Credit where credit is due: This page was originally prepared by Charles97. It still retains much of his original work (especially the cute quips!). And the signature image is Escalante Route by IGO.

Overview

"If the falls of Niagara were installed in the Grand Canyon between your visits and you knew it from the newspapers - next time you stood on that dizzy rim-rock you would probably need good field glasses and much patience before you could locate the cataract which in its place looks pretty big. If Mount Washington were plucked up bodily by its roots - not from where you see it, but from sea-level - and carefully set down in the Grand Canyon, you probably would not notice it next morning, unless its dull colors distinguished it in that innumerable congress of larger and painted giants. All this, which is literally true, is a mere trifle of what might be said in trying to fix a standard of comparison for the Grand Canyon. But I fancy there is no standard adjustable to the human mind."

– Charles F. Lummis, 1909

Okay, so it is not a mountain per se, but such an awesome natural wonder as the Grand Canyon deserves its own entry on SP. If you'll allow a little altitudinal license, consider that this grandest of all canyons is really an "inverse" mountain, which presents unique challenges to those who choose to tackle it. This page is dedicated to the thousands of hikers/trail runners who come from all over the world to experience this natural wonder in a pair of hiking boots.

The Grand Canyon needs no introduction. Suffice it to say that it is one of the most beautiful and majestic places on Earth. Though the canyon proper runs hundreds of miles, this page will concentrate on Grand Canyon National Park and the three main trails that run from rim to river - North Kaibab, South Kaibab, and Bright Angel -- as well as the Tuweep region.

The Grand Canyon as imaged by Mrwsierra.

Geography and History

"The finest workers in stone are not copper or steel tools, but the gentle touches of air and water working at their leisure with a liberal allowance of time."

– Henry David Thoreau

The canyon, carved by the Colorado River for over 6 million years, is 277 miles in length, is from 4 to 18 miles wide, and is more than a mile deep in places. Nearly two billion years of Earth's history are thus exposed by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Uplift associated with mountain building events moved sediments thousands of feet upward and created the Colorado Plateau. The massive rift created by the Colorado River and its tributaries exposed uplifted Proterozoic and Paleozoic strata, and is one of six distinct physiographic sections of the Colorado Plateau province. The higher elevation resulted in greater precipitation in the Colorado River drainage area, but not enough to change the Grand Canyon area from being semi-arid. The uplift of the Colorado Plateau is uneven, and the north-south trending Kaibab Plateau that Grand Canyon bisects is over a thousand feet higher at the North Rim than at the South Rim.

Sunset below Horseshoe Mesa imaged by Colonelpyat.

During prehistory, the area was inhabited by Native Americans who built settlements within the canyon and its caves. The Pueblo people considered the Grand Canyon ("Ongtupqa" in Hopi language) a holy site.

The first European known to have viewed the Grand Canyon was García López de Cárdenas from Spain, who arrived in 1540. In 1869, Major John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran with a thirst for science and adventure, made the first recorded journey through the canyon on the Colorado River. He accomplished this trek with nine men in four small wooden boats, though only six men completed the journey. Powell referred to the sedimentary rock units exposed in the canyon as "leaves in a great story book".

For additional information on the Grand Canyon's geography, geology, history, etc, visit the Wikipedia entry (from where most of the above was obtained):

o Wikipedia Grand Canyon entry
Lots of background information about the geography, geology, history, etc of the Grand Canyon.

Getting There

South Rim

Both Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail are located at the South Rim. To get to the South Rim, drive US 180 northwest from Flagstaff and turn right at AZ 64, which goes through the town of Tusayan and directly into Grand Canyon National Park. You can also approach the South Rim from US 89 by turning east on AZ 64 near Cameron. This takes you to Desert View, and then you drive 20 miles along the Rim to get to Grand Canyon Village.

Region map courtesy of NPS.

The Bright Angel trailhead is located next to the Bright Angel Lodge in the village. There's ample parking, but you'll have to compete for these spots with the many tourists. The South Kaibab trailhead is only accessible via free shuttle bus (daylight hours only) or taxi. You can catch the bus to this trailhead from the visitor center located across the street from Mather Point, or take a bus to Mather Point from Grand Canyon Village and change buses there. A 24-hour taxi service is available by calling (928) 638-2631.

