues to erode and change. River Running: Part 1 RIVER RUNNING THROUGH THE GRAND CANYON Part 1: Introduction Running the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon provides the excitement of roaring rapids and the tranquility of gliding in silent passages. It rates as one of the world's greatest adventures!

A journey through the Canyon by river, with some side hikes, might be the single best way to see and appreciate the grandeur and beauty here. Many beautifully sculptured side canyons, some with lush vegetation, can be easily reached only from the river. Just being at the bottom of the Canyon is a delight, whether riding atop the waves, strolling past convoluted walls of an unnamed side canyon, or enjoying life at camp. Although explorers of the 19th century feared this section of the river, rendering it in dark and gloomy drawings, boating the Canyon has become a safe and enjoyable experience. It opens up some of the most grand and remote corners of the Canyon. River parties make frequent stops to explore the twisting side canyons, old mining camps, and Indian ruins along the way. Within the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River flows 277 miles, drops 2,200 feet, and thunders through 70 major rapids. A river trip through the Grand Canyon requires a large commitment in time, whitewater experience, equipment, expense, and permit procedures. About one-third of river runners do it themselves with a noncommercial river trip permit from the park.

The easier option, taken by most people, simply involves setting aside the time for the trip and paying a river company to handle the many details. Mark, Eric (at the oars), and Sherry enjoying a ride in the dory Virgin near Whitmore Wash. This 19-day trip in April from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead allowed plenty of time to explore, including two layover days for hiking. YOUR OPTIONS Boats Both oar-powered and motorized craft run the river. Motor-powered rafts can zip through the entire Canyon in six days, or zoom from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch in two days. The oar- or paddle-boat trips take half again as much time but provide a quiet and more natural experience. On these smaller boats, passengers have the advantage of being able to talk easily with the crew and one another. Whether in a little or a big rig, you can be assured that the crew will work hard to provide a safe and enjoyable trip. All but two of the tour companies use rafts of various sizes; the exceptions are Grand Canyon Dories and Grand Canyon Expeditions, which employ sturdy, hard-shelled boats with upturned ends. The dories ride high in the water as they dance through the waves.

They're small, 16-18 feet long, with one person at the oars and just four passengers. Only the most skilled boaters can handle a dory because, unlike rafts, they can't bounce off rocks without damage. Small rafts typically measure 18 feet and carry four or five passengers plus one crew member to do the rowing. Some companies provide a paddle boat option—not a Mississippi-type paddle wheeler, but a small raft in which everyone has a paddle! The guide sits at the stern to steer and give instructions, but it's up to the passengers to succeed in running each rapid or not. The motorized rigs can be 30 feet long or more and have pontoon outriggers for extra stability. A small outboard motor near the stern provides steering and speed. Some people dislike the use of motors in a wilderness, but these boats do allow more people to run the Colorado than would be possible if everyone went in nonmotorized rigs. Routes Most tours put in at Lees Ferry, just upstream from the park, and end downstream at Diamond Creek or Pearce (also spelled Pierce) Ferry on Lake Mead.

You can travel only half the distance by combining river travel with a hike between Phantom Ranch (at the bottom) and the rim. The lower section of river can be left or joined via a helicopter ride to Hualapai Indian land near Whitmore Wash. If you'd like just a taste of river-running, try a one-day smooth-water trip from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry, just above Grand Canyon National Park, with Wilderness River Adventures, based in Page. Or you can visit the lowermost part of the Grand Canyon and a few rapids with Hualapai River Runners, based in Peach Springs. A typical commercial oar trip can be done in 12-16 days from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek, covering 226 miles. The upper half takes five or six days from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch, 87.5 miles; the lower half needs eight or nine days from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek, 138.5 miles. Continuing to Pearce Ferry on Lake Mead adds just a day or two.

Equivalent motorized trips typically run eight days from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek or Pearce Ferry with three or four days from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch and five days from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek or Pearce Ferry. Whitmore Wash, at Mile 187 below Lava Falls, is another place to end a trip or to begin a two- or three-day run in the lowermost Grand Canyon. Although there's a trail from the North Rim here, river parties use helicopters between the river (on Hualapai Indian land) and the Bar 10 guest ranch, where small planes shuttle people to Las Vegas or other destinations. Other combinations are available too. Extra days may be added to some trips for hiking or layovers, especially early or late in the season. Expect to pay $250 or more per day; discounts may be available for groups, children under 14, early booking, and off-season journeys. If you've children in tow, check for minimum age requirements; sometimes these are left up to the passenger, at other times operators require minimum ages of anywhere between 8 and 16 years. Trips usually include land transportation; most depart from Flagstaff, Page, St. George, or Las Vegas.

Meals, camping gear, and waterproof bags are usually included in the price. Experienced kayakers can tag along with many tours, paying a lower rate. Seasons The river-running season normally lasts from April to October, with only nonmotorized craft departing mid-September to mid-December. When you choose to go makes a big difference in the river experience. Most people go during summer because that's when they take their vacation. The Canyon gets very hot then, but a little splash of river water will always be cooling. Hiking at this time is limited to shady side canyons with water. Spring—April to early June—has many advantages. The redbud trees and many plants bloom in beautiful colors, hiking weather will be near perfect, days get long, trips often have a couple of extra days for long hikes or layovers, and it's much easier to get a reservation for a trip. The downside will be the possibility of cold weather, even sleet, which the author woke up to on one April morning in the upper Canyon! Some boaters think that early June offers the best weather for a boat trip, though hiking can get hot then. Autumn brings shorter days, along with cooler temperatures.

The Canyon quietens after mid-Sept. when all the motorized rigs have left the river. Heavy-duty rain gear with sweaters underneath can keep spring and autumn boaters warm during cool spells. Pete on guitar A campfire gives off welcome warmth on this April evening; the fire pan ensures a clean beach after we leave. Rafting the Lower Grand Canyon This last section, beginning at Diamond Creek, offers beautiful Canyon scenery and some rapids. You can get on a trip here much more easily than in the upper Canyon, either with Hualapai River Runners or on your own. The park's River Trips Office gives free permits for up to two private parties (16 people maximum in each) per day. River runners will need to pay for a Hualapai permit to use the Diamond Creek Road access or to hike or camp on the south shore. The lower canyon bakes in summer, so spring, autumn, or even winter offer better weather for exploring side canyons. Boating into the Lower Grand Canyon from Lake Mead Boats—but not personal watercraft—may go up as far as Separation Canyon (Mile 240 on the river) from Lake Mead National Recreation Area without a permit.

You can even canoe or kayak in this section of the Grand Canyon by arranging a powerboat to carry the boats from Lake Mead to Separation Canyon. Primitive camping is allowed on the park's (north) shore in this section, though high lake levels can flood all the spots. Check with the River Trips Office to see if you need a permit for shore camping. To camp inland, you'll need a backcountry permit. The Hualapai require a permit to hike or camp on their lands—the south shore. Canoeing the Lower Grand Canyon Canoes in the Grand Canyon? Yes indeed, in the last 40 miles within the park. A powerboat is needed to carry the canoes from Lake Mead to Separation Canyon (Mile 240 on the river). Most of the southern shore on this trip belongs to the Hualapai Indians; obtain tribal permits if you plan to camp or hike on their land. PRIVATE RIVER TRIPS Step One is to read Grand Canyon National Park's regulations and procedures!

Obtain them from the River Trips Office (Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, 928/638-7884 or 800/959-9164, ). The best time to reach someone in person is 8 a.m.–noon on weekdays. Step Two—getting the permit—will be the hard part. The River Permits Office has worked out a system for applications that's as fair as possible to everyone. RIVER COMPANIES The following companies offer a wide variety of trips through the Canyon, ranging from one-day introductions to adventurous 21-day expeditions. For the latest list, ask at the visitor center or contact the River Trips Office (Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, 928/638-7884 or 800/959-9164, ). The Internet works best because you get not only a list, but also links to the companies, which have colorful and informative sites. Try to make reservations six months to a year in advance.

