An LATimes story (registration) about a book that’s sold in the Grand Canyon bookstore

How old is the Grand Canyon? Most scientists agree with the version that rangers at Grand Canyon National Park tell visitors — that the 10-mile wide chasm in northern Arizona was carved by the Colorado River 5 million to 6 million years ago.

Now, however, a book in the park’s bookstores tells another story. On sale since last summer, “Grand Canyon: A Different View,” by veteran Colorado River guide Tom Vail, asserts that the Grand Canyon was formed by the Old Testament flood, the one Noah’s Ark survived, and can be no older than a few thousand years.

The book includes essays from creationists and theologians. In the introduction, Vail wrote, “For years, as a Colorado River guide I told people how the Grand Canyon was formed over the evolutionary time scale of millions of years. Then I met the Lord. Now, I have a different view of the Canyon, which according to a biblical time scale, can’t possibly be more than a few thousand years old.”

Reaction to the book has been sharply divided. The American Geological Institute and seven geo-science organizations sent letters to the park and to agency officials calling for the book to be removed.

In part to appease some outraged Grand Canyon employees, the book was moved from the natural sciences section to the inspirational reading section of park bookstores.

“I’ve had reactions from the staff all over the board on it,” said park Deputy Supt. Kate Cannon. “There were certainly people on the interpretive staff that were upset by it. Respect of visitors’ views is imperative, but we do urge our interpreters to give scientifically correct information.”

Park Service spokesman David Barna, who is based in Washington, said each park determined which products were sold in its bookstores and gift shops. The creationist book at the Grand Canyon was unanimously approved by a new-product review panel of park and gift shop personnel.

But the book’s status at the park is still in question. Grand Canyon’s superintendent, Joe Alston, has sought guidance from Park Service headquarters in Washington.

Meanwhile, the book has sold out and is being reordered.