North Rim

North Rim is accessible from Alt US 89 by turning south on AZ 67 near Jacob Lake. The North Kaibab trailhead is located about 1.5 miles from the lodge at the North Rim. There's a parking lot at the trailhead. You may also take a shuttle from the Grand Canyon Lodge at 4:15 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. for a fee of $7 (first hiker in party) or $4 (each additional hiker in a party). Once the Arizona Department of Transportation closes Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake to vehicle traffic for the winter season, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park also closes to vehicle traffic. The gate at Jacob Lake is closed and locked and the gate at the North Rim entrance station is closed and locked. Hiking in (including snowshoeing and skiing) are permitted at this time.

Tuweep

Tuweep (also know as Toroweap) is in a remote region of Grand Canyon National Park. It is open year-round, and is especially suited for those seeking solitude. Because of this, anyone traveling to it should be prepared for self-sufficiency. The sometimes graded, often dirt roads to it are suitable for most vehicles, though RVs, trailers and low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. Travelers should carry tools; a spare tire; and extra food, water and gas. Travel after rainfall and snowfall may be difficult to impossible. Tuweep can be reached from AZ 389 near Fredonia or Colorado City, AZ, or from St. George, UT. The NPS cautions that road signs in this area may be incorrect or misplaced.

   o Sunshine Route (Also called Mount Trumbull Road and BLM road #109), the primary access route, leaves Highway 389 about seven miles west of Fredonia. It is 61 miles long and is the most reliable route, but is subject to washboarding and dust.

   o Clayhole Road (Also called BLM Road #5) leaves Highway 389 at Colorado City. It is about 60 miles long, but may be impassable when wet.

   o Main Street Route (BLM Roads #1069 and #5) from St. George is about 90 miles long and is the most scenic route. It may be impassable in winter due to snow on the slopes of Mt. Trumbull. This route is not marked on the adjacent NPS map.

Red Tape

An entrance fee of $25.00 per private vehicle is charged to the national park (except at Tuweep, which has no entry fee). It covers all persons in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle and is valid for seven calendar days on both rims. The entry fee for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, motor scooters, or mopeds is $12.00 per person. Various passes are also accepted for entrance to the park.

Ribbon Falls imaged by Bbbeans.

It seems that the park rangers' (bless their souls) mission in life is to deter people from attempting to go to the river and back in one day. You'll likely get an earful if you encounter one along the way. They won't stop you, but they will give you some grief.

All backcountry, overnight activities require a permit (including Tuweep). These activities include overnight hiking, horseback riding and cross-country ski trips; off-river overnight hikes by river trip members; overnight camping at rim sites other than developed campgrounds; and overnight camping on the North Rim during the winter season. There is a non-refundable fee of $10 per permit plus $5 per person per night camped below the rim and $5 per group per night camped above the rim. Frequent users may wish to purchase a one-year Frequent Hiker membership for $25 that waives the initial $10 fee for each permit obtained by the trip leader for twelve months from the date of purchase.

   o NPS Backcountry Permits page
       Information for anyone who will require a backcountry permit for the Grand Canyon. Explains the procedures and priorities for obtaining a permit. ESSENTIAL READING!

   o NPS Backcountry Permit Request Form
       A .pdf version of the NPS Backcountry Permit Request that can be filled out online, then printed.

Remember if you choose to use the South Kaibab Trailhead, it is only accessible via the free shuttle bus. They run about every ten to fifteen minutes, from just before sunrise to just past sunset. Tickets are not required; you're free to board and exit the shuttles as suits your needs.

Lodging and Camping

Lodges

Lodges at the Grand Canyon are often full, so reserve early (as much as six months in advance).

o South Rim. There are seven lodges within the national park on the South Rim, as well as a plethora of commercial facilities outside the park. Within the park, prices range from $52 to $322 per night. Reservations for South Rim lodges are handled by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. You can learn more about each one by calling (888) 297-2757, or by visiting their website at Grandcanyonlodges.com.

o North Rim. There is one lodge within the national park on the North Rim, and seasonal commercial facilities outside the park at about 77 miles or more away. Reservations within the park are handled by Forever Resorts. You can learn more and make reservations by calling (877) 386-4383, or by visiting their website at Foreverlodging.com.

