Article One: Becoming a National Treasure

The Grand Canyon has been a well-known destination since before the 1890s. However, its journey to becoming a national park did not happen right away. Though settlers had been traveling to the canyon for decades, the first high-profile visit occurred in 1903. At that time, President Roosevelt visited the canyon for the first time. After viewing the canyon, he spoke about the awe he felt. He stated that it should be protected, so that every American could visit it one day. Even though Roosevelt talked about the importance of protecting the park, it was still not named as a national park.

It was not until 1906 that Roosevelt created the Grand Canyon Preserve. Then, in 1908 he created the Grand Canyon National Monument. This told Americans that the park was of cultural importance to the country. Though the first Senate bills to make the Grand Canyon a national park were in 1882 and 1886, other bills followed in 1910 and 1911. It was not until February 1919 that the Grand Canyon was officially named a national park. The Grand Canyon National Park Act was finally signed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

The naming of the Grand Canyon as a national park is known as an early conservation effort. Some people had been hoping to create a man-made dam in the Colorado River within the park. However, they could not build the dam because the area was protected. The borders of the park expanded in 1975. During this year, the Marble Canyon National Monument became a part of the Grand Canyon National Park. Finally, in 1979, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named the park a World Heritage Site. By becoming a World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon National Park became protected by international law.

Article Two: Popular Trails at the Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is known as one of the best hiking spots in the United States. With spectacular views of the canyon, even those who visit regularly remain impressed with its panoramic landscapes. The light changes from morning to afternoon to evening, creating a unique experience for hikers at each time of day. Picking a trail can be a challenge because each offers its own experience. While Bright Angel Trail is a popular choice, the Rainbow Rim Trail is also an option to consider.

To choose the trail that will provide the best experience, there are many elements to consider. One important element to consider is how far hikers want to travel. Hikers should choose a trail with a distance that matches their ability level. Bright Angel Trail is about 9.5 miles long. In contrast, Rainbow Rim Trail is closer to 18 miles in length. While Bright Angel Trail takes hikers from the south rim close to the Colorado River, Rainbow Rim Trail takes hikers on a different path. It includes vertical climbing. It also connects five different viewpoints on the edge of the canyon. Rainbow Rim Trail allows hikers to look into one of the largest canyons on Earth.

While hiking is a popular option, some visitors to the Grand Canyon prefer to bike. Rainbow Rim Trail offers a smoother trail. This makes it better for bikers than Bright Angel Trail. Though Bright Angel Trail is not easy to use for bikers, it offers its own benefits. Bright Angel Trail leads to campsites. From the campsites, hikers can take a different trail back to the rim. They can travel on the South Kaibab Trail up to the rim. Both trails offer stunning views. Hikers should complete research before starting their hike to ensure the trail they choose matches their needs.

How is the structure of Becoming a National Treasure different from that of Popular Trails at the Grand Canyon National Park?

1. Becoming a National Treasure uses cause and effect to discuss the changes to the park after it became a national park, while Popular Trails at the Grand Canyon National Park uses problem and solution to discuss the improvements made to different trails to make them safer.

2.Becoming a National Treasure uses chronological order to discuss the events that led to the Grand Canyon becoming a national park, while Popular Trails at the Grand Canyon National Park uses compare and contrast to discuss the similarities and differences between two trails.

3.Becoming a National Treasure uses compare and contrast to discuss the different attempts to make the Grand Canyon a national park, while Popular Trails at the Grand Canyon National Park uses chronological order to discuss the opening of each trail and how popular they are.

4.Becoming a National Treasure uses problem and solution to discuss the problems and challenges with making the Grand Canyon a national park, while "Popular Trails at the Grand Canyon" uses compare and contrast to discuss the similarities and differences between two trails.