The Grand Canyon offers

truly breathtaking sights of

brilliant colors decorating

its walls. It ranges up to 18

miles in width and reaches

a depth of over 1 mile.

There are hundreds of

hiking trails available to

explore, with varying

intensities to meet all

levels of experience.

Preparation ensures

avoiding mistakes that can

put a damper on the

experience. So lace up

your hiking boots and keep

these tips in mind.

Preparing for a hike involves packing the necessities and wearing appropriate attire

to make the hiking experience enjoyable. A backpack should contain plenty of

food and water along with a map, compass, whistle, first aid kit, flashlight,

and water purification tablets. Hiking attire will vary slightly by season. In the

summer, it’s important to remember sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and broken-in

hiking boots. In the winter, consider waterproof clothing, an extra set of dry clothes,

gloves, waterproof boots, and traction devices.

It’s one thing to remember to pack snacks and water and another to remember

to consistently fuel and hydrate the body. Eat before, during, and after hiking.

Throughout the hike, snack before hunger hits and drink before feeling

thirsty. Regardless of the season, food and water provide necessary energy to

keep going. Generally speaking, it takes double the normal consumption of

calories to meet energy and electrolyte needs to hike the Grand Canyon.

Hiking is a strenuous physical

activity that is often perceived as

easier than it actually is. A trail

should be chosen with

consideration of overall fitness

level. Hiking should be at an

enjoyable pace where holding

a conversation is possible

rather than breathing heavily

and straining. When planning a

hike, remember it takes twice as

much time to hike up as it takes

to hike down.

Taking a break for ten minutes at

least every hour will help

remove metabolic waste that

accumulates in leg muscles.

Breaks are an ideal time to

fuel up with a snack,

rehydrate, and take a moment

to enjoy the beautiful views of

the canyon. A common

misconception is that breaks

slow down hiking time, but in

reality, these recharge moments

provide the important boosts of

energy to keep hiking.

The ideal season to visit is subjective since there is variance on what constitutes an

ideal trip. The heaviest crowds visit during spring, summer, and fall. The lightest

crowds visit during early spring and late fall. Generally, October, November, and

April have weather that is as close to ideal as possible. It is wise to check the

weather forecast to best prepare for a visit.

A selection of trails that cater to a range

of individuals includes:

CLIFF SPRINGS TRAIL (NORTH RIM)

1-mile round trip along the

Walhalla Plateau

CAPE FINAL TRAIL (NORTH RIM)

6-mile round trip that is partially flat

and leads to a view of the northern

canyon and Juno Temple

WIDFORSS TRAIL (NORTH RIM)

10-mile round trip on what is

considered one of the nicest trails

in the park

BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL (SOUTH RIM)

9.3-mile course that descends

4,400 feet and is considered the

most popular trail at this rim

The inner canyon does not have any maintained or marked trails and is only

recommended for individuals in excellent physical condition. Venturing down into

the canyon requires studying the route beforehand in order to make it easier

when navigating the way back up. The inner canyon is not meant for children.

Scenic is the largest and most experienced aerial

tour operator in the world. Over 10 million

customers have visited the Grand Canyon and

other National Parks with Scenic Airlines. The tours

allow people from around the world to experience

the beauty of the Southwest. Scenic offers over

20 unique and customizable tours that range

from several hours long to overnight journeys.

Your vacation begins now. To book your adventure,

visit http://www.scenic.com, or call (800) 634-6801.

Sources

1. http://www.scenic.com/visitor-information/grand-canyon/national-park-

activities-and-tours

2. http://www.scenic.com/visitor-information/grand-canyon/north-rim-

activities-and-tours