The natural wonders of the Grand Canyon attract hundreds of hikers a year to breathtaking climbs in the last vestiges of America’s frontier, but these treks can be dangerous without appropriate planning and foresight. A handful of important hiking tips for the Grand Canyon will ensure that climbers enjoy rather than regret their adventures.
Advance planning is not a negotiable tip. No hike should ever be attempted without appropriate gear and basic understanding of the area; hikers should check weather predictions and seasonal temperatures, know the locations of water sources, and study a map prior to hitting the trail.
Climbers should next be aware of any medical or health problems capable of interfering with the hike. Individuals with heart problems, diabetes, asthma or spine, knee or joint complaints are better off enjoying postcards. Even healthy, active enthusiasts should be prepared for the fact that the inner portion of the Grand Canyon can be intensely hot during the day. Dehydration is a risk for everyone, and anyone unfamiliar with the particulars of making a strenuous climb in the desert should err on the side of caution.
The sun is a hiker’s constant companion in the Grand Canyon; sunscreen and protective clothing are essentials. Climbers should travel lightly without skimping on food and water; an unnecessarily heavy pack will only add pressure to the legs and back, making hiking more difficult. Hikers should also plan to carry all refuse away in their packs. The Grand Canyon is situated within a national park, and littering can result in a punishing fine.
Trekkers who have never hiked the canyon should be especially conservative. Natural conditions in the area often bring rude awakenings to the uninitiated, and climbers should be prepared to compensate for additional caloric expenditures by drinking, eating, and taking breaks reasonably and often.
Finally, Grand Canyon hikers should remain constantly aware of others on the trail. Mules are common in the canyon, and the animals don’t necessarily maintain their lanes. Climbers encountering mule riders should move respectfully to the uphill portion of the trail until their fellow travelers have passed.
Planning for this hike shouldn’t involve a scenario of preparing for gloom and doom, but careful consideration should always factor into your planning. Following these hiking tips for the Grand Canyon can make the difference between euphoria and disaster, and no sensible hiker mounts a trail in search of the latter.
Featured Image from Alan Carrillo/Unsplash
