One of America’s most incredible places, Grand Canyon National Park, is celebrating 100 years since its creation.
President Woodrow Wilson designated the site as a national park on 26 February, 1919. Now, a century later, the National Park Service says this anniversary “is an occasion to celebrate the park’s incredible impact on Arizona’s citizens and economy, global reputation, and to inspire future generations to experience the park and protect its beauty, natural resources and cultural significance.”
The north rim of the Grand Canyon. Image by ©Stephen Yelverton Photography/Getty Images
Millions of people visit the Grand Canyon each year and it’s not hard to see why – while most of us have seen photos of the incredible site, its sheer scale is enough to wow anyone who visits in person. The canyon is a great spot for hikers, rafting-enthusiasts and horseback riders, but it also has a rich history of inhabitants, from the Ancestral Puebloans to the early pioneers and settlers that headed west through the region. It’s also an amazing place for anyone with an interest in geology, as the layer of rock at the bottom is some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth.
Group of tourists take part in on a mule ride adventure tour led by rangers on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim, Arizona, USA. Image by ©benedek/Getty Images
To mark the centennial, the park has waived entrance fees for visitors to today (26 February) and there will be a commemoration ceremony. For anyone who can’t be there, Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy will be on Facebook and Instagram holding special contests and activities. This will also kick off a year-long celebration of events at the Grand Canyon, and more information can be found here.
Want to make the most of a short trip to the Grand Canyon? Find out how here.
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