Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Yes. The Colorado River has carved the Grand Canyon over the past 5–6 million years (with earlier precursor rivers).
The river flows 277 miles (446 km) through the canyon, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and over a mile (1.6 km) deep. Its powerful current, carrying sediment, continuously erodes the rock layers, deepening and widening the gorge.
Uplift of the Colorado Plateau increased the river's gradient, accelerating downcutting. Tributaries and weathering further sculpted the canyon's intricate side canyons and formations.