Phantom Ranch imaged by Alan Ellis.

o Phantom Ranch. Phantom Ranch provides lodging for overnight hikers within the canyon. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at its dormitories or cabins. Reservations for meals and lodging are required, and may be made by calling (888) 297-2757. You can also make reservations online by visiting the Xanterra Parks and Resorts website at Grandcanyonlodges.com.

Front Country Camping

Camping is readily available, but strictly controlled. Most rim campgrounds require reservations, but they are usually open with a few days' notice. However, they can still be full around major holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Inside the park there are four front country campgrounds:

   o Mather Campground has 319 tent and RV sites centrally located in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. It is always busy because of its modern amenities, including shower and laundry facilities. Fees are $18 per night per site, or $15 during the winter (reservations not accepted during the winter).

   o Desert View Campground, near the east entrance to the park's South Rim, provides 50 "dry" campsites for tents or smaller RVs. Fees are $12 per night per site, and reservations are not accepted. It is open from May to October.

   o Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village provides 78 sites with full hook-ups. It is operated by Xanterra Parks, so reservations are made by calling (888) 297-2757; or (928) 638-2631 for same-day reservations.

   o North Rim Campground provides 83 "dry" campsites for tents and RVs from mid-May to mid-October. The fees are $18-25. A limited number of campsites are kept open on a first-come, first-served basis once AZ 67 is closed. Group campsites may be used during the winter by hikers and skiers with a valid backcountry permit.

   o Tuweep provides ten first-come, first-serve, primitive campsites, including one group campsite. The group site may be reserved by calling (928) 638-7870. There is no fee to camp at Tuweep Campground. Picnic tables, fire grates, and composting toilets are provided, but no electricity or water is available. Firewood must be brought in.

For those campgrounds that accept reservations, either call (877) 444-6777, or visit online at Recreation.gov. For further information on camping within the park, visit:

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Campgrounds - South Rim

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Campgrounds - North Rim

There are also a bevy of campgrounds and open forest (where camping "at large" is permitted) outside the National Park near Tusayan (South Rim) and Jacob Lake (North Rim).

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry permits are required to stay overnight in the canyon (except at Phantom Ranch--See Lodges section above). Campgrounds in the backcountry require reservations and are often booked months in advance. One can day hike to avoid the hassle. However, one might get lucky with reservations if someone cancels at the last minute or lets their reservation expire. So check with the backcountry office if you are interested in staying overnight inside the canyon. Based on the usage zones (see Hiking section below), the following inner canyon campsites are available:

   o Corridor Zone. Indian Garden, Bright Angel and Cottonwood are Corridor Zone campsites.

   o Threshold Zone. Hermit Creek, Hermit Rapids, Monument Creek, Granite Rapids, Cedar Spring, Salt Creek, Horn Creek, Horseshoe Mesa, Clear Creek, Widforss, Point Sublime and Fremita Mesa are Threshold Zone campsites.

   o Primitive Zone. Hance Creek, Cotton Creek, Grapevine, Cremation, Boucher, Walhalla Plateau, Ken Patrick, Robbers Roost, Outlet and Swamp Ridge are Primitive Zone campsites.

   o Wild Zone. Vishnu, Cheyava, Greenland Springs, Phantom Creek, Trinity Creek, Scorpion Ridge and Thomas Canyon are Wild Zone campsites.

The Primitive and Wild Zones are not recommended for use during summer months due to extreme high temperatures and the lack of reliable water sources.

For further information on backcountry campsites, visit the NPS website at:

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Backcountry Campsite Information ESSENTIAL READING!

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Backcountry Map

During the winter season (approximately late October through mid-May), a backcountry permit is required for overnight use of the North Rim from the park's northern boundary to Bright Angel Point on the canyon rim. Winter access is by hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Permit holders are allowed to camp at-large between the park's north boundary and the North Kaibab trailhead (but not at the trailhead itself). Between the North Kaibab trailhead and the Bright Angel Point area, camping is permitted only at the North Rim Campground group campsite.

Image by William Marler.

When To Hike

Hiking is open year-round. Summers are often pleasant for the rim walks, especially on the North Rim, but for the lower elevations it is the worst and hardest time to visit.

