A HIKE THROUGH GRAND CANYON
The American West is one the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Within it lies one of the world’s greatest wonders: the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon, which stretches 277 miles and cuts a trench that is 6,000 feet deep, makes it one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. It’s also one of the great natural wonders of nature. The rocks at the canyon’s base are over 2 billion years old. It took millennia for them to form.
Although the Grand Canyon is very popular, only 99% of the 6,000,000 annual visitors spend more than 4 hours there. The average visitor spends only 20 minutes in the canyon. Surprisingly, less than 1% of visitors make it to the bottom.
It isn’t easy to hike the Grand Canyon. It is a steep, sweaty hike that can be exhausting. It’s well worth the effort. The canyon offers more than the stunning views at the rim. Yet, very few people venture down to discover what else there is.
I have been twice to the Grand Canyon. I hiked down to the bottom my first time. Although I had seen the photos and heard the stories, nothing could have prepared me for the enormity of the task. I was surrounded by red and orange mountains and valleys that jut into the ground.
Walking down, you can see the desert animals and intricacies from the ridges, mountains, streams and cliffs. Enjoy the tranquillity of this area far from the crowds by touching the rocks and seeing the colour changes.
Even if you only have a few hours to spare, it is worth the effort to hike down the Grand Canyon. You’ll have a better view of the Grand Canyon if you hike it.
The Colorado River will be visible up close as it flows through the canyon. It is fast and furious as it creates one of nature’s most beautiful paintings.
The landscape changes dramatically from the bottom. The canyon recedes, and you only see the valley that the river created.
I was already tired from the long night spent at the bottom. But I was determined to continue the 9.6-mile climb up the canyon through steep terrain and hot conditions. Even though the Bright Angel trail was flatter, hiking up the canyon was much more difficult than going down. After six hours of hiking, it was finally over.
After reaching the top, all pain, fatigue, heat, and heat vanished, leaving me with pure joy. I had conquered the canyon. I was able to do what few people could. I felt like Rocky.
The second time I visited Skeleton Point, it was easier because I only had to go 6 miles. Although it was a difficult hike due to the steep ascent, it is a great day hike and takes about 5.5 hours.
After having been to the Grand Canyon twice, I can tell you that it is something everyone should experience.
Here are some great tips for hiking the Grand Canyon.
- Drink lots of water. This is a must-have, but you will get thirsty if you plan to hike to the top. To keep yourself hydrated, I recommend a CamelBak and a water bottle.
- Take your time when you are hiking to the bottom. Slow down and go at a steady pace. It would help if you allowed yourself plenty of time to complete your tasks without feeling pressured. Rushing will cause you to get tired sooner, and your water consumption will be faster.
- Take a bus tour. Tours from nearby cities such as Las Vegas are an easy way to see the canyon. These tours can be very affordable. They are not enjoyable as you feel rushed and don’t have time to enjoy the experience fully. Hire a car, or hire rideshare. It will be a better experience.
- Summers are very busy in the canyon. Even if you arrive early, you will still encounter a large crowd. So consider visiting during the shoulder season. This will ensure you don’t feel the heat and the crowds.
- Choose the right hike If you have limited time but still want to hike, the Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge (3 mi) is the best option.
- Be there early. The park is crowded around sunset, with many people trying to capture the perfect shot. You can enjoy the best views without crowds.
- Book now to reserve a campsite. The main lodge at the bottom, Phantom Ranch, is currently renovating. Due to COVID, they are limited in how many people they can accommodate.
- Get a National Park Pass The Grand Canyon costs $35 per vehicle, so you get an annual National Parks Pass. The annual pass is USD 80 and is valid for one year. It allows you to visit other parks as often as you like and is free. It is very cost-effective and pays off quickly.
- Use Rt 64 to get into/exit the park. This will take you to the canyon’s east side, where you’ll find tons of lookouts and a scenic road. This is a better alternative to driving from Flagstaff via Highway 180. 64 is longer, but it’s much more scenic. You can also visit Sunset Crater or Wupatki National Monument along the way (your annual pass allows you to get in both free).
- It is a lot more difficult to hike than you might think. If you aren’t a pro at it, don’t attempt to hike down and back up in one day.
How to Visit Grand Canyon
- The South Rim of the canyon is the most visited and visited by most tourists annually. The airport and train services are available. It is located approximately 90 minutes from Flagstaff. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim if you are coming on a day trip.
- The North Rim can be found on the Utah side of the Grand Canyon. It is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67. It is only accessible by road to the North Rim village. Although there won’t be many tourists, the view is not as spectacular.
- For $35 per vehicle or $20 for an individual, if you are coming by bus/bicycle to the Grand Canyon, admission costs $25. Permits are valid for seven days and can be purchased online or in person. Acceptable payment methods include cash and credit cards.
- You can also go rafting in Grand Canyon or take a scenic helicopter flight over it. The tours last approximately an hour and cost $299 per person.
- Phantom Ranch is the only place to stay in the canyon. Due to the high demand, the Ranch operates under a lottery system. Your booking must be made between 13 and 15 months in advance. You only pay if your name is selected. Each month, names are drawn for the next year.