Middle School
Worksheets
Arizona Is a Natural Wonderland
Caption: Stone columns at Chiricahua National Monument
Arizona's most famous natural wonder is the Grand Canyon. This gorge was carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River. It exposed layers and layers of rock cliffs on each side. The canyon is a mile deep and 18 miles wide in places. The Grand Canyon was one of the first national parks in the United States. Native Americans once lived in the Grand Canyon. The Pueblo people built settlements using the canyon's many caves. The 277-mile-long Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring destination for any visitor.
Several other canyons in Arizona offer different views of Arizona's geography. The Salt River Canyon is sometimes called the "mini-Grand Canyon." The Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area was established in 1984. It contains nearly 32,100 acres of very rugged wilderness. The Salt River Canyon cuts through the middle of the wilderness area. The canyon's lower end lies at an elevation of 2,200 feet while the upper end rises to 4,200 feet. The canyon is loaded with history. It has some scenic viewpoints that are said to surpass those of the Grand Canyon.