If you spend much time at the bottom or lower elevations (say the Tonto Trail, Beamer Trail or Escalante Route for example) or the off trail low altitude routes, then for the North Rim early to mid-October is usually best, and for the South Rim March-mid April and late October-November are best. Most backpackers are only near the cooler rim for a short time and spend most of the time in the canyon.

May or even early October is pretty hot and, once you are away from the Corridor trails, lack of water is a pretty serious problem on many routes and can be deadly. Keep in mind that temperatures are taken in the shade and there is little shade in the exposed parts of the canyon. On routes in which water is fairly scarce (which are countless ones), even May can be deadly; several have died of heat and dehydration even in April and May.

Once in the Western Grand Canyon we (Scott Patterson and crew) were hot and nearly ran out of water in temperatures in the upper 80's because we sweated so much and shade was so lacking. It was late November. I've been at Phantom Ranch in October when it was roasting, but luckily there is much water around to soak in. For many years I have visited the canyon on Thanksgiving and the majority of the time it has been perfect for hiking in the bottom of the canyon, though the rim can be quite cold.

Near the Hance Rapids imaged by Clydascope.

If you go into the canyon during the summer, make sure you are prepared to hike in high temperatures, and take lots of water and salty foods. Winter travel may require snowshoes or skis on the rim trails, and always to reach the North Rim. The NPS may recommend using instep crampons, devices such as Yak Trax on some icy trails in winters, or may recommend against hiking certain trails altogether.

The main North Rim access road closes during the winter (this does not affect access to places such as Tuweep or Marble Canyon). During this time, hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers are allowed to enter. The NPS unlocks the entrance station gate for public vehicle access once the North Rim visitor facilities usually open up for the season May 15 and close November 1, but sometimes it varies from year to year.

o Grand Canyon National Park - Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions

Weather

Weather in the Grand Canyon can be dramatically different between the rim and the depths of the canyon. It is possible to experience a 40° F temperature difference between the top and the bottom. It is said that hiking from the North Rim to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is equivalent to hiking from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Because of this, if you're planning a hike to the bottom, use the first link below with a certain grain of salt (and take plenty of water!):

   o National Weather Service forecast for Grand Canyon Village
       Detailed, five day weather forecast for Grand Canyon Village. Includes current conditions for Grand Canyon National Park airport.

   o Grand Canyon National Park Climate Summary
       SP's Scott provides a detailed fact sheet with weather and climate data for North Rim, South Rim, Phantom Ranch/Inner Canyon, Supai, Tuweep/Toroweap and Lees Ferry. ESSENTIAL READING!

There are several weather dangers to be particularly wary of. Lightning has been known to strike 10-miles across the canyon, reaching into the depths of the canyon itself. Being on the canyon floor does not provide protection. Rock falls may occur after heavy rains. Exercise caution when hiking through potential rock fall areas, especially after heavy rainfall. Flash floods may be caused by storms many miles away. Be aware of your surroundings, and keep possible escape routes in mind.

Hiking

"... a descent into the Canyon is essential for a proper estimate of its details, and one can never realize the enormity of certain valleys, till he has crawled like a maimed insect at their base and looked thence upward to the narrowed sky."

– John Stoddard in 1898

Canyon hiking is quite different than the typical peak bagging hike - you go down first. This seemingly simple fact causes thousands of ill-prepared tourists to get into serious trouble. You really have to know your capabilities and limits before attempting a hike into and out of the canyon. The weather differences can also be extreme from top to bottom. Visitors at the 70° F rims often underestimate the desert climate at the bottom where temperatures can reach 110°+ F in the summer. The keys to hiking the canyon successfully are knowledge and preparation!

The hikes are divided into day hikes and overnight hikes. This is somewhat arbitrary, because what may be a suitable day hike for one strong hiker, may be more appropriately an overnight hiking destination for another less experienced person. Know your limits!

Day Hikes

Day hikes are described in terms of roundtrip distance. Links are provided to the SP route page (if there is one), or the NPS description page (again, if there is one). The NPS considers these to be relatively benign day hikes with suitable amenities for typical Grand Canyon visitors. This doesn't mean some aren't quite strenuous, however.

