511: DEEP DIVE: Smithsonian Cover-Up: Ancient Egyptians and Giants in the Grand Canyon

In 1908, President Teddy Roosevelt wanted to declare the Grand Canyon off-limits to all timber and mining operations. It would take another 11 years for Congress to designate the Grand Canyon a national park.

Sensing a final opportunity for adventure, explorer G.E. Kincaid took a boat down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon. The canyon was rich in minerals like gold, silver and copper and Kincaid wanted to see what he could find before the area was closed off for good.

About 40 miles up-river from the El Tovar Crystal canyon, Kincaid saw stains in the sediment formation about 2,000 feet up. He tied off the boat and got out to investigate.

Kincaid couldn't find a trail, but after a short hike he found something interesting covered in desert brush. Steps. Hundreds of them. Carved in sandstone. Steps that wound their way up to a high shelf on the side of the canyon.

He followed the steps until he came across a cavern entrance. An entrance that was clearly man made.

Kincaid entered the cavern and turned on his flashlight.

On the walls he saw writing. But it wasn't English or Native American writing. It was Ancient Egyptian Heiroglypics.

Kincaid lifted his flashlight and saw that the tunnel ran far into the distance.

He didn't realize it at the time, but this was only the beginning.