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| One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World | | | The Grand Canyon is one of America’s great natural treasures, carved out over 6 million years by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 kilometers), and attains a depth of more than a mile (1.6 km), making it one of the deepest on earth. Attracting 5 million visitors to the Canyon annually, it was a favorite of Teddy Roosevelt who visited several times. Aside from casual sightseeing from the South Rim (averaging 7000 feet (2100 meters) above sea level), whitewater rafting, hiking and running are especially popular. Hundreds of fit climbers successfully make the trek from the rim down on foot to the river and back up every year. Tourists wishing for a more vertical perspective can board helicopters and small airplanes in Las Vegas and Phoenix for canyon flyovers. | Recently, on 20 March 2007 the Grand Canyon saw the official opening of the Grand Canyon's Skywalk. Rising 4,000ft (1,220m) from the canyon's floor and 70ft (20m) beyond its rim, the Skywalk is being described as an engineering first. More than twice the height from the ground of the tallest building in the world, the view was described by Former astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin as a “vision of hope for the future.” The Grand Canyon skywalk was a 30 million dollar project that a Las Vegas businessman named David Jin raised the money to build the Skywalk and later gave to the Hualapai in exchange for a percentage of the profits. The Skywalk has seen mixed reviews since the site is only accessible by driving down a 14-mile dirt road, costs a minimum of $85 in total for reservation fees, a tour package and admission to the Skywalk itself and the fact that cameras are not permitted on the Skywalk at any time.
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