When did people start noticing the Grand Canyon?

People have been aware of the Grand Canyon for thousands of years. Native American tribes have lived in the area for more than 10,000 years and the canyon is central to many of the tribes' legends, art and religion. Many of these tribes still reside near the canyon today.

The first non-Native Americans to encounter the Grand Canyon were likely early Spanish explorers in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 1800s that the Grand Canyon began to become known to a wider public audience. In 1869, John Wesley Powell led the first documented exploration of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Powell's expedition helped to bring attention to the canyon's beauty and significance, and it played a role in the establishment of Grand Canyon National Park in 1919.

Today, the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Millions of people visit the canyon each year to marvel at its natural wonders.