The Grand Canyon National Park features a vast, 217 mile long chasm. And without a doubt, the first thought of the Grand Canyon is of its immense size, leading some to say it humbles the soul. The north and south rims are separated by a ten mile gap. The depth of Granite Gorge is just over a mile. The canyon's expanse is so large that its enormity remains unfathomable.
A closer look at the exposed walls of the Grand Canyon reveals hundreds of sedimentary rock layers. These rock layers, or beds, are made up of sandstone and limestone rock. The weaker shale crumbles easily and the weathered debris accumulates at the base of the canyon walls. Because of the vast canyon area, the Colorado River carries more carries more silt than any other river in the United States.