views
hiking
no dogs
walking
nature trips
trail running
wild flowers
birding
backpacking
wildlife
camping
river
kid friendly
forest
dogs on leash
waterfall
beach
wheelchair friendly
Grand Canyon National Park pretty much speaks for itself; anyone who has been there will know this. For those yet to go, the Grand Canyon will consistently make your jaw drop even for seasoned veterans of the park. It is no wonder it is one of the country's most popular National Parks. With limited time, you can drive along the rim (Most people visit the South Rim, as it is more accessible from many other destinations and has more of the park's highlights). If you are feeling the need to get some exercise, walk along the Rim Trail as long as you want before turning around or taking one of the man free shuttles back to the lodge or the restaurant overlooking the vast canyon. The best way to appreciate the canyon is from the bottom, usually with a trip to the Bright Angel campground along the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel trail. DO NOT attempt a trip to the bottom and back in 1 day. Temperatures at the bottom can reach 110 degrees in the middle of the day, many people suffer from dehydration and heat stroke due to the dry climate. If attempting this (at least 2-day) hike, start very early in the morning to avoid the heat (do not hike between 10 and 2); By starting very early, you also get the added bonus of seeing the sunrise over the canyon walls, which will bring out some of the reddest rock you have ever seen. With more time to spare, there are several Native American reservations with tourist information, as well as several museums and ranger talks about the formation of this immense canyon, the history of its first inhabitants, and how the area is still changing today.
Awesome views!
Awesome views at the Point!
From Village to gem museum
Simply wonderful!
Cindy R. on South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
Great hike for two old-timers hiking at Grand Canyon for the first time. Beautiful at sunrise, as the early morning light lit up the canyon--tremendous views. While it was great going below the rim, this hike simply whetted our appetites for more and longer hikes into the canyon. Also of note, as novices we were aware of not doing too much during peak heat hours so we caught the 5:00 am hikers shuttle to the Yaki Point drop off and we were on the trail at 5:30 and back up on the rim by 7:30 am during which most of the trail was still in shade. It was a great first taste of hiking Grand Canyon!
An incredible journey. I hiked from North to South rim in a little under 12 hours because I took a lot of breaks on the south side to hide from the blistering sun. Take a lot of water and rest often and this is a hike you'll never forget!
Beautiful views. You can get lulled into going down further than you prepared for. From the bridge to rim, pretty steep switchbacks.
Very challenging but worthwhile.
I hiked this trail in August. Hiking down to Phantom Ranch was way tougher than the hike out. Start early so you can beat the sun and bring plenty of water- more than you think you'll need. The views are incredible!