http://www.scenic.com/visitor-information/grand-canyon | The Grand Canyon offers a variety of exploration opportunities to enjoy. Hiking trips should be planned ahead of time to maximize comfort, enjoyment, and safety. This is the best way to make the most of a trip.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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