GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

With a surface of about 500 000 ha, the dimensions of the Grand Canyon are gigantic. It is about 450 km long between Lake Powell and Lake Mead, its average depth is 1,300 m (with a maximum of over 2,000 m) and its width varies from 5.5 to 30 km.

The Grand Canyon has been sculpted by the power of the Colorado River, violently rolling a greenish and muddy water as if its only desire was to tear away the 700 m of rock that still separate it from the sea level. This force of nature has its source in the Rocky Mountains and flows into the Gulf of California after having traveled more than 2,300 km. Its average flow is 650^m3/s. However, during periods of high water, it can increase significantly. Before the construction of the dams, it could reach 2 300^m3/s! A hundred rapids are located at the bottom of the canyon.

This grandiose and superb fault is bordered by two roughly parallel plateaus. While North Rim and South Rim are only a few kilometers apart as the crow flies, the distance is 346 km by road. The two are also distinctly different in climate, vegetation and wildlife. The northern shore, 300 m higher, is also wilder. The park's approximately 5 million visitors per year are more attracted to the South Rim, which is more developed for tourism.

French language guides to the South Rim and North Rim are available on the park's website, along with practical information.