GRAND CANYON exploring

Hiking, Backpacking, Camping

Hiking

South Rim

The Rim Trail is a great way to 'explore' the Grand Canyon for the first time. This trail extends west from Yavapai Point (in the Village) to Hermits Rest (18 miles round trip). A part of the trail along the rim is paved (Maricopa Point - Mother Point).
You can use the West Rim Drive Shuttle to get to different points of the trail if you don't want to hike the entire length of the trail.

Hiking the inner-canyon trails below the rim (f.e. Bright Angel Trail, South and North Kaibab Trail, Hermit Trail, Bass Trail,...) is recommended ONLY for experienced hikers with appropriate equipment. Some distances seem to be easy to make (f.e. to Indian Garden) but they are not - the trails are steep and narrow and it takes twice as long to go back up than going down.
I have seen 'hikers' in unappropriate foot wear (fashion sneakers, sandals,...) hiking below the rim - unaware of the danger and difficulty of the trails. The results were blisters, bloody toes, broken toes, spread ankles ... and some had to be rescued from the Park Rangers to the expense of the 'hikers'.
If you are not an experienced hiker but would like to get into the canyon then go for one of the Mule Trips (a great and comfortable way) or consider a hike with the Grand Canyon Field Institute.

Grand Canyon Field Institut

The GCFI has a great selection of classes for all fitness levels. All classes are led by knowledgeable instructors. Explore the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon region with day hikes, backpacking, river trips,...
Some categories of the tours: Geology; Natural History; Photography/Arts; Wilderness Studies;...
For more information go to www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute/.

Hiking Guides / Hiking Services

Hiking services are offered by a few companies which hold permits for this matter too. Official websites of some:
- Grand Canyon Trail Guides (www.grandcanyontrailguides.com)
- High Sonoran Adventures (www.highsonoran.com)
- Canyon Dreams (www.canyondreams.com)


Backpacking

One of the 'Warning Signs' at the trails (in English, French, German and Japanese): "Warning! DO NOT attempt to hike from the canyon rim to the river and back in one day. Each year hikers suffer serious illness or death from exhaustion."

Backpacking and hiking below the rim should be done only by experienced hikers.

One of the most popular places to stay over night is the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon.
You have to make reservations far in advance for over-night staying! For more infos about it (and the available duffel service for hikers) go to my page Phantom Ranch.

Other places to stay over night in the Grand Canyon are the campgrounds. For more infos on 'Camping' scroll down on this page.


Backcountry Permits

For all overnight hikes to backcountry areas you must first obtain a permit from the Backcountry Office.
For more infos see my page Fees/Permits.


Camping

South Rim

Camping on the South Rim is only allowed on official campgrounds.

Desert View Campground: 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village, near Watchtower, open mid-May to mid-October.
Mather Campground: just off Mather Point, open year round (reservations required from April to Nov.)

For camping reservations visit the website of The National Park Services (www.nps.gov) or call (800) 365-2267; from outside the USA call (301) 722-1257.

Trailer Village: near Mather Campground, for reservations call (303) 297-2757.

There is also camping outside of the park available. The Ten-X Campground is located 2 miles south of Tusayan, open May to September.


North Rim

The North Rim Campground is operated by The National Park Service, about 1.5 miles west of Grand Canyon Lodge, and is the only campground within the park borders on the North Rim - closed during winter months.

For camping reservations visit the website of The National Park Services (www.nps.gov) or call (800) 365-2267; from outside the USA call (301) 722-1257.

There are campgrounds north of the park. The DeMotte Campground is about 16 miles north of the North Rim. The Jacob Lake Campground is about 45 miles north of the North Rim. Both campgrounds are operated only during the summer.


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