It's possible to get on a trip with short notice, especially if there are just a few in your group and you're going early or late in the season. Rivers and Oceans (12620 N. Copeland Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, 928/526-4575 or 800/473-4576, ) specializes in river trips and will supply information about companies, make reservations, and let you know about last-minute openings. All of the companies put in at Lees Ferry except for Wilderness River Adventure's day trips, which start from Glen Canyon Dam, and Hualapai River Runners trips, which begin at Diamond Creek in the lower Grand Canyon. Many of the other companies offer partial trips whereby you can start or leave from Phantom Ranch or Whitmore Wash. Arizona Raft Adventures (4050 E.

Huntington Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86004, 928/526-8200 or 800/786-7238, ) goes to Diamond Creek on 12- to 15-day oar ($2,700–3,000) and eight- or 10-day motorized trips ($1,950–2,300), most with the option of ending or starting at Phantom Ranch. Paddle raft trips go too, either in combination with oar-powered rafts or all by themselves. Arizona River Runners (Box 47788, Phoenix, AZ 85068-7788, 602/867-4866 or 800/477-7238, ) offers a 13-day oar trip to Diamond Creek ($2,685) with an option to end or start at Phantom Ranch and an eight-day motorized run to Lake Mead ($1,910) with the option to leave or join at Whitmore Wash.

Canyoneers (Box 2997, Flagstaff, AZ 86003, 928/526-0924 or 800/525-0924, ) rows 12-day oar trips ($2,700) and runs seven-day motorized trips ($1,770–1,800) to Lake Mead; both provide the option of ending or starting at Phantom Ranch. Canyon Explorations/Expeditions (Box 310, Flagstaff, AZ 86002, 928/774-4559 or 800/654-0723, ) uses oar boats on runs to Diamond Creek of 13–16 days ($2,725–3,350). Paddleboats always come along too, and some trips are all paddle rafts. Inflatable kayaks accompany the oar boats as well. Some departures have a Phantom Ranch exit/entry option.

Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (Box 57575, Salt Lake City, UT 84157-0575, 801/261-1789 or 800/253-7328, ) goes by oar-powered raft ($3,500) to Diamond Creek in 11 days and by motorized rafts ($2,740) to Lake Mead in eight or nine days; a paddle raft goes along with the oar trips. You can leave or join at Phantom Ranch on the 9- and 11-day trips. Diamond River Adventures (Box 1316, Page, AZ 86040, 928/645-8866 or 800/343-3121, ) offers 12-day oar trips ($2,480) and eight-day motorized trips ($1,580) to Diamond Creek with options of leaving or joining at Phantom Ranch or Whitmore Wash.

Grand Canyon Dories (Box 216, Altaville, CA 95221, 209/736-0811 or 800/877-3679, ) features dories on 16-day trips ($4,234–4,314) to Diamond Creek; 19- and 21-day dory trips ($4,314–4,934) run in spring and autumn to Lake Mead. You can join or leave the trips at Phantom Ranch or Whitmore Wash. Grand Canyon Expeditions (Box O, Kanab, UT 84741, 435/644-2691 or 800/544-2691, ) runs dories on 14-day trips to Lake Mead ($2,995); motorized rafts do this run in eight days ($2,095). All trips go straight through without any passenger exchanges.

Hatch River Expeditions (Box 1200, Vernal, UT 84078, 435/789-3813 or 800/433-8966, ) runs motorized rafts to Whitmore Wash in six and a half days ($1,850) with the option to leave or join at Phantom Ranch. Holiday Expeditions (544 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107, 801/266-2087 or 800/624-6323, ) offers oar raft trips on the upper 5/6 days ($1,610/$1,915) and lower 8/9 days (2,330/$2,710) sections. You can also join rafting journeys in Utah, Colorado, and Idaho. Hualapai River Runners (P.O.

