Canyons are deep valleys surrounded by rocky cliffs. One of the most famous canyons in the world is in the Arizona desert in the United States. It is called the Grand Canyon.

​

The Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles. That is a long distance! If you were in a car traveling at highway speed, it would take you about five hours to go that far.

​

The cliffs of the Grand Canyon are made of brown, red, and yellow rocks and sand. It is one mile from the top of the cliffs to the floor of the canyon. The Colorado River flows along the canyon floor.

 

Nature has shaped the Grand Canyon. For millions of years, scientists say, wind and water hit the canyon's rocks and sand. Strong winds blew on the cliffs. Rain and river water wore down the rocks. Together, the wind and water created the canyon we see today.

​