Black Canyon of the Colorado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Canyon |
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Black Canyon, photographed in 1871
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 Black Canyon
of the Colorado Location in Arizona
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The Black Canyon of the Colorado is a deep canyon carved by the Colorado River. It's famous because the huge Hoover Dam was built right here! This amazing canyon sits on the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona.
The western side of the canyon is part of the Eldorado Mountains, while the eastern side is in the Black Mountains of Arizona. This canyon was formed about 15 million years ago. It got its name from the dark, black volcanic rocks you can see all over the area.
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Cool Places in Black Canyon
Sauna Cave
Just south of the Hoover Dam, on the Nevada side, you can find a special place called the Sauna Cave. Miners who built the Hoover Dam drilled this cave. Inside, you'll see shiny calcium carbonate crystals on the walls. At the very end of the cave, there's a hot spring! This spring makes the cave super warm, with temperatures reaching about 120 °F (49 °C).
Boy Scout Canyon
Another interesting canyon that branches off from Black Canyon is Boy Scout Canyon. It's located south of the Hoover Dam. What makes this canyon special is the warm water flowing through it. This water is heated naturally by geothermal sources deep underground.
Hot Springs on the Arizona Side
On the Arizona side of the Colorado River, there are several large hot springs. You can reach them by following a trail that starts from a big bay. This bay is about 4 to 5 miles (6.4 to 8.0 km) south of the Hoover Dam. These hot springs are a great spot to relax and enjoy the warm water.
See also
In Spanish: Cañón Negro del Colorado para niños
