Top 10 amazing facts about the Grand Canyon

Widely considered the world's most spectacular canyon, the Grand Canyon is actually neither the world's longest or deepest gorge.

It's probably one of the most famous of America's national parks and with the 2019 centennial celebration coming up, this unique natural wonder will be the focus of celebrations.

But it is the unique combinations of geologic colour and erosional forms decorating the canyon that is one of its most defining features. The river runs 277 miles (446km) long and is up to 18 miles (29km) wide through the Grand Canyon which overwhelms our senses through its immense size.

While millions of travellers visit the landmark each year they'll most likely be unaware of some of the more fantastical facts behind this wonder of the natural world.