Best trails in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park pretty much speaks for itself; anyone who has been there will know this. For those yet to go, the spectacular views of 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. If you have 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) and be sure to stop at Grandview point - the southernmost point on Grand Canyon's south rim. The North Rim is often less crowded and has more solitary hiking trips. If you are feeling the need to get some light exercise, just walk along the Rim Trail as long as you want before turning around or taking a free shuttle bus back to the visitor center 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 Rrail. DO NOT attempt a round 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 along the steep trail. 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 about natural history where you can attend ranger talks about the formation of this immense canyon, the history of its first inhabitants, and how the area is still changing today. Bring hiking boots, ample water, sunscreen, a hat, and check for info on backcountry permits if you plan to camp overnight. The South Rim is open all year, the North Rim is closed for the winter. For seasonal operating hours, see: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hours.htm Entrance Fees Admission to Grand Canyon National Park is for seven days and includes both the North Rim and South Rim. (Current Prices went into effect on June 1, 2018) No refunds are given due to inclement weather. . Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit - $35 (U.S. Dollars) Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15 person passenger van. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Grand Canyon National Park Motorcycle Permit - $30 (U.S. Dollars) Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s). Grand Canyon National Park Individual Permit - $20/person (U.S. Dollars) Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway and private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.