Switchbacks on the South Kaibab Trail. Imaged by Hulio.

South Rim

Rim Trail - The Rim Trail extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. Begin from any viewpoint in the village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking and quiet views of the inner canyon for visitors who desire an easy hike.

Bright Angel Trail - The Bright Angel Trail begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles (round trip). Some shade. Seasonal water subject to pipeline breaks. Check at the Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center for water status.

South Kaibab Trail - The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). Offers day hikes that range in distance up to 6 miles (round trip). Best views for a relatively short hike. Steep trail, no water, little shade. Water available at trailhead.

Hermit Trail - The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles (round trip), and Dripping Springs, 7 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Unmaintained steep trail requires caution. Begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. Water from springs must be treated before drinking.

Grandview Trail - The Grandview Trail offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles (round trip), and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles (round trip). Trail conditions are steeper and tougher than the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails. Unmaintained trail requires caution. Begins on canyon side of retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of village).

North Rim

Transept Trail - The Transept Trail is 3.0 miles (round-trip). It follows the canyon rim from Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Rim Campground.

Uncle Jim Trail - The Uncle Jim Trail is 5.0 miles (round-trip). It winds through the forest to a point overlooking the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. Begins at the North Kaibab Trail parking lot. This trail is also used by mules.

North Kaibab Trail - Distance and hiking times vary. This is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. Even a short hike to Coconino Overlook (1.5 miles round-trip) or Supai Tunnel (4 miles round-trip) can give you an appreciation for the canyon's rich natural beauty and immense size. A hike to Roaring Springs and back is extremely strenuous and takes a full day (7-8 hours) - begin your hike before 7 a.m. Roaring Springs lies 3050 feet /930 m below the canyon rim and is 9.4 miles (round-trip). The NPS does not recommend a day hike past Roaring Springs. This trail is also used by mules.

Widforss Trail - The Widforss Trail offers a 10 mile (round-trip) hike into blended forest and canyon scenery. Even a short walk can be very satisfying. Take the dirt road 1/4-mile south of Cape Royal Road for 1 mile to the Widforss Trail parking area.

Ken Patrick Trail - The Ken Patrick Trail is a 10 mile (roundtrip) hike. It winds through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to the North Kaibab Trail parking area.

Cape Final Trail - The Cape Final Trail is a 4.0 mile (round-trip) walk from the dirt parking area to Cape Final. This trail offers a view of the canyon.

Cliff Springs Trail - The Cliff Springs Trail is a 1.0 mile (roundtrip) meander down a forested ravine, ending where a chest-high boulder rests under a large overhang. The spring is on the cliff side of the boulder. The water may be contaminated, so the NPS recommends to not drink it. Trail begins directly across the road from a small pullout on a curve 0.3 miles down the road from Cape Royal.

Point Imperial Trail - The Point Imperial Trail is a 4.0 mile (roundtrip) hike. This easy trail passes through areas burned by the 2000 Outlet Fire and ends at the north park boundary. From there, connections are possible to the Nankoweap Trail and U.S. Forest Service roads.

Tuckup Trail -- The Tuckup Trail is reached by a four-wheel drive road that branches off the main approach road to Tuweep. To get there start at Toroweap Road (BLM 109). Drive 32 miles, as if heading to Tuweep, looking for an unsigned "road" on the left. After about a half-mile you will drive past a corral and "June Tank". Continue on the main road for 16 miles, ignoring intersections. You will pass the park boundary just prior to Hancock Knolls. On the southern side of Hancock Knolls, the road veers east, ending in a small parking area. You should find a backcountry kiosk for Tuckup Trail. The trail itself runs for about 60-miles, with many sidetrails. From the trailhead, it is a 6.2-mile (roundtrip), mostly flat hike to Tuckup Canyon. There are few water sources. During the trip you will pass some of the most magnificent pictographs in the Grand Canyon. They were discovered by mule wrangler and guide, Gordon Smith in 1986, and are often called Gordon's Panel.

Lava Falls Trail - The Lava Falls Trail is a 3.0-mile (roundtrip), 2,540-foot descent to the Colorado River. It starts below the western side of Vulcans Throne, and drops down a steep, unstable slope to the Colorado River. The NPS describes it as "not a trail, but a cairned route down loose scree." It ends near Lava Falls Rapids, which is considered to be the most difficult stretch to paddle in the Grand Canyon (in the not too distant past, it was considered unrunnable).

