Natural Resources of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon harbors diverse natural resources:

• Water: The Colorado River supplies drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower for the Southwest.
• Minerals: Copper, lead, zinc, uranium deposits exist but mining is now prohibited within the park.
• Timber: Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white fir—historically logged, now protected.
• Wildlife: Deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, condors, and myriad smaller species.
• Scenic beauty: Towering cliffs, deep gorges, and the Colorado River attract millions of visitors annually, driving a massive tourism economy.