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You needn’t be a CrossFit fanatic to manage a canyon trek. But you should have a general degree of fitness, especially at elevations of 7,000 feet.
Almost 5 million visitors arrive at the Grand Canyon annually. For the hundreds of thousands of visitors who hike into the canyon each year, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience this world wonder. It’s also an ideal way to leave most of the visitors behind.
That said, preparation is paramount for a safe journey. As the National Park Service notes, “The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to you.”
What you should pack depends on the season in which you’re hiking, the length of your trip, and your destination. The National Park Service recommends these 10 essentials for summer, especially for hikes beyond the 1.5-mile rest house or Cedar Ridge.
In winter, forget the spray bottle but be sure to take waterproof boots and warm socks; over-the-shoe traction devices for icy conditions; warm, waterproof clothing (plus a spare set in case you get wet); and hiking poles for icy trails.
You needn’t be a CrossFit fanatic to manage a canyon trek. But you should have a general degree of fitness, especially at elevations of 7,000 feet. The Bright Angel Trail, which drops from the South Rim’s Historic Village, is not only well maintained but offers wonderful vistas and is easily accessible. A good choice for those who want to just dip under the rim is to go as far as the trail’s first tunnel. It’s not too steep, the views are great, and it’s less than half a mile round trip.
Rest houses with seasonally available water and toilet facilities lie a mile and a half and 3 miles down the Bright Angel Trail. Either distance is a good option for a day hike. Hikers should check trailhead signs for trail hazards, water status, and updated conditions. The 9-mile round-trip trek between the rim and Indian Garden is a popular option if you’re in very good shape and get an early start. Picnic tables among leafy foliage make it a pleasant lunch destination. It is not advisable to day-hike beyond this point.
For an unforgettable trek to the canyon floor — and one that doesn’t require hauling a ton of gear on your back — make reservations at historic Phantom Ranch. The rustic stone-and-wood cabins date to the 1920s and are the only below-rim lodging. Four dormitories sleep 10 each and are designated male and female; smaller cabins sleep four to 10. And all provide clean bedding and towels. There’s even a canteen serving breakfast and dinner with hiking necessities, snacks, and beverages available for purchase. But reservations are required for food purchases at the canteen.
Some other basics to know before hiking the canyon:
For more information, visit grandcanyonlodges.com or call 888-297-2757.
For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Parks & Resorts and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/explore/.
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