Hiking The Grand Canyon


Hiking The Grand Canyon

There are many hiking trails in the Grand Canyon National Park. Both the South Rim and the North Rim offer rim trail hikes that have spectacular views. Grand Canyon hikes can range from a stroll along the rim trail to weeks in the Canyon interior.

If you are venturing into the Canyon, carry plenty of water! You need a gallon a day per person. Plan on bringing a refillable water container, bottled water in individual disposable containers is not for sale within the park.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is unlike anywhere else on Earth - trails range in difficulty from fifteen minute loops to multi-week treks, and all offer spectacular views. In addition, there are numerous unmaintained trails throughout the park for the more adventurous.

WARNING: The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7,000 feet above sea level, the north rim is 8,000 feet above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties.

Exercising at this elevation can be strenuous. Please use caution and when engaging in any physical activities and use care not to push yourself. Most of the walkways are paved and easy to navigate so most people can enjoy views of the canyon without a lot of effort.

There are no easy trails into or out of the Grand Canyon! Grand Canyon hikes are more dangerous than most people believe. Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to YOU.

All Grand Canyon hikes that go below the rim are strenuous. Allow twice as much time to hike up as it took you to get down. It is easy to misjudge the difficulty when you are hiking down!

Keep in mind that the climate between the rims and the inner canyon differs dramatically with the change in elevation. Temperatures in the canyon may vary by 50-70 °F depending on elevation and time of day.

Carry more liquid than you think you'll need, and know your limits. Also be aware that trails may be icy during the winter - if you have crampons for your shoes or hiking poles you should bring them or consider purchasing them from a local shop.

South Rim Hikes

North Rim Hikes

Great Hiking Resources

Hike Arizona - This link is to Grand Canyon’s trails. They have trail and trip reports, including photos

Natural Born Hikers - A collection of trip reports that allows searching for trails by “Terrain” or “Trail”. The Grand Canyon has 7 different trail reports ranging from a stroll on North Rim’s Bright Angel Point to several Rim-to-Rim hikes.

Nature Valley Trail View – Not trip reports per se but Google Earth for trails!

Accommodations at Phantom Ranch - If you are hiking the canyon or meeting /departing a white water trip, and wish to stay at Phantom Ranch in a cabin or a dorm, you must call the Grand Canyon Lodges Central Reservations Office. Due to the popularity and high demand for Phantom Ranch Reservations, bookings are on a first come first serve basis. Room inventory opens for sale 13 months prior to your desired arrival date, on the first day of each month.