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The first thing to know about hiking in the Grand Canyon is that there is no easy trail. In order to complete the entire length of the majority of the trails requires at least one overnight stay in the base of the canyon. It is important to note that the temperature goes up several degrees each 1,000 feet you descend into the canyon, sometimes as much as twenty or more degrees difference between the rim and the floor. The visitor center in the park has a great deal of information about the length of each trail and recommended equipment and food and water to take with you on each trail. For your own safety be sure to follow these guidelines. Also be sure that if you are staying overnight inside canyon itself that you obtain the proper permits from the rangers. There are trails along the North Rim and the South Rim, this guide will cover the more popular trails along the South Rim.

The only trail that would be recommended for beginners isn't really in that canyon so much as it as along the ridge of the canyon. The Rim trail is approximately 13 miles long and has a near constant elevation. There are parts of the trail that are paved, and some that are dirt though much of the trail follows very close to the edge. For those who don't want to hike the entire length of the trail or with children your park entrance fee allows you to use the bus system that stops at various points along the trail. Approximately every 15-30 minutes during the busy season a bus will come by that you can get on or off at any of several points along the trail. Each of these points gives a different beautiful view of the canyon. On a good clear day you can see for many miles across the canyon, though it is important to note that weather can drastically affect the distance. There are also signs along this trail that allow you to dial a phone number to receive audio tours through your cell phone of what you can expect to be looking at on a clear day.

The Hermit Trail is 17 miles round-trip and has an elevation change of over 4,000 feet. This trail is not usually well maintained and like many of these trails is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. The shuttle system will take you to Hermits Rest where the trailhead is located.

The South Kaibab trail is 12.6 miles round-trip and has an elevation change of 5,000 feet between its highest and lowest points. This trail will take you to the Kaibab Suspension Bridge on the way to Phantom Ranch. The free shuttle system can take you to the entrance point for this trail.

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the better maintained trails in the canyon and is 19 miles round trip descending a total of 4,400 feet. The entrance for this trail is near the Bright Angel Lodge where some last minute supplies can be bought for the hike.

The Grandview Trail is a 6 mile round-trip trail that descends 2,600 feet and is extremely steep. It can be completed in one day but only by experienced hikers able to maintain a steady pace despite the elevation changes.

Any of the longer trails can be seen in a day if the entire length is not completed, usually by turning around at the midpoint of each trail; however you are likely to miss some of the better land marks farther into the canyon. If planning to only do part of the trail be sure to allow more time for the return trip that the descent as going up the canyon can easily take twice as long as going down. Be sure to prepare properly with food and water so as not to be caught on the canyon floor with inadequate supplies if not able to return when expected.

Learn more about this author, Mark Disessa.
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