Lava Falls Rapids imaged by Tanya.

Jackass Canyon - Jackass Canyon is a slot canyon in the northern part of the Grand Canyon in Marble Canyon. Most people who hike this route are fisherman looking for an easy way to the Colorado River. While the route ends in the national park, much of the route is on the Navajo Reservation. You may obtain a special permit to hike it in Cameron on Highway 89, or by calling (928) 679-2303.

Overnight Hikes

The overnight hikes are described in terms of one-way distance, the assumption being that the traveler will use these to form a loop that returns him to his parked vehicle. An existing SP route page is linked--refer to it for further details on that trail.

The overnight hiker should also be aware that the NPS has divided the Grand Canyon into usage zones. These zones are helpful for planning a visit based on experience of the hiker. Campsites can be selected to support a desired level of hiking challenge (see Backcountry Camping above). The usage zones are:

   o Corridor Zone. Recommended for hikers without previous experience at Grand Canyon. Maintained trails. Purified water stations. Paved roads to trailheads. Toilets, signs, emergency phones, and ranger stations.

   o Threshold Zone. Recommended for experienced Grand Canyon hikers. Non-maintained trails. Scarce water sources. Dirt roads to trailheads. Pit toilets.

   o Primitive Zone. Recommended for highly experienced Grand Canyon hikers with proven route-finding ability. Non-maintained trails and routes. 4-wheel-drive roads to trailheads. Occasional signs. No other developments.

Elves Chasm imaged by SirT.

o Wild Zone. Recommended for highly experienced Grand Canyon hikers with extensive route finding ability. Indistinct to non-existent routes require advanced route finding ability. Water sources scarce to non-existent. No other development.

Those words of caution said, hiking the canyon overnight is one of the most personally rewarding experiences one can have, and comes highly recommended to any avid hiker. The three main trails (South Kabib, North Kabib and Bright Angel) form a "Y" with Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River at their junction. Overnight hiking opportunities abound, including:

South Kaibab. The South Kabib Trail runs 6.3-miles from the rim (at 7,200-feet) to the river (2,400-feet). It is the fastest way from the South Rim to the river. There are no water stations along the way, so many folks use this trail for descents only. There are two restrooms evenly spaced along the trail. Near the river, you'll go through a tunnel and a bridge. You can continue on to Phantom Ranch, head back up, or traverse a mile along the river to get to the Bright Angel Trail.

North Kabib. The North Kabib Trail runs 14.6 miles from rim (at 8,255-feet) to the river (at 2,400-feet). The trail is in good condition. Water is available along the trail at Supai Tunnel and Roaring Springs. The stretch from there to Phantom Ranch (next water source) is 8.5 miles. The North Kaibab is longer and more strenuous than the South Rim trails since it climbs over 1,000 feet higher. It's also less traveled for that reason, so you'll enjoy more solitude.

Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail runs 7.9-miles from rim (at 6,785-feet) to the river (at 2400-feet). If you choose to go to Phantom Ranch, it's an additional 1.7-miles. The trail is in good condition, but watch out for mules and their droppings. This is the more scenic trail on the South Rim. There are water stations every 1.5 miles between the rim and Indian Garden (exactly halfway between top and bottom). There are no water stations after Indian Garden until you near Phantom Ranch. There is a stream running more or less along the trail from Indian Garden to the river, but do not drink the water. It's very useful for wetting your shirt to keep you cool during the summer though.

New Hance Trail. The New Hance Trail is known as one of the most difficult trails in the Grand Canyon. It has a bad reputation as being very steep and difficult. Because of this, it is also one of the least used trails on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s still a beautiful trail and worth doing. It is only seven miles to the Colorado River, making it the second shortest trail to that destination on the South Rim. There are several scrambling sections along the trail.

Royal Arch Loop. The Royal Arch Loop is an epic backpacking/canyoneering trip in the Grand Canyon, and the only loop in the canyon. Once you arrive at the river it is a one way trip, because it involves a 20-foot rappel a few days in. This trip involves some strenuous work and some serious pathfinding. Poor map reading can leave you in some precarious situations in sweltering heat with no water and a lot of stress. Finding water is challenging, though not impossible. While the trip as a whole is an absolutely magnificent way of seeing the grand canyon (you may not see another hiker the entire time!), two particular highlights are the natural Royal Arch and Elves Chasm.

