Hiking in the Grand Canyon is an excellent way to experience the beauty and size of this natural wonder. Once you have decided whether to enter the park from the North or South Rim you can start planning your hike. Whether you plan to hike for a day, overnight or several days you need to be prepared for this harsh environment.
The Grand Canyon hikes are so very demanding that even experienced backpackers become frustrated with the amount of punishment they have to deal with. They want to turn around but the nature inside the canyon is too strong. Bring more water than you think you will need, wear several layers and try to hike with something heavy on your back.
Hiking through the Grand Canyon in the summer can be extremely dangerous. Temperatures can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the day. If you absolutely have to hike into the canyon it is wise to bring at least one shorter day hike so you can return to the rim without getting wet and exposed to the sun.
The Grand Canyon hikes are not for the faint of heart. The South Rim is more enticing but is a lot more dangerous. Insane weather, high winds and killer sand and grit are what you would face on the lower rim.
Once you decide which rim you are going to go on, find out what follows.
The first step is to get your reservations from the Grand Canyon. This can be done by calling them at 1-800-64 Spit. They will give you a number to call and ask you to fill out a form. This form will update you on the current conditions of the area you are planning to visit. They may also alert you to certainñan conditions that may apply to your trek.
The next step is to get a copy of the Grand Canyon pamphlet and look at it closely. There are some guides that will tell you how to best navigate the canyon and others that will tell you the best ways to interpret the topography of the canyon. It is important to get a good guidebook so that you know what to expect.
The third step is to purchase some gear. These items will be necessary whether you are north or south rim. The majority of hikers that choose to hike the Grand Canyon travel north to South Rim first. However, for the ones that travel to the south, the options are endless. You can choose to start out with a short day hike in the Kaibab Trail neighborhood or you can embark on a journey to explore the Colorado River and its tributaries.
What You Need
The first step is to be sure you have the right equipment. Make sure you have a good quality backpack. The last thing you want is to backpack full of sand or else you might get wet. You also want to choose a good quality hiking boot. Then book a good hotel room in either the North Rim or South Rim. If you are staying at the Grand Canyon hotels, be sure to ask for reservations so that you are assured of a good night’s sleep.
The second step is to research the Grand Canyon. Find out what it has to offer and how much time you really have to experience it. Take your Grand Canyon hiking gear with you to see what the special features are and how long you will need to explore the canyon. If you are staying in the hotels, find out if they have grills in the rooms or if you will need to bring your own. The points of interest are located in the corner of the canyon near the visitor centers.
Continue to research hotels and flights to Payson, Arizona. If you are beginning to feel the effects of the altitude, you may need to return to the South Rim the next day. The starting point is the South Rim and you can stay there for several days before heading north to Payson.
There are several good places to stay in Payson. One of the best is theCache Creek Lodge. They have good rooms and very clean kitchens. You can bring your own food or make a catering order. They will cook it just for you. The frustration of not being able to cook a dinner is the least of your problems. This is the reason why I suggest you stay in Cache Creek Lodge.
The next advantage of staying at a lodge is the meals. You will have a great timewestern cooking in this area. If you are lucky enough to be near a restaurant, grab a quick bite to eat before heading out to see the sights. There are a lot of different tourist towns in Arizona. You may want to grab a meal to take with you after a long day of hiking and adventure.
Driving the Turnpike to Payson sounds like a horrible idea, but it is a great way to see the area. I suggest staying at the Grand Canyon Hotel. They have great rooms and you can get a great view of the canyon.
