One for the books: Grand Canyon welcomes record 6 million visitors

PHOENIX — The Grand Canyon is millions of years old, but it recorded a first on Monday: The 6-millionth person to visit the park this year.

The National Park Service said the Johnson family from Las Vegas were the people that put the Canyon over the 6 million visitors mark. The family was greeted at the park’s south entrance as part of a small celebration.

“At first I didn’t think it was real but I’m really happy we’re the six millionth (person),” Sophia Johnson said in a press release.

[fb_embed_post href=”https://www.facebook.com/grandcanyonassoc/posts/10154182542822965/” width=”620″/]
 

Last year, the park welcomed 5,520,736 visitors through its gates. Considering the 6 million figure was topped a few weeks before the end of the year, officials are projecting about a 9 percent rise in annual attendance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related

2 contemporary fashion brands to make Arizona debuts at Scottsdale QuarterCien Agaves Tacos & Tequila expands with new East Valley location“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie begs for “someone to come forward” in her mother’s disappearanceGreat Wolf Lodge looks to expand resort with additional towerMaricopa County Library District celebrates opening of new West Valley branchBygone mall favorite Hot Dog on a Stick plans return to Arizona