The Alligator (Grand Canyon) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Alligator (Grand Canyon)
The Alligator & Mohave Point (view eastwards)
Highest point
Elevation	5,774 ft (1,760 m)
Prominence	1,100 ft (340 m)
Isolation	~0.50
Parent peak	Mohave Point (7,974 ft)
Geography
The Alligator Location in Arizona
Location	Grand Canyon Coconino County, Arizona. U.S.
Parent range	Coconino Plateau Colorado Plateau
Topo map	USGS Grand Canyon
Geology
Age of rock	Permian-Pennsylvanian-(prominence) down to Proterozoic
Type of rock	Esplanade Sandstone horizontal platform (unit 4), (complete Supai Group on platform of Redwall Limestone) and Supai Group, Redwall Limestone, (Tonto Group- 3-units) _3-Muav Limestone, _2-Bright Angel Shale, _1-Tapeats Sandstone, Vishnu Basement Rocks

The Alligator is a unique rock formation in the amazing Grand Canyon. It looks like a giant alligator resting near the Colorado River. This cool spot is a large hill, or "butte," that connects to a bigger area called Mohave Point. It stands about 5,774-foot (1,760 m) high!

The Alligator is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of Grand Canyon Village. Its main ridge points north. The lower part, which looks like the alligator's tail, turns towards the northwest. This landform is only about 1.0 mile (1.6 km) from the Colorado River. The river flows west through the deep Granite Gorge. The Alligator sits between two smaller stream areas, Monument Creek to the west and Salt Creek to the east. Both of these creeks flow into the mighty Colorado River.

The Alligator is made of bright red-orange rocks from the Supai Group. These rocks form both steep cliffs and gentler slopes. Below these, there's a large, red cliff made of Redwall Limestone. The curving "tail" of The Alligator is a flat area on top of this Redwall Limestone.

Exploring The Alligator in Grand Canyon

This section will help you learn more about this incredible natural wonder.

What Makes The Alligator Special?

The Alligator is a striking feature of the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Imagine a huge, sleeping alligator carved out of rock! Its unique shape makes it a memorable landmark for visitors. It's connected to Mohave Point, which is a popular viewpoint. From Mohave Point, you can look down and see The Alligator's distinct form.

Discovering The Rocks That Form The Alligator

Looking down the upper Esplanade Sandstone, from Mohave Point

The Alligator seen from Hopi Point

The Alligator is built from two main types of rock layers. The upper part, which gives it its height, is mostly made of the Supai Group rocks. This group is roughly 1,100 ft; 340 m thick. Below that, you'll find the Redwall Limestone, which is approximately 800 ft; 240 m thick.

Both the Supai Group and the Redwall Limestone are known as "cliff-formers." This means they are strong rocks that resist erosion. They create steep, tall cliffs and flat areas called "shelves" or "platforms." The very top of The Alligator is a flat platform. It is made from the toughest part of the Supai Group, called the Esplanade Sandstone.

The curved "tail" of The Alligator is another platform. It sits on top of the very strong Redwall Limestone. As the tail curves, you can see another smaller cliff-platform. This one is made from a resistant part of the Supai Group called the Manakacha Formation.

Even further down, at the base of the Redwall Limestone, there's a shorter cliff and platform. This is made of the Muav Limestone. It is part of an older group of rocks called the Tonto Group. The rest of the Tonto Group reaches all the way down to the Granite Gorge at the Colorado River. These layers of rock tell a long story about Earth's history!