How to Plan a Grand Canyon backcountry hike

If you have never walked inside the Grand Canyon (and few people ever do) and have a stalwart heart and some experience hiking you may enjoy a trip inside the Grand Canyon.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• plenty of Water - It's pretty dry in there.
• Food,
• Shelter and a permit if you will be staying overnight

1. 

   First you will need to decide whether you will be staying overnight or simply day hiking. Day hiking can be fun and no permit is required for day trips. If you intend to spend one or more Nights in the canyon you will need a permit.

2. 

   Permits are not expensive but they can be hard to get. If your aren't picky about your trail it's easier but your first time you should be sure to pick a route that is not too remote.

3. 

   Go to http://www.nps.gov/grca/ and look for the backcountry office. Or just call the Backcountry Information Center at 928-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and they will be able to answer your questions and /or send you a backcountry trip planning packet.

4. 

   Try faxing your application early on the first day of the month when you trip date "opens" - your odds are much improved. Note that the permits are accepted 5 months in advance with (for example) the entire month of May "opening" on January first.

5. 

   Be aware that all trails within the Grand Canyon may be considered far from help once you've gone a short way down them. Try not to have emergencies as they cost YOU money and are not guaranteed by any means!

6. 

   If you plan to go I recommend the book 'Hiking the Grand Canyon' by John Annerino (ISBN:1578051509) it is a thorough and well researched book written by an experienced canyoneer. I've read a lot of books on this subject and his is for my purposes the most clear, complete, and concise.

7. 

   If you go in the hotter months be aware that heat stroke and hyponatremia (water intoxication) are real threats. Take plenty of water (5 liters at minumum and a larger capacity is not out of line!) and get wet whenever you can - soak that hat/shirt/etc. You can become seriously ill from overheating (heat stroke) and drinking a lot of water without any salty snacks or electrolytic drinks can cause the potentially deadly condition of water intoxication.

Tips & Warnings

• Water in the backcountry should be treated before consumption as it is not likely to be truly safe to drink.
• Enjoy the shade when you can and consider getting out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
• Eat salty snack and use some nice tasty electrolyte mix to flavor you water - you might drink more (recommended) and it will help you stay in good condition.
• No I don't know John Annerino :)
• This is just not for everyone - Please know your limitations and make sure to do the research before you hit the trail!
• It takes twice as long to get out as it took to get in!

[desertpearl]

on 1/28/2009 Published last year, "Hikernut's Grand Canyon Companion" is an excellent, award-winning guidebook for first-time Canyon explorers hiking Bright Angel and Kaibab Trails.