Box 246, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, 888/868-9378, ) will take you on a one-day motorized-raft trip down the lower Grand Canyon from Diamond Creek, lift you out by helicopter to the rim at Grand Canyon West, then return you by road to Peach Springs for $423. Two-day paddle rafting excursions run on weekends and must be booked at least one week in advance, $740. This is the only company to offer a day trip within the Grand Canyon. Rates during the March–Oct. season cover food, waterproof bag for personal gear, and transportation from Peach Springs. Moki Mac River Expeditions (Box 71242, Salt Lake City, UT 84171, 801/268-6667 or 800/284-7280, ) heads down to Lake Mead on 14-day oar trips ($3,130), with an option to end or begin from Phantom Ranch, and eight-day motorized rafts ($2,083) without a passenger exchange. O.A.R.S.

(Box 67, Angels Camp, CA 95222, 209/736-4677 or 800/346-6277, ) offers oar rafts to Diamond Creek in 13 or 14 days ($3,607–3,827) and 15- and 17-day runs all the way to Lake Mead ($4,013–4,238) with options to leave or join at Phantom Ranch (and Whitmore Wash, for the Lake Mead trips). Outdoors Unlimited (6900 Townsend Winona Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004, 928/526-4511 or 800/637-7238, ) goes to Lake Mead on oar rafts in 13 days ($2,793) and 15 days (spring and autumn only, $3,129) with an option to leave or join at Phantom Ranch; a paddle raft comes along too, and some trips are all paddle rafts.

Tour West (Box 333, Orem, UT 84059, 801/225-0755 or 800/453-9107, ) runs oar rafts to Whitmore Wash in 12 days ($2,655) without any passenger exchanges; paddle rafts can be added on request. Motorized rafts go to Lake Mead ($2,100) with the option to join or leave at Whitmore Wash). Western River Expeditions (7258 Racquet Club Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84121, 801/942-6669 or 800/453-7450, ) has motorized rafts going to Lake Mead in eight days ($3,000) with a passenger exchange at Whitmore Wash.

Wilderness River Adventures (Box 717, Page, AZ 86040, 928/645-3296 or 800/992-8022, ) heads for Whitmore Wash on 12-day oar trips ($2,980) with the option to end or start at Phantom Ranch. Motorized trips take 6–8 days to Whitmore Wash ($1,815–2,370) and can be joined or left at Phantom Ranch. The company also offers a half-day trip from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry on smooth water. Bronco, of Grand Canyon Dories, lived up to his name—giving us some great rides through the rapids. Directions - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Directions Where is Grand Canyon? Grand Canyon is in the northwest corner of Arizona, close to the borders of Utah and Nevada. The Colorado River, which flows through the canyon, drains water from seven states, but the feature we know as Grand Canyon is entirely in Arizona. Most of the Grand Canyon lies within Grand Canyon National Park and is managed by the National Park Service.

Jump to a larger map. Jump to: South Rim ---- North Rim The mile-deep Colorado River creates a barrier that divides the park into north and south Rims. In this illustration, the region above the North Rim is shown in yellow and the region below the South Rim is shown in blue. Why is the park separated into South and North Rims? A 277 mile long (446 km) canyon separates the park into South and North Rims. The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is a mile-deep, (1.6 km) and creates a barrier that bisects the park. Even though the average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles/ 16 km, be aware that it is a five-hour drive of 220 miles/ 354 km between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village. Scenery, climate and vegetation are noticably different between north and south rims because of differences in elevation. It is almost like having two parks in one and it takes time, planning and effort to be able to visit both sides of the Canyon in one trip. How Do I Travel to the South Rim?

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is Open All Year and is located on the "Arizona" side of the Canyon. The South Rim receives 90% of the park's visitation. The South Rim has an airport and rail service and is a 90 minute drive from Interstate 40 and the transportation centers of Williams and Flagstaff , Arizona. A larger city with a major airport, Phoenix, Arizona , is also on this side of the canyon, and is approximately a four hour drive. More... South Rim Visitor Center: 36°03'32"N 112°06'33"W Grand Canyon National Park & Vicinity. Scroll down for approximate driving distances. Click on map above to download it. (2.5 MB pdf file) Highway 89 from Page, AZ south to Bitter Springs, AZ reopened on March 27, 2015. The North Rim of the park is more remote, and harder to get to. Lodging, restaurants and shops are open from May 15th through October 15 each year. The North Rim receives 10% of the park's visitation. The North Rim is closed for the winter at this time.

