How Deep Is the Grand Canyon? (And Other Fun Facts Visitors Ask)
If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, you’ve probably already typed this into Google or asked ChatGPT: “How deep is the Grand Canyon?” And fair question—the numbers are wild. But there’s a lot more to this place than stats. Here are some of our favorite canyon facts to impress your hiking buddies (or your kids).
So, Just How Deep Is the Grand Canyon?
At its deepest point, the Grand Canyon plunges over 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) from rim to river. That’s more than a mile straight down.
To put that into perspective:
You could stack five Empire State Buildings inside the canyon and still not reach the top.
It’s deeper than the Burj Khalifa is tall…twice over.
It’s like dropping a football field end-to-end… 18 times.
Translation: If your legs are burning on the hike out, there's a reason.
How Big Is the Grand Canyon, Really?
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and spans over 1,900 square miles, nearly the size of Delaware.
Because of its sheer size and elevation shifts, you can experience wildly different weather in different areas on the same day.
How Old Is the Grand Canyon?
The canyon itself started forming 5–6 million years ago, but the rocks tell an even older story, some layers are up to 1.8 billion years old.
You’re literally walking through geologic time when you hike the canyon. Each layer represents ancient oceans, deserts, and entire lost landscapes.
What Animals Live in the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is home to more than 500 species of animals, but what you see depends on where you are.
South Rim Wildlife (where Highland is!)
Elk (frequently seen at Highland)
Mule deer
Coyotes
Abert’s squirrels
Bighorn sheep
Wild turkeys
Ravens, hawks, and jays
Occasional foxes and bobcats
North Rim Wildlife
Kaibab squirrels (only found on the North Rim)
Bison
Bighorn Sheep
Bonus: If you stay quiet at dusk, you might hear coyotes calling or spot an owl perched above your tent at Highland.
More Grand Canyon Fun Facts
Not the deepest canyon in the world, but definitely the most iconic.
Temperature can swing 30°F between the rim and the river.
First humans arrived over 12,000 years ago, you can still visit their dwellings at places like Tusayan Ruins.
Declared a national park in 1919, but President Roosevelt began protecting it in 1903.
Why the Stats Still Don’t Do It Justice
No number, no matter how big, prepares you for your first real look at the canyon. The scale, the silence, the color shifts at sunrise, it all hits different when you’re there.
And staying at Highland Grand Canyon, just 4 miles from the South Rim, means you don’t have to rush. Sleep in the trees, walk the rim at dawn, and let the facts come alive.
Planning your trip?
We’ve got heated beds, starry skies, and front-row access to one of the world’s greatest wonders. Check out our tents or reach out for help planning your stay.
