Guide to Hiking in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful areas nature has ever provided, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.

It is 277 miles long, and up to 15 miles wide. The base of which can be over a mile below. Layer after layer of sedimentary rock gives way to nearly two billion years of the Earth's history. There is no wonder why so many people hike through the Grand Canyon.

Precautions

Travelers should set aside a few days to hike the canyon, as it allows a moderate pace and a chance to take in all the wonder of the canyon. Park officials actually discourage hiking down to the river and back in just one day. High temperatures at the bottom and changes in elevation raise the danger of heat exhaustion. Hikers need to make sure of their physical condition, and even consult a doctor before attempting any activity such as this. Although there are a number of hikes for all skill levels, many people still over-estimate their abilities.

Backcountry Permits

Before attempting to hike for a few days, travelers need to get a backcountry permit. The park issues these permits for anyone wanting to camp overnight, although availability of the permit is extremely limited. Demand far exceeds the supply, as the park service tries to prevent damage caused by hikers to the canyon. The earlier a group applies for a backcountry permit, the more likely they will be able to receive it. Hikers should plan their hike months in advance, so trails can be mapped out and decided upon. If this is sounding a bit too difficult, there are a number of easier options.

Hiking Tours

The Grand Canyon Explorer Hike offers an 8 hour tour of the canyon, and the difficulty range is as easy or as difficult as the visitor wants. First-time canyon visitors will love this hike, as it makes the lengthy planning process a breeze. Remember to pack appropriately, with plenty of water to prevent dehydration. As long as hikers dress appropriately and consult a doctor for safety concerns, the tour should not be a problem at all. Angel's Gate Tours even offers to pick up hikers if they stay at any hotel in Flagstaff, Williams, or Grand Canyon Village. This makes reaching the south rim of the canyon even easier.

Nearby Lodging

If hikers need a convenient hotel near the area, there is the Holiday Inn Express. Located only 1 mile away from the South Rim entrance to the Grand Canyon, this hotel offers to arrange any number of tours. The entire hotel is non-smoking, allowing guests to favor the fresh air of the canyon well before they step foot in it. Close proximity to the canyon means guests can sleep in a little bit longer. Hiking will require all the rest you can get.

Alternative Tours

There are a number of tours available for those that do not want to spend 8 hours in blistering heat hiking through tiring trails. Travelers will still get to see all the natural beauty that the canyon has to offer, and some offer better views than even hikers can recieve. Here are a few we have decided to highlight.

Indian Painting Safari Jeep Tour - This tour has travelers spending a day at the Kaibab National Forest, where only light hiking is required. A narrated tour will show travelers real paintings from the indigenous people of the area. This provides the ultimate glimpse into the ancestral past of the Native American people who inhabited the area.

Colorado River Adventure - This is listed last because there really is no reason to look further for an all encompassing Grand Canyon tour. The tour begins at the South Rim airport (GCN), where they will have a tour guide fly across to the west side of the canyon with narration of all the interesting facts about the canyon. Once landed at the Hualapai Indian Reservation, travelers begin a helicopter tour that winds through the canyon, eventually landing at the base near the Colorado River. The last leg of the tour is a 30 minute pontoon ride, where the majesty of the Grand Canyon can be seen at its best. The tour even offers lunch at the end of the tour.