Hiking The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Hiking Can Be A Lifetime Event

Considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World. The Grand Canyon is truly a beautiful and amazing sight to behold.

To really experience the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, taking a hike through the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River is the best bet, and it can be one of the most inspiring events of a persons lifetime.

The hike from the Grand Canyon rim to the bottom and back up again is not the easiest hike in the world, but it can be accomplished by most people in decent physical condition, even novice hikers.

It's possible for a more experienced hiker to make the trip to the bottom and back up the other side of the canyon in one days time, but it's really more fun to just take your time and plan on making it a trip that will last two or three days or more. Just relax and enjoy the hike! Like I said, Hiking the Grand Canyon can be the experience of a lifetime.

When planning for your hike through the Grand Canyon, you should read some books about it. There are many good "insider" tips that can be found by reading about other peoples hiking experiences. Likewise, you can find videos available about Grand Canyon tours and hiking. Doing some appropriate research before you go will give you a good idea of the trails you'll want to take. The most popular hike through the Grand Canyon seems to be to begin down from one rim and hike to the floor and then hike back up and out on the opposite side.

You'll want to plan things that some people might not usually think about, like where to leave your car parked and how you're going to get back to your car if you exit your hike on the opposite side that you started from. The distance from the south to north rim is approximately ten miles straight across, but by car it is a 220 mile trip. This is why planning ahead is important. There is a shuttle bus available that runs between the north rim and south rim also.

You can choose to go on a self-guided hike through the Grand Canyon, or you can take a guided tour. If you decide to take a self-guided hike, you absolutely must have a good map with you. Like I mentioned earlier, check out Trails.com, they have many different maps available and you’ll need to make sure that your map includes the trails you're planning to hike.

The Best Times Of The Year For Hiking The Grand Canyon

Well, to begin with, the best time not to go on a Grand Canyon hike are the summer months of June, July and August. The heat is really bad during those months, it is unbelievably hot and I wouldn't recommend hiking during those months at all.

From mid November to mid May, the north rim and its facilities are closed. Probably the best overall time of year to enjoy hiking the Grand Canyon is from the middle of May through the first few days of June and then in late September to mid November, skipping the hottest parts of June, July and August. Also, the Spring season will give you a chance to see thousands of beautiful wildflowers growing on the canyon floor.

Which Hiking Trail To Take Through The Grand Canyon?

The North Kaibab Trail is the only trail into the Grand Canyon from the north rim. It takes you approximately 13 or 14 miles from it's start to finish at the Colorado River and Bright Angel Campgrounds. The trail descends approximately 5400 feet and is well maintained throughout the entire hike.

Other good trails are the South Kaibab Trail which is available if you start from the south rim. Also the Bright Angel Trail itself is a favorite of hikers, but besides these there are many other trails that can be taken if so desired. There are also many more details to each trail that you should know before you begin your hike through the Grand Canyon. You need to know things like how easily water is available on the trail you plan to hike, and other things like that.

If you want to stay at campsites along the way, be sure to carry a sleeping bag, tent, cooking supplies, water, food, and toiletries. Otherwise, for a slightly more comfortable stay at the end of a long day hiking, check out the Phantom Ranch which is a historic lodge built in the National Park during the 1920's. Phantom Ranch is located beside Bright Angel Creek and they serve good meals and provide a good place to unwind and relax prior to starting the hike back up.