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Grand Canyon Hiking (continued)
One of the refreshing things about Grand Canyon National Park, both above and below the rim, is that it’s one of the few places left in America where you’re not constantly protected from your environment and your own bad judgment. Guard rails are few and opportunities to interact closely with your surroundings, and possibly make some serious mistakes, are everywhere. Any trip below the rim should involve an honest assessment of your abilities and solid planning. The reward will be a positively life changing experience.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
Phew!
At 7,000 feet, even the paved rim walk can prove challenging to folks who have heart or respiratory issues, or maybe just aren’t in the peak of health. Be realistic in planning according to your physical abilities, since even the most accessible trails will give you a bit of a workout up here.
"We can make it!"
Top-to-bottom-and-back trips in one day are not recommended. Yes, they’re possible. And if you’re in fantastic shape, and the weather’s nice, it’s possible that you won’t have to be hauled out on a stretcher due to exhaustion, exposure or injury. Then again, it’s also distinctly possible you will. Plan ahead, get a camping permit and take some time to enjoy the Seventh Wonder of the World for pity’s sake!
We’re right by the parking lot, how bad can it be?
The very first time you try to hike the canyon should probably not be a snowy day when Bright Angel trail is coated in packed snow and ice. And if you do choose to go on such a day, you shouldn’t try it without walking sticks and crampons. And if you do try it without any of those vital tools, and find yourself skidding down the canyon on your kiester, narrowly avoiding the edges of the trail that drop off hundreds of feet, life flashing stupidly before your eyes, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Not that we know the feeling.
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