May 6, 2012 - Moran Point (Elevation: 7160 feet / 2182 meters) along Desert View Drive on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. NPS Photo by Michael Quinn

Geology is a prominent feature at any Grand Canyon viewpoint but at Moran Point three main rock groups are clearly visible.

The Layered Paleozoic Rocks represent the sedimentary rocks that make up most of the Grand Canyon's depth. The Grand Canyon Supergroup represents a significant portion of the canyon's geologic record even though it is only in isolated remnants, visible at only a few spots along the rim. This series of brilliant red rocks form the bed of the Colorado River and the wide slopes on either side below Moran Point. These rocks, originating millions of years ago as horizontal deposits of mud and sand, are tilted because of great movements of the earth’s surface before the formation of overlying rock layers. The Vishnu Basement Rocks are visible at river level further to the west, and are the oldest at the canyon, consisting of both metamorphic and igneous rock.

Masonry found on the small butte (on the right in this photo) is believed to represent an ancient fort. This structure was built by early Native Americans. Several hundred dwelling sites, dating from a period a few centuries before the coming of Columbus, have been discovered along the rims and in the Canyon. Many arrowheads, fragments of pottery, and other evidences of an advanced state of culture have been found near the ruins.