How to Hike the Grand Canyon - Top to Bottom and Back
The Grand Canyon was carved into the Arizona desert many years ago and can be up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep in areas. Several trails are available for visitors to hike along the rim of the canyon and even down into its depths. However, if you wish to follow some of these trails to the very end, you will need to spend a night at one of the campgrounds located at the bottom of the canyon.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase a permit from the National Park Service. Hiking to the bottom and back requires an overnight stay so you need a permit. This permit should be requested at least four months prior to your trip to ensure it arrives in time. Include required information, such as your name and address, credit card number, size of group, car license plate number and proposed itinerary.
-
2
Pay the fee required for your permit. As of 2011, the fee is $10 for the permit plus $5 per person per night camping in the canyon.
-
-
3
Pace yourself when you begin your hike to ensure that you do not become fatigued too quickly. The hike to the bottom can take a full day.
-
4
Drink plenty of water as you hike. Many areas of the Grand Canyon trails are not shaded and the desert sun can dehydrate you quickly. Always make sure you have plenty of water, refilling your bottles at each opportunity along the way.
-
5
Eat energy-rich foods and snacks throughout the trip to keep your energy levels high.
-
6
Stop often to rest. The campground is at the bottom of the canyon, and you are expected to camp there for the night.
-
7
Rest well when you do reach the bottom. Some hikers spend an additional day at the bottom of the canyon to explore before returning to the top. Remember that it takes at least 14 hours to reach the top.
-
8
Pack up everything you brought with you into the canyon, including any trash. Leave the canyon just as you found it for others to enjoy after you.
-
9
Refill all of your water containers before you begin your hike back to the top of the canyon. You will need it on your way back up.
-
10
Take it slowly back up to the top, resting often. The hike to the top is more strenuous than the hike down. Pace yourself so you are comfortable. Focus on maintaining energy levels rather than reaching the surface at a specified time.
-
11
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and eat energy-producing snacks often to keep your energy sufficient for the hike.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Hiking in the spring and fall provide the best hiking conditions, especially for novice hikers.
Stick as closely as possible to your itinerary on file with the National Park Service. If anything happens, rescuers will rely on your itinerary to help find you.
References
- Photo Credit Andy Sotiriou/Photodisc/Getty Images
