Below the rim, temperatures are much warmer. The desert-like climate supports cactus and shrubs that can live for a long time without water. Willow and tamarisk thrive along the Colorado River and canyon streams.

The contrasting forest and desert climates allow both forest and desert wildlife to thrive. Eighty-eight species of mammals, 24 types of lizards, 24 kinds of snakes, and 300 species of birds, live in the park. Mule deer are the mammals most commonly seen on the canyon rim. Desert bighorn, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions also roam the park.

Smaller mammals include ringtails (related to raccoons), beavers, gophers, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and bats. The kaibab squirrel, with a white tail and tufted ears, lives only on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Creatures that crawl, slither, and hop are abundant in the park. There are colorful lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders. The pink Grand Canyon rattlesnake is unique to lower areas of the canyon.

Several species of endangered birds find refuge in the park, including the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle. Many fish native to the Colorado River are endangered as well. The Glen Canyon Dam built in 1963 caused changes in water temperature and volume that threaten the Colorado squawfish, humpback chub, and bonytail chub. These fish find a friendly environment within the park's boundaries.

Five million people visit the Grand Canyon each year. Nine out of every ten tour the South Rim on foot or by park shuttle or tour bus. For the daring, mule rides from the South Rim into the canyon are the adventure of a lifetime. This is a rigorous, two-day journey. Travelers must be 4 feet 7 inches (140 centimeters) tall,
weigh less than 200 pounds (91 kilograms), and understand English. Children under 15 must travel with an adult.

To see the canyon at close range, visitors can hike down into the canyon. The park service warns that the trip back up is much more difficult than the trip down. A distance that takes an hour going down may take two hours on the way back up!

White-water rafting on Colorado River through the heart of the Grand Canyon is a popular activity. The 200-mile (322-kilometer) journey can take from several days to nearly three weeks, depending on the route and the type of transportation that is being used (bus, van, USV, helicopter). Rafters have a choice of wooden dories (flat-bottomed rowboats with high, flaring sides) or rafts powered by oars or motors. At night, they can pitch camp on white-sand beaches along the riverbank.

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