How to Plan a Visit to the Grand Canyon

A guide to planning a trip to the North or South Rims of the Grand Canyon.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• very little, but internet access can be helpful.

1. 
    

   First, know when you want to go. When you will go is the starting point for planning this trip. May through September are the busy season for the Park but planning a winter visit has its own rewards. Note that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open all year but the North Rim is only open May-15 to Mid-October. The North Rim receives only a small fraction of Grand Canyon visitors so if you would like a more personal visit the North Rim may be for you.

2. Make reservations: You might be surprised to find that the hotels on the rim can be booked months in advance during the warmer months but don't worry, just plan ahead.

3. No permit is required for day hiking.
   
   Backcountry (overnight) hiking permits are available but you must plan five months in advance since the Park Service opens (for example) the entire month of May for permit applications on January 1st. Note that backcountry hiking in the grand canyon is very difficult and I recommend , for your first backcountry trip, considering going with someone who has done it before. Water sources within the Canyon are unreliable and the heat can be deadly.

4. If you wish to stay at Phantom Ranch (the lodge at the bottom of the Canyon) you will need to either plan two years ahead or get lucky with a cancellation since the lodge accepts reservations 22 months ahead and it books up quickly and solidly. There are mens and womens dormitories, and cabins for those seeking more privacy. Dinner and breakfast are served at the lodge BY RESERVATION ONLY - make meal reservations when you make lodging reservations.

5. It is possible to arrange your trip with a mule ride to and from the ranch if you cannot or wish not to hike it. The last time I checked the weight limit for riders is VERY strict at 200 pounds, each rider must also be at least 4'7" tall regardless of riding experience and speak and understand English well.

6. There are also several single day mule trips available, check with Xanterra parks and resorts for details regarding those trips and for reservations at hotels on the South Rim or at Phantom Ranch (888-297-2757 if calling from within the US, 303-297-2757 if calling from outside the US, or email [e-mail]).

7. The Xanterra website is http://www.xanterra.com/destinations-25.html
   
   Note that the National Park Service licenses concessioners (like Xanterra) under contracts to provide and manage services at the park for a period of time; when contracts are to be renewed the authorized concessioner(s) may change. Xanterra is currently an authorized concessioner for the South Rim and Forever Lodges is the current Authorized concessioner for the North Rim (877-386-4383 and their website http://www.grandcanyonlodgenorth.com/)

8. If you wish to hike into the Canyon remember that it will take twice as long to get out as it took to get in, bring water, snacks, and try not to attempt too much for your fitness level. Once you step down that trail you are not in town any more - you are in the wilderness and should use all due caution.

Tips & Warnings

• As I stated before, if you are going down a trail into the Canyon be sure to bring snacks (salty and/or easily digested snacks are often best) and plenty of water!
• Note that for overnight backcountry hikes you will need a permit, supply of water, food , a backpack, etc.
• Warning: if you require rescue from the inner canyon there is every possibility you will be billed for the service whether you are taken out by helicopter, mule, or hand carried. There is never any guarantee that there will be a helicopter or even a mule available to help during your emergency so try not to have one!
• over the years many people have died during their trip to the Grand Canyon so use caution and respect your limitations.

[roanna]

on 7/16/2009 Thanks for the tips!