|
 Hiking
into the Grand Canyon
can be one of the best ways to experience the grandeur
first hand. Whether you are taking a short day hike or
going on an extended backpacking trek you will find a
trip to the rim below to reveal secrets of the Canyon
that no viewpoint or overlook can offer. Unfortunately,
with the beauty, comes a beast. With its steep terrain,
rough trail, and extreme temperatures, the Grand Canyon
is not to be taken lightly.
With
the joys of hiking, comes the dangers. Here are
some tips to help you stay safe and comfortable as you
travel the trails.
- Choose
an appropriate hike, know your limitations and don't
hike beyond your ability
- Watch
the time and allow 1/3 of the time for the hike in and
2/3 for the hike out
- Never
attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in
one day
- Avoid
hiking in the hottest part of the day- plan to start
before 7 A.M. or after 4 P.M.
- While
hiking, drink a gallon of water per person per day
- Wear
comfortable, sturdy footwear with outdoor sock to prevent
blisters
- Mules
have right-of-way on designated trails
- If
you pack it in, pack it out
- Always
inform others of your plans
There
are many trails
throughout the park. Each has its own secrets to reveal
and sights to see. A backcountry permit is required for
any overnight stays in the park. Stop at a visitors center
for a permit and more information on the trails. Go Hiking
on the North Rim with Bar
10 Ranch
North
Rim
- Bright
Angel Point Trail - an easy, half-mile self-guided
nature trail leading to a spectacular view of the canyon
- Uncle
Jim Trail - a five mile winding trail through the
forest to a canyon overlook where you can see the North
Kaibab Trail switchbacks
- Widforss
Trail - a ten mile trail that blends forest and
canyon scenery
- Transept
Trail - an easy three mile trail leading from Grand
Canyon Lodge to the campground
- Ken
Patrick Trail - a 20 mile trek that winds through
the forest and along the rim taking you from Point Imperial
to the North Kaibab Trail parking lot
- North
Kaibab Trail - the North Rim's only maintained trail;
it is a strenuous 9.4 mile hike to Roaring Springs;
a full day should be planed for a trip to Roaring Springs
South
Rim
- Rim
Trail - the perfect introductory hike, excellent
for those adjusting to the 7,000-foot elevation and
recommended for adults with children
- Bright
Angel Trail - this strenuous 19-mile-round-trip
hike descends 4,400 feet and takes you from Bright Angel
Lodge down the canyon to Phantom Ranch and Bright Creek
Campground
- South
Kaibab Trail - this 12.6 mile round-trip hike offers
unobstructed and spectacular views of the canyon; dropping
close to 5,000 feet in almost 6.3 miles makes this a
very strenuous hike
- Hermit
Trail - this 17-mile-round-trip hike starts at the
rim and takes you all the way to the Colorado River
- Grandview
Trail - this six-mile-round-trip hike descends 2,600
feet to Horseshoe Mesa where remains of a mining operation
can still be seen
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