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Forests cover much of the North and South rims. On the South Rim, ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, and Utah juniper are plentiful. Shrubs such as cliffrose, mountain mahogany, and fernbush dot the landscape. Ponderosa pine, spruce, fir, and quaking aspen grow along the North Rim.

Desert plants such as banana yucca and claretcup catus flourish in the warm, sunny areas along the both rims.

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. more...

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