Taking a hiking trip through the Grand Canyon can be one of the best experiences in one’s life or the worst. It all depends upon how a person plans for their adventure and their knowledge of the terrain that they will traverse. It is indeed, one of the most beautiful, yet uninviting places on Earth.
The Canyon is split up into five regions: The South Rim, The North Rim, The Inner Canyon, The River, and the Tuweep (or Toroweap) Region. The South Rim is open year-round and is the most popular part of the Grand Canyon while the Tuweep Region, which has the most recent lava flows, is the most remote and only suited for the most adventuresome and prepared hiker.
Before heading out to the Grand Canyon, fully explore the many vistas it has to offer to decide the best routes for you and your party. Whether you enjoy scenic views, waterfalls, wildlife, or natural history, choosing wisely will make the most of your experience. Also, you MUST obtain a permit in order to make your own camp if you elect to go on more than a day hike. If you plan to hike down to the bottom of the Canyon, prepare carefully and make sure the people you are going with are fully capable of hiking the strenuous and dangerous territory. By hiking from the top of the Canyon to the bottom, you will be experiencing a difference in elevation by as much as 10,000 feet! And remember, while the summer temperatures on the top of the Canyon are pleasantly in the 70s and 80s, at the bottom temperatures can reach up to 105 degrees!
For the novice hiker, a guided tour may be the best way to experience the Grand Canyon. Not only does this service usually provide snacks, gear, water and cooked meals, but the guides are very knowledgeable of the various areas and know what to expect. The fees for the tours vary, but they usually include park fees as well. Just remember to plan and reserve a guided hike at least five months in advance. Another perk about guided tours is that pack mules or helicopters will take your gear down to the canyon floor, therefore making the trip a lot easier on the hiker.
However, if you prefer to take in your surroundings in a more private manner, then it is always wise to be fully prepared. The Grand Canyon’s climate, especially on the canyon floor, is very harsh. It’s documented that, every year, at least 250 people have to be rescued. Park Rangers will always advise that, in the midst of summer, one should not hike between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. It’s also good to carry lots of water and, when approaching a water source, drench your shirt, a bandanna, or all your clothes to keep your body cool. Always take salty snacks with you as well. This will keep your body from going into water intoxication or Hyponatremia. Perhaps the most important thing to know about a journey to the Canyon’s floor is that what goes down, must go up. Make sure you and the members of your party are up to the strenuous climb.
These important tidbits of information will hopefully help the adventuresome tourist into choosing what is right for them when going to the Grand Canyon. By following these bits of advice and by planning carefully, one will undoubtedly have a very memorable, breathtaking experience.
