The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of America's most awe-inspiring sights. Hiking there can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Visitors to the Grand Canyon can hike short trails a couple miles into the canyon or more strenuous trails down to the river that can take a few days. If you plan to hike the Canyon, bring plenty of food and water and pack out everything you bring in.
Precautions
The park advises hikers to carry at least one gallon of water per day. Some water fountains do exist along some trails, but they are subject to pipeline breaks and hikers should not rely on them. In addition, hikers should carry maps, plenty of food, a first aid kit, a flashlight and clothing appropriate for the season. The National Park Service also advises telling a friend or family member where you are going and when you will return.
Weather
The farther into the canyon you go, the hotter the temperatures. Average temperatures in the Inner Canyon exceed 100 degrees from June to August, so hikers should avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day. Completing as much of your hike as possible before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. is the best way to hike safely in the Canyon. Winter hikers must guard against hypothermia, as evening temperatures can drop into the '30s.
Day Hikes
The South Rim has several day hike options. The Grandview Trail has round-trip hikes of 2.2 miles to Cococino Saddle and 6.4 miles to Horseshoe Mesa, while the Bright Angel Trail offers longer hikes with some shade. From the North Rim, the North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained trail into the Canyon. A trip to Cococino Overlook and back is 1.5 miles, while Supai Tunnel provides a four-mile round trip. For a less strenuous adventure, consider a short guided hike or a mule trip.
Longer Hikes
Hiking from the canyon rim to the river at the bottom takes at least four to five hours, with the return trip taking twice as long. The park recommends that hikers who want to reach the river plan a multiple-day trek. Reaching the River Trail Junction is either six or 14 miles, depending which side of the Canyon you hike down. All hikers who camp overnight in the Canyon must have a backcountry permit.
Sights
The park advises hikers to take breaks of 10 minutes per hour of hiking to rest. While you're recharging, take in the sights around you. In addition to the natural beauty of the Canyon, which is more than a mile deep, hikers may encounter various types of plants and animals. You may spot bighorn sheep, gray foxes and pine and spruce trees near the top of the Canyon and cacti and various species of squirrels further into the Inner Canyon.
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