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The Mighty Colorado?
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? |