by Trent Lorcher

Created on: July 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

After driving six hours to see the Grand Canyon, Bob and Steve hopped out of their vehicle and ran to the South Rim trail, where along with 2,300 other tourists, they saw a breathtaking, panoramic view of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. After staring for five minutes, they looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders, and asked, Now, what?

A little planning by Bob and Steve would have alerted them that there's more to the Grand Canyon than staring at a giant, colorful hole. Bob decided they should head to the North Rim, it being only 10 miles away, not realizing it's a five-hour drive around the canyon. Halfway there, Bob locked the keys in his car . He and Steve went searching for a locksmith. The park rangers are still searching for them.

If the park rangers find them, they'll probably lecture the two on the importance of water and planning. They might, if the two are conscious, let them know about all the options for enjoying the grandeur of America's most popular national park.

CAMPING

One of the more popular ways of experiencing the Grand Canyon is to camp. Make your reservations early and stay at one of the park's five campgrounds or at one of many campgrounds just outside the park.

Campgrounds on or near the South Rim are open year-round. The least crowded time for camping is between November and February - for a reason. It's cold. For those spur of the moment campers, the Desert View site is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but is usually full by early afternoon each day during the summer.

North Rim campsites are available from mid-May to mid-October. The North Rim, being less developed than the South Rim, caters to wilderness seekers and outdoor types. For example, if climbing stairs often leads to vomiting, immediate leg soreness, or heart attacks, stick to the South Rim.

BACK-COUNTRY CAMPING

Those whose childhood heroes were Grizzly Adams, the local Boy Scout troop leader, or Sasquatch may find back-country camping enjoyable. Back Country Camping refers to camping below the rim or in undeveloped areas of the park. It requires a permit. The permit must be carried at all times and posted in an obvious location at the campsite. Permits should be requested well in advance. Walk-ins, however, are granted permits in case of cancellations.

Back-country camping, overnight hiking, and other activities in the canyon come with risk. Bring water. Know where you're going. Plan ahead.

HIKING

In addition to back-country hikes, day hikes

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