Recent studies suggest the Colorado River established its current course approximately how many million years ago?

The current understanding of the Colorado River's geological history indicates that it established its present course approximately 5 to 6 million years ago. This timeframe is supported by various geological studies that analyze sediment deposition and erosion patterns over millions of years. The river's features, including canyons and sediment layers, provide evidence of significant landscape shaping events that align with this age range. The geological processes that formed these structures, such as tectonic uplift and climatic changes, played crucial roles in establishing the river's current path. Understanding this timeline is essential for comprehending the broader geological history and environmental evolution of the region surrounding the Colorado River.