Diminishing View
San Francisco Peaks
Humphreys Peak
Distance
62 miles 100km
Elevation
12,633ft 3851m
Kendrick Peak
Distance
55 miles 89km
Elevation
10,418ft 3175m
Sitgreaves Peak
Distance
59 miles 94km
Elevation
9,388ft 2861m
Bill Williams Mountain
Distance
69 miles 111km
Elevation
9,256ft 2821m
On a clear day the San
Francisco Peaks stand bold
against the sky. How well
can you see the peaks
today?
Visitors to the Grand Canyon
usually expect panoramic views
in clear desert air. But air pollutants
can drastically impair
visibility at Grand Canyon
National Park. Clear days allow
views approaching over 150 miles. On other days pollution
reduced visibility to 70 miles
or less.
The use of modern emission
control equipment on existing
pollution sources and careful
placement of new industry can
help restore Grand Canyon
views. We can all play a part
by conserving electricity,
carpooling, recycling, becoming
involved in air quality issues,
and supporting local and
national policies that recognize
the importance of clean air.
Pollution Sources
Air pollution at Grand Canyon
comes from both local and
distant sources. Weather patterns
dictate how the contribution of
each source changes over time.
In summer, pollutants often
travel great distances from
industrial and urban areas of
southern California, southern
Arizona, and northern Mexico.
In winter, local sources and
souces in southern Arizona are
more important contributors.