The North Rim is located on the "Utah" side of the Grand Canyon and the entrance station is 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67. (The actual rim of the Grand Canyon with visitor services is an additional 14 miles south of the entrance station.) There is no airport or rail service to the park. (that means that the North Rim village may only be reached by road). More... North Rim Visitor Center: 36°11'51"N 112°03'09"W Click anywhere in the photo above for information about our publications. "Traveling Green" is a great way to help Grand Canyon and other areas you visit reduce carbon emissions, divert and reduce what goes into the waste stream, and to generally help the environment. Go to the Traveling Green page for helpful tips on planning your next green adventure. Thanks for doing what you can to help protect our environment! On the South Rim, the Village Route (Blue Route) bus provides transportation between the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, and campgrounds. Canyon views are a short walk from some of the bus stops Quick links to information about: U.S.

Southwest's Colorado River (Geography and More) Source: La Poudre Pass Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Source Elevation: 10,175 feet (3,101 m) Mouth: Gulf of California, Mexico Length: 1,450 miles (2,334 km) River Basin Area : 246,000 square miles (637,000 sq km) The Colorado River ( map ) is a very large river located in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico . The states it runs through include Colorado, Utah, Arizona , Nevada, California , Baja California and Sonora. It is approximately 1,450 miles (2,334 km) in length and it drains an area of about 246,000 square miles (637,000 sq km). The Colorado River is important historically and it is also an major source of water and electrical power for millions of people in the areas in which it drains. Course of the Colorado River The headwaters of the Colorado River begin at La Poudre Pass Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

The elevation of this lake is approximately 9,000 feet (2,750 m). This is a significant point in the geography of the United States because it is where the Continental Divide meets the Colorado River drainage basin. continue reading below our video 10 Facts About the Titanic That You Don't Know As the Colorado River begins to descend in elevation and flow to the west, it flows into Grand Lake in Colorado. After descending further, the river then enters several reservoirs and finally flows out to where it parallels U.S. Highway 40, joins several of its tributaries and then parallels U.S. Interstate 70 for a short time. Once the Colorado River meets the U.S. southwest, it begins to meet several more dams and reservoirs- the first of which is the Glen Canyon Dam which forms Lake Powell in Arizona. From there, the Colorado River begins to flow through massive canyons which it helped carve millions of years ago. Among these is the 217 mile (349 km) long Grand Canyon.

After flowing through the Grand Canyon , the Colorado River meets the Virgin River (one of its tributaries) in Nevada and flows into Lake Mead after being blocked by the Hoover Dam at the Nevada/Arizona border. After flowing through the Hoover Dam, the Colorado River continues its course toward the Pacific through several more dams, including the Davis, Parker and Palo Verde Dams. It then flows into the Coachella and Imperial Valleys in California and finally into its delta in Mexico. It should be noted however, that the Colorado River delta, while once rich marshland, is today mainly dry aside from exceptionally wet years due to the removal of water upstream for irrigation and city uses. Human History of the Colorado River Humans have inhabited the Colorado River basin for thousands of years. Early nomadic hunters and Native Americans have left artifacts throughout the area. For example, the Anasazi began living in Chaco Canyon at around 200 B.C.E. Native American civilizations grew to their peak from 600 to 900 C.E. but they began to decline after that, likely due to drought. The Colorado River was first noted in historic documents in 1539 when Francisco de Ulloa sailed upstream from the Gulf of California.

Shortly thereafter, several attempts were made by various explorers to sail farther upstream. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a variety of maps showing the river were drawn but they all had different names and courses for it. The first map using the name Colorado appeared in 1743. Throughout the late 1800s and into the 1900s, several expeditions to explore and accurately map the Colorado River took place. In addition from 1836 to 1921, the Colorado River was called the Grand River from its source in Rocky Mountain National Park to its confluence with the Green River in Utah. In 1859 a U.S. Army topographic expedition led by John Macomb occurred, during which he precisely located the confluence of the Green and Grand Rivers and declared it the source of the Colorado River. In 1921, the Grand River was renamed the Colorado River and since then the river has included all of its present-day area. Dams of the Colorado River The modern history of the Colorado River consists mainly of managing its water for municipal uses and to prevent flooding.

