Hiking at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon is an incredible environment hosting hundreds of native plant and animal species in dozens of habitats and ecosystems. Its rock layers record millions of years of Earth's geologic history getting older as you descend towards the bottom. It is an amazingly vertical landscape of cliffs, ridges, side canyons, and amphitheaters. 

A hike into Grand Canyon is like the ultimate time traveling nature walk, but with unique challenges and risks. The vertical distance between the Colorado River and South Rim is equivalent to three Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other. But instead of starting at the bottom of the Empire State Building, you're starting on the Rim of the Canyon. 

Hikers describe Grand Canyon as "inverted mountain" hiking. The descent comes early and is easy. The ascent comes after and is much, much harder. Trails are steep and have varying degrees of exposure. If you have any fear of heights or are very prone to vertigo, please strongly reconsider any hike into Grand Canyon.

Along with the risk of falls or trips, Grand Canyon is a mostly dry desert environment. While the temperatures in the summer on the South Rim may seem cool, it is roasting hot as you approach the bottom. Heat illnesses and dehydration are major concerns. Summer storms come with lightning, hail, and cold, pouring rain. Winters on the Rim, at higher elevation, can be very cold and wet; ice and snow on the trail increase the risk. 

Before any hike into Grand Canyon, one should consider their hiking experience, their overall fitness level, their current health conditions and medical history, and their gear & equipment. Consult Grand Canyon sources from the National Park Service. Be sure you have a plan if something goes wrong and tell someone where you plan to go and when. These important tips can make the difference between exciting, fun and cherished memories, and unpleasant or unwanted experiences. 

Feel free to bring anything you would bring on any other hike. Water capacity, a flashlight/headlamp, hiking/trekking poles, sturdy, well-worn hiking shoes or boots, comfortable layers of clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and food are all essentials whether close to home or at Grand Canyon. 

I can provide all of the above and more (including backpacks, rain ponchos, sunscreen, etc.) and am prepared for any reservation to lend gear/equipment. All tours include a souvenir reusable water bottle, but I also recommend bringing your personal bottle/Camelbak. 

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the oldest trails in Grand Canyon. Originally a Native American footpath and climbing route, it was developed into a pack animal trail in the 1890s by early Grand Canyon pioneers. It is still the most popular route into the Inner Canyon and backcountry. Despite its popularity, it is very steep in some sections, though thankfully wide which mostly eliminates any feeling of exposure to significant heights. The trail follows a side canyon down towards the bottom which limits views of the Canyon but offers an intimate look at the rock layers of the Canyon and the different ecosystems at different levels. Guided day hikes are limited in going 4.5 miles down (9 miles total, roundtrip) to Havasupai Gardens. I rate it DIFFICULT

The South Kaibab Trail was built by the National Park Service in the 1920s. Instead of following a side canyon like the Bright Angel Trail, it descends along a ridge towards the Colorado River. This optimizes the views and vistas of the Canyon. The high temples of the Canyon tower over you in a majestic panorama. The views come at a price: the South Kaibab is very steep. Sections can feel very exposed but it is thankfully wide like the Bright Angel Trail. It also lacks water sources except at the trailhead and is usually completely exposed to the Sun in the summer. Guided hikes are limited in going 3.5 miles down (7 miles total, roundtrip) to Skeleton Point. I rate it DIFFICULT

The Grandview Trail is one of the oldest and steepest trails in Grand Canyon. It offers incredible insight into the human history of Grand Canyon and a bit more serenity with its wilderness character. Originally built by miners to access copper ore in Grand Canyon in as short a distance as possible, it is showing its age. Sections are narrow, steep, exposed, and washed out. Guided hikes are limited in going 2.5 miles down (5 miles total, roundtrip) to Coconino Saddle. I rate it VERY DIFFICULT

The Hermit Trail was built by the Santa Fe Railroad and Fred Harvey Companies in the early 1900s to bypass the tolls on the privately owned Bright Angel Trail. Another trail steeped in Grand Canyon history (as well as, you guessed it, very steep), the Hermit Trail offers amazing views of a quieter corner of the South Rim. A highlight of this trail are the wonderfully preserved fossils in the limestone and sandstone layers. I rate it VERY DIFFICULT

I've divided my guided walking tours and hikes into three categories: Easy, Difficult, Very Difficult. The paved Trail of Time on the South Rim of Grand Canyon is flat with minimal elevation gain or change. It is EASY and pleasant walking, although some visitors may need extra time to get acclimated to the high elevation. The South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails are rated DIFFICULT. This is mainly due to the steepness of the trails. Both trails, however, are fairly wide and lack significant exposure unless you're looking for it. They are heavily trafficked and also used by mule trains, which we may encounter. The Grandview and Hermit Trails are rated VERY DIFFICULT due to their wilderness nature. These trails are narrow, exposed, steep, and often do not receive significant maintenance. Please consult NPS resources for more information on the trails. 

How long we are on the trail depends on a number of factors, but mostly on how much time or how much distance you'd like to cover on the trail. A guided hike on any of the trails often consists of about 4 to 5 hours, though please allow for six hours to account for the ascent to the Rim at the end of the hike. Going your pace, staying comfortable, and enjoying the hike are my priorities. 

Day hiking at Grand Canyon does not require a backcountry permit or guide. Camping overnight below the Rim does require an advance permit, whether it is a guided excursion or on your own. Hiking guides in Grand Canyon do not need permits for day hikes, but are required to be certified as Wilderness First Responders along with complying with other NPS regulations. 

The most dangerous animal at Grand Canyon is Homo sapiens. As far as non-human animals go, none want to hurt you, but some can pose a threat if we are careless or aggressive. Large animals like bighorn sheep and elk are seen often, and are best viewed from a distance. Smaller animals like rattlesnakes, tarantulas, Gila monsters, scorpions and wasps & bees are sometimes encountered but they aren't out to get you! It is my goal to use these experiences as teaching moments while minimizing any risk and respecting the animal.

I always prefer to go straight to the source. The National Park Service has a comprehensive website that includes trail descriptions and information about permits, current conditions, and trail closures, as well as additional trip-planning resources. 

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/index.htm