These Before And After Pics Of Grand Canyon National Park In Arizona Show Just How Much It Has Changed

Considering the ancient landscape of the Grand Canyon dates as far back as 70 million years, you'd think it hasn't changed much in recent times. Historic photos, however, tell a different story. Check out these before-and-after photos of the Grand Canyon in Arizona to see just how far it's come in all these decades and/or centuries. It's always been beautiful, but a glimpse into the past is always nice:

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

This photo, taken in July of 1940, shows a park ranger traversing Clear Creek Trail on muleback. The trail was constructed in the mid-1930s to give Phantom Ranch visitors access to a side canyon.

The mule is transporting young trout to stock the creek with for fishing purposes.

Today, this 30.6-mile hike is much more heavily trafficked -- but considering the rock was formed over eons of erosion, you can hardly tell. Mule activity on the trail ceased amid WWII, so you likely won't encounter anyone other than pedestrians.

Please note: Clear Creek Trail is an extremely challenging, multi-day backpacking trip that should only be attempted by very experienced adventurers.

Boasting some of the best views in the park, Grand Canyon Lodge overlooks the sprawling North Rim. It was built in 1927-28, initially consisting of the main building plus 20 deluxe and 100 standard cabins.

This photograph was taken in July 1940.

A 1932 fire that began in the basement destroyed much of the main building, along with two cabins. Rebuilding began four years later, a project that gave us the Grand Canyon Lodge of today.

The lodge might look different than it once did, but panoramic vistas such as this haven't gone anywhere.

Pictured here is the point where the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers converge. It was taken from inside a helicopter circa 1957.

Even in black and white, the sight is one to behold.

Take a look at the confluence in color. You can clearly see where the two bodies of water meet.

A bucket list-worthy view, without a doubt.

Remote and isolated, the Havasupai Indian Reservation is among the most elusive places in all of Arizona. It's home to Havasu Falls, a 98-foot-tall natural wonder so coveted, you need a permit to visit.

Not everyone knows that an additional four waterfalls cascade down the rocky landscape. This is an 1899 photo of Navajo Falls.

Navajo Falls dried up due to a diversion in water course, but two new waterfalls replaced it after a 2008 flooding incident. Rock Falls and New Navajo Falls are located about one mile up from the Havasupai Campground.

Remember, a hike to any of the Havasupai waterfalls is extremely strenuous and must be planned a year or more in advance.

Visit the Grand Canyon NPS website to learn more about the park's history.

What are your thoughts on these before-and-after photos of the Grand Canyon? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more Arizona history: 25 Rare Photos Taken In Arizona During The Great Depression.