f someone were to tell you that there’s more to Grand Canyon than meets the eye, you might have a hard time believing them. That’s because the first time you stand on the rim and look out over the Canyon, there’s so much meeting your eye that it’s hard to imagine there could be much else.

The first thing you’ll probably notice is what isn’t there — namely, the ground in front of where you’re standing. It just drops off into an abyss that seems to go on forever. Realizing you’re standing on the edge of such a giant dropoff can be a bit of a shock, and the best remedy is usually a few deep breaths and several steps backwards as quickly as possible. Once the dizziness has subsided, you begin to notice what is out in front of you: beautiful rock formations with bright bands of color running through them as far as the eye can see. Everything is quiet, except the wind whipping through the Canyon.

This is a lot to take in all at once, and it usually takes people a little while on their first visit to get used to such a breathtaking view. But as someone may have once told you, there’s more to Grand Canyon than meets the eye. The Canyon itself is more than just an impressive hole in the ground (though it is, of course, both impressive and a hole in the ground). The giant rock walls inside the Canyon were formed over billions of years, and they offer clues to what the world was like a long time ago. The Canyon is so tall that the weather changes from the top to the bottom, and those different climates support a wide variety of plant and animal life. People have also had a fascinating history in the Canyon, taking advantage of the Canyon’s unique resources while at the same time battling its rugged landscape.

They say Grand Canyon is one of those things that you simply have to see for yourself. Artists and photographers have tried for centuries to capture the beauty of the Canyon, but every attempt falls short of that moment when you’re seeing it up close for the first time. On the activities to the side and throughout this site, we’ll give you a chance to see what the Canyon is like. But we’ll really focus on the aspects of the Canyon that are beyond what meets the eye of the typical visitor. Though the beauty and grandeur are what draw people to see Grand Canyon, the other things — the rock history, the wildlife, the people — also make Grand Canyon a fascinating place to visit and a national treasure.

Before we jump in, though — wait. That was a poor choice of words. Before we get going, it might be best to answer some general questions about the Canyon itself. Pick from any of the signs below to find out more about Grand Canyon. When you’re ready to move on, click on one of the subject areas at the top of this page. Enjoy your visit!