The Grand Canyon Hikes
Have you ever started a hike “backwards”? The Grand Canyon Hikes are the best way to try: you start by hiking down and then you have to hike back up to the top! If you can see the Grand Canyon from the top it is amazing, breath taking. But imagine seeing it from the bottom, being surrounded by these humongous cliffs all around you. There is no word to describe it. So are you ready to take the challenge?
Grand Canyon Hikes: Preparation
The Grand Canyon hikes are just not any kind of hikes. You need to be prepared for it, and make sure you choose a Grand Canyon hike according to your abilities. Most hikes are day trips. You can plan your hike with a tour, organized by the diverse companies such as Wildland Trekking Company, Four Season Guides, etc… or you can plan it on your own. However don’t hike alone. To plan you hikes on your own you need to research about it, to make sure you are fit enough for it and know where you are going. Then you need to decide what kind of hikes you want to do: there are day hikes, or longer hikes that can take between 3 to 4 days- such as crossing the Grand Canyon from one rim to the other! That way you know how to plan your resources, what you need to bring and what to expect, more or less. If you plan to camp, then remember you need a permit, and it takes between 6 weeks to 4 month to get it depending the season!!! Also, when you are hiking make sure to plan to bring enough water for your trip. There are water stations available along the most popular routes, but make sure you have enough water with you nonetheless! Do not drink just any water, make sure it is potable water, so bring some water test along!
Grand Canyon Day Hikes
A lot of the easiest day or half day hikes in the Grand Canyon don’t take you down the Canyon, but keep you at the Rim form vista points to vista points, one more amazing than the previous. Cliff Spring Trail lets you walk down a little from the Walhalla Plateau. It takes you to the forested side of the Canyon. You can park at the Cape Royal parking.
The Plateau Point Trail is an amazing walk down to Indian Garden through the Bright Angel Trail, and then to the Colorado River through the Tonto Trail to catch the Plateau Point Trail to the bottom. This is a quite hard hike, but since it is divided in two stops, you can always turn back after visiting Indian Garden, or plan your overnight stay there. This south rim hike is 13 miles round trip. You can park close to the start of the trail.
An even harder than the previous mentioned hike is the Hermit Trail. This hike takes you to San Maria Spring, or if you are willing to go farther, Dripping Springs. You need to plan your water well for that hike. There is a camp to spend the night and rest, if you want to head to the Colorado River (remember you need a permit in advance though).
Grand Canyon Multiple Day Hikes
The North Kaibab Trail is a north rim trail of 28 miles. It takes you down to Cottonwood Campground – the halfway point – and then to Bright Angel Campground where you can then follow the trail down to the Colorado River. This is a quite steep hike and known to be one of the most difficult one. It gets quite warm during the summer. You are therefore recommended to stay on the trail.
For the Rim to Rim hike there are a few things to think about. You need to plan how to get back to your car once on the other side! While the distance through the canyon is quite small, the driving distance is more then 200 miles! Also, know that if you hike from the North Rim to the South Rim, the hike back up is shorter since the North Rim is more elevated than the South Rim; and the more you walk toward the North Rim, the less civilization you find. In function of the difficulty you are looking for you have a few itinerary available. You start of the North Rim down to the Cottonwood Campground through the North Kaibab Trail. Then your next stop is Bright Angel campground. From the River trail you hike until Indian Gardens Campsite, and finally back up to South Rim. Keep in mind that the facilities at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are closed from Mid-October to Mid-May!
General Hiking Advice for the Grand Canyon:
- rest often (sit in the shade)
- drink frequently (drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks)
- do not hike in the heat of the day (10am to 4pm)
- eat often (carbohydrates & salty foods)
- get wet (wet your shirt, hat, & wear a wet bandana around your neck)
- don’t attempt to hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon & back in one day
=> About 250 people need to be rescued on the trails of the Grand Canyon every year! Don’t be one of them!!!
Whatever Grand Canyon hikes you plan, remember to be well informed and well prepared. The Grand Canyon is not like any other hike you will take and danger cannot be forgotten. Be careful, stay safe and enjoy the hikes!
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