This came as a result of a flood in 1904. In that year, the river's water broke through a diversion canal near Yuma, Arizona. This created the New and Alamo Rivers and eventually flooded the Salton Sink, forming the Coachella Valley's Salton Sea . In 1907 however, a dam was built to return the river to its natural course. Since 1907, several more dams have been constructed along the Colorado River and it has grown into a major source of water for irrigation and municipal uses. In 1922, the states in the Colorado River basin signed the Colorado River Compact which governed each state's rights to the river's water and set specific annual allotments of what could be taken. Shortly after the signing of the Colorado River Compact, the Hoover Dam was constructed to provide water for irrigation, manage flooding and generate electricity. Other large dams along the Colorado River include the Glen Canyon Dam as well as the Parker, Davis, Palo Verde and Imperial Dams. In addition to these large dams, some cities have aqueducts running to the Colorado River to further aid in maintaining their water supplies.

These cities include Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada , and Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego California. To learn more about the Colorado River, visit DesertUSA.com and the Lower Colorado River Authority . References Wikipedia.com. (20 September 2010). Colorado River - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: Wikipedia.com. (14 September 2010). Colorado River Compact - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: Rivers inside Rocky Mountain Park: Gunnison, Arkansas, The Big Thompson, Poudre Home > Explore > Waterfalls, Lakes & Rivers > Rivers Inside Rocky Mountain National Park Rivers Inside Rocky Mountain National Park Some of the West’s most important rivers start deep inside the Rocky Mountain State and flow east and west shaping the landscape and generations of settlers. Rafters, photographers, anglers, backpackers, and many more enjoy Colorado’s vast river system, which is comprised of over 2,000 lakes and streams. Colorado River, Rocky Mountain National Park.

Photo by Hogs555 [ CC-BY-SA-3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons Colorado River The same river that runs through the inner depths of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Colorado River originates in the northwestern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. From there the Colorado cuts across the state racing towards the central western border before crossing into Utah. The Gunnison A tributary of the Colorado, the Gunnison is responsible for Black Canyon, a dramatic hardrock canyon nearly 2,000-feet deep and only a little over 1,000-feet wide. The river is known for it’s violent rapids, technical rock climbing along its walls, and world-class trout fishing. In fact one of the best fly fishing movies of all time was shot in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Appropriately called The Hatch the movie follows anglers looking to score their best fishing ever. Rio Grande East of the Continental Divide under Canby Mountain the Rio Grande heads south through the San Louis Valley before crossing over into New Mexico. The Rio is best known as creating the border between western Texas and Mexico. Boaters of all skill levels love the upper Rio Grande as it winds down from the San Juan Mountains.

Arkansas River The Arkansas River is the longest river in Colorado and originates east of the Continental Dive by the mountain town of Leadville. The river is a major artery of the Mississippi and flows through the Royal Gorge, one of Colorado’s premier canyons. Known also for it’s prized trout fishing, anglers from all over the world come to its banks to cast a line. Big Thompson River in the Roosevelt National Forest in the Big Thompson Canyon by Wusel007 (Own work) [ GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons The Big Thompson Originating in the furthest reaches of Forest Canyon in Rocky Mountain National Park; the Big Thompson is one of the Park’s premier rivers. Flowing out of Forest Canyon the Big T as locals call it meanders through Moraine Park before entering Estes Park. Flowing out of Estes Park into the Big Thompson Canyon the river then heads into the plains and eventually merges with the South Platte. Poudre Falls in the Poudre Canyon, Colorado.

Photo by Wusel007 [ GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons La Poudre River Colorado’s only wild and scenic river, the Poudre cuts through the La Poudre River Canyon in the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park. Steep-walled and filled with house-size boulders, the Poudre is a great place for beginner and experienced rafters to experience the natural beauty of northeastern Colorado. Related posts:

Question: What major river flows through the Grand Canyon?
Answer: Colorado River