Editing Grand Canyon (section)

== Hiking ==

'''Hiking above the rim:'''

The Rim Trail is the only primary trail above the rim. It runs along the rim from the South Kaibab trailhead to Hermits rest. Total length is around 13 miles. You can catch the shuttle at either end of the trail, or at a large number of spots along the way. Calling this a “trail” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s mostly paved, large portions are handicap accessible, and portions pass through developed areas like Mather point and lodge strip. It’s got some elevation change, but overall is flat compared to any hike into the canyon.

'''Hiking below the rim:'''

Below is a safety rant from a local. Please, take it into account when thinking about doing ANYTHING at the canyon, not just hiking in.

I really, really, really, hate watching my friends and coworkers at the canyon make call after call to families that their child, brother, sister, parent or grandparent has broken a leg, fallen off a cliff, broken their back, become lost in the backcountry, suffered from heatstroke, or died. I also hate to see my friends come home after a day at work and break down crying because they spent their afternoon picking up what’s left of some poor tourist’s body after they fell off the rim. It’s not fun for us, and it sure as hell ruins your vacation.

Please, for the love of whatever drives you don’t push yourself, and don’t be an idiot. The canyon is not the place to find out if that occasional chest pain is a heart problem or indigestion, or if the occasional shortness of breath is really that serious. If you don’t KNOW that fully prepared to do something then DON’T DO IT. If you do KNOW that you’re fully prepared take a step back and see what you missed, because you really don’t want to miss something simple and end up dead.

Hiking at the canyon is difficult. The terrain is extreme, you’re at 7000ft elevation, the relative humidity levels spend most of the time below 10%, and temperatures easily exceed 100 degrees from April through October. Distances are deceptive here, and the hike to Indian Gardens (3.2 miles one way) still seriously injures and kills people. If it’s your first time hiking at the canyon over prepare, and stick to the main “Corridor” trails like the South Kaibab and the Bright Angel. Yes, there will be more people there than in the backcountry, but compared to the hordes above the rim you’ll be in sparse company. This is the tradeoff you make for safety. There are more rangers on the trail to help in an emergency, and there are more people there to carry out a message for help if you need it.

I hope this means something to you when you read it. As a traveler, a CSer, a local, and a viewer of gruesome incidents and ruined lives, please, be safe while you enjoy the Canyon.

Now that that’s done with, to the trails.

'''Corridor trails:'''

The Corridor zone is the most developed area within the canyon. This is not to say that there is a lot there, but instead that there is safe drinking water, toilets, emergency phones and a few ranger stations. If this is your first time hiking into the canyon, this is where you should go.

*Bright Angel trail
(South Rim to Phantom Ranch):

The Bright Angel trail heads from South Rim down a side canyon, through Indian Gardens, down to the Colorado river, along the river, and eventually to Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch. Total distance from Rim to Bright Angel campground is 9.5 miles(15.3km). Water is usually available at 1.5 and 3 mile resthouses and at Indian Garden but check before hiking because the pipeline does break, and water is shut off during the winter.

For those looking for a strenuous day hike in and out of the canyon consider a hike to Indian Garden and then back. Budget 10 hours, not including any time spent at Indian Garden for the round trip hike. Also note that during most of the year it will be too hot to hike during most of the day, so consider an early hike in, with rest and a picnic during the day, with a hike out once it has cooled down.

This is my favorite Corridor trail, partially because it offers a huge change in scenery and environment over a relatively short distance. The change from the Rim Pinion Juniper to the stark desert to the lush greenery and towering cottonwoods of Indian garden gives an amazing view into just how diverse the canyon is.

Continuing past Indian Garden you hike along the bright angel creek and eventually come to the Colorado river resthouse. From there the trail becomes sandy as you walk along the river and cross the metal bridge over to Bright Angel campground and phantom Ranch.

Figure 6-10 hours to hike ONE WAY to Phantom Ranch. Backcountry permits are needed to camp inside the canyon. So make sure you get all of that taken care of ahead of time.

*South Kaibab trail
(South Rim to Phantom Ranch):

The South Kaibab trail goes from South Rim to Phantom Ranch. It is a shorter trail (7 miles) than the Bright Angel, but a much more severe one. There is no water available on the trail. There is also very little shade or shelter from the elements. The trail runs along a ridge before dropping down into the canyon along switchbacks. The trail is not any steeper than the Bright Angel, but the grade is nearly constant from the time you start to the river.

Day hikes include the Rim to Cedar ridge(3 miles round trip) or the rim to Skeleton Point(6 miles round trip). This trail is fully exposed, so bring extra water, food, and sun protection. Figure 6-9 hours ONE WAY to phantom Ranch. Backcountry permits are needed to camp inside the canyon. So make sure you get all of that taken care of ahead of time.
'''
More hiking info:'''

List of suggested day hikes.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm

Primary Backcountry page
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm