The Grand Canyon is a world-famous trekking destination for a good reason. Millions of people travel hundreds of miles each year to stand on the brink of one of the world’s natural wonders. They are humbled and astonished as they stare out at the enormous area that was once land and is now a mile-deep gash carved through the ground by wind and water. They take some photographs, look about the Visitors Center, and then depart.
There is an alternative method to see the Grand Canyon.
The best Grand Canyon hiking trails that may take you on a range of experiences, from one-day dips beneath the rim to seven-day trips to the Colorado River and back and everything in between. However, planning is essential since the Grand Canyon has more yearly helicopter rescues than any other national park in the world. Planning is also crucial since obtaining permissions is a competitive game.
As a result, here are some guidelines:
First, choose which trail(s) you want to hike. If you’re new to the Grand Canyon, I recommend starting with the corridor trails, including the South Kaibab, North Kaibab, and Bright Angel Trails.
Second, pick on a day for your trek in the Canyon. Because of winter storms and blazing summer heat, the optimum periods are from mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November. Summer temperatures in the shade may exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter storms can dump a foot or more of snow on the rims.
Third, make sure you have all of your permits. Permits go on sale four months in advance, on the first of the month. For example, if you want a license for April, you may get it on December 1st. Permits are obtained through the Grand Canyon’s Backcountry Office on the South Rim.
You’ll find out if you obtained your required permissions around ten days later.
Once you’ve obtained your permissions, it’s time to start thinking about the details. First, you must travel to the Grand Canyon. The most convenient way to do it is to fly into Phoenix or Flagstaff and rent a vehicle. The ideal location to stay before your excursion is in Tusayan, a tiny town about a five-minute drive from the South Rim Village. Tusayan hotels are less expensive than those on the South Rim and may have greater availability.
If you’re a seasoned traveler, this is a standard list that won’t pose any difficulties. If you aren’t, you might want to consider taking a guided trip where they take care of the permits, supply all of the gear and food and provide you with a professional Grand Canyon hiking guide. In any case, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a once-in-a-lifetime journey.