Grand Canyon National Park in Coconino County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Mighty Colorado?
Photographed by Craig Doda, December 27, 2018
1. The Mighty Colorado? Marker
Can you spot the Colorado River? It looks tiny, surrounded by the vast Grand Canyon, but do not be deceived. Its racing, muddy waters carved the one-mile (1.6 km) depth of Grand Canyon, Standing on the canyon's edge you may feel distant and disconnected from the river. But our connection is strong our thirst for its waters is relentless in the desert Southwest. Today, cities and farms consume Colorado River before it ever reaches the sea.
Can you find the bridge in the view? It spans 440 feet (123 m), carrying hikers and mules 70 feet (21 m) above the river to nearby Phantom Ranch.
Olympic Medalist?
In 1963, Lake Powell began backing up behind Glen Canyon Dam, just upstream of Grand Canyon. The dam holds back the Colorado River's canyon-carving power. Still, 128,040 gallons (484,684 liters) per second surges through the Inner Gorge during normal dam operations. That much water would fill an Olympic-size pool in only five seconds. Perhaps the river deserves a gold medal?
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 36° 3.962′ N, 112° 7.067′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Flagstaff & High Country and in Hopi. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: How's the View? (a few steps from this marker); Kaibab Trail Suspension Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Tyng Mather (approx. 0.6 miles away); Two People. Two Parties. One Message (approx. 0.7 miles away); Verkamp's Curios Store (approx. 1.2 miles away); Grand Canyon Village (approx. 1.2 miles away); Building One (approx. 1.2 miles away); Hopi House (approx. 1.2 miles away).
Photographed by Craig Doda, December 27, 2018
2. The Mighty Colorado? Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Verkamp's Curios (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