There are many possible combinations of hikes along these trails. The most popular overnight hikes include:

Hike Description (increasing difficulty)	Distance	Elevation
Bright Angel to Indian Garden to Plateau Point and back	12.2 miles	3,015 feet
South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch to Bright Angel	14.2 miles	4,800 feet
Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch and back	19.2 miles	4,385 feet
North Rim to South Rim (Bright Angel end)	23.4 miles	4,385 feet
South Rim to North Rim (South Kaibab start)	20.9 miles	5,855 feet
North Rim to Phantom Ranch and back	27.6 miles	5,709 feet
The ultimate Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim challenge (VERY advanced)	44.3 miles	10,240 feet

For additional information on hiking the Grand Canyon, be sure to read the Hiking Frequently Asked Questions on the NPS website:

o Grand Canyon - Hiking FAQs Page ESSENTIAL READING!

Climbing in the Grand Canyon

Climbing in the Grand Canyon. Imaged by Brutus of Wyde.

For rock climbing enthusiasts, there are many peaks and buttes to conquer in the Grand Canyon. One of these is currently documented on SP:

Zoroaster Temple - Northeast Arête. Zoroaster Temple has has been climbed in under 24 hours South Rim to South Rim. But with over 30 miles and more than 10,000-feet of elevation gained and lost, plus the inevitable temperature extremes of the canyon, most parties will need 3-4 days. The approach involves some class 4 scrambling with exposure. The most difficult part of the actual climb is a short 5.8 pitch.

Here are two links that may help you to find beta on other climbs:

   o Yahoo! Grand Canyon climbing forum
       A forum for discussing climbs in the Grand Canyon. Posts include current or future access, pro and route ethics, publications, trip reports, summit logs, photos and links.

   o Arizonas Vertical Web
       A listing of remote, backcountry climbs in Grand Canyon National Park. Includes the 69 climbs from the book Grand Canyon Summits Select (which is out-of-print), as well as 13 additional summits. There is a modest fee to use this commercial website.

External Links

   o NPS Grand Canyon National Park home page.
       From here you can get to most information on the Grand Canyon.

   o Wikipedia Grand Canyon entry
       Lots of background information about the geography, geology, history, etc of the Grand Canyon.

   o Grand Canyon Day Hiking
       Information on various day hikes in the Grand Canyon, along with the admonition to not attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day.

   o Grand Canyon Backcountry Hiking
       Info on backcountry hiking in the Grand Canyon, and how to obtain permits.

   o Grandcanyonlodges.com (South Rim)
       Xanterra Parks and Resorts website provides info and reservation system for South Rim lodges.

   o Foreverlodging.com (North Rim)
       Forever Resorts website provides info and reservation system for the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim.

   o Grand Canyon Lodges (Phantom Ranch)
       Xanterra Parks and Resorts website provides info and reservation system for Phantom Ranch.

   o Recreation.gov Reservation System
       Online reservation system for campgrounds at the Grand Canyon.

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Backcountry Campsite Information
       Extensive information on the campsites that are available in the Grand Canyon backcountry.

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Backcountry Map
       A map showing the locations, usage zones and additional information about backcountry campsites.

   o Grand Canyon National Park - Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions
       NPS page with the latest information on backcountry and trail conditions in Grand Canyon National Par.

   o Grand Canyon Explorer
       A favorite Grand Canyon website with a wealth of information, trip reports, maps, photos, and more.

   o Grand Canyon climbers forum
       A forum for discussing climbs in the Grand Canyon. Posts include current or future access, pro and route ethics, publications, trip reports, summit logs, photos and links.

   o Arizonas Vertical Web website
       A listing of remote, backcountry climbs in Grand Canyon National Park. Includes the 69 climbs from the book Grand Canyon Summits Select (which is out-of-print), as well as 13 additional summits. There is a modest fee to use this commercial website.

   o Zeitcam.com
       Time-lapse movie of the Grand Canyon webcam.

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