Canyon Can Be Like Hiking

Hiking Into the Canyon Can Be Like Hiking Into an OvenBut I'm not suggesting you don't go. Just go very prepared and know what you're getting into.

The (pretty obvious) thing about hiking in Grand Canyon that's different from many other hikes is that you go DOWN before you go back up. And as you go down, things get hotter. Then you have to do the much harder work of getting back out, so, even in cooler weather, people get into pickles because down is so easy, and they end up going down farther than they really should.

In the summer, though, those pickles get a LOT hotter and even more dangerous, with temperatures at the bottom of the Canyon often 20 to 25 degrees (Fahrenheit) higher than on the South Rim. That difference can stretch to 30 degrees or more compared to the North Rim, which is another thousand feet higher.

And with all that added heat comes more things to think about and plan for before you start your hike.

Having hiked in Grand Canyon many times myself, as a recreational trekker and on several Search Rescue missions over the years, and working there as a guide, I wanted to share my suggestions for things to consider before going below the rim in summer, so you can make the most of hiking into that amazing natural wonder and get back out safely.

The Grand Canyon Temperature GradientGenerally, figure on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference for every 2,000 feet of elevation change.

So, the temperature on the South Rim (7,200 feet above sea level) may be a dry 80 degrees with a breeze, Cheap Oakley Sunglasses but at the same time at Phantom Ranch (2,400 feet) it can be a blazing, breezeless 120 . or more!

Your Grand Canyon Hiking Experience A Visitor PollHave you hiked below the rim? If yes, have you hiked in the summer? No, I've never hiked into Grand Canyon Yes, I've hiked below the rim but never in Ray Ban Sunglasses the summer months. In the desert, we don't usually have much humidity floating around to hold in the heat of the day, so the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures can often be 20, 30 degrees or more. I've experienced a number of 40 plus degree differences between the time the sun was overhead and when the moon appeared.

So, if you're planning to hike into the Grand Canyon during the months of June through August, consider waiting till the sun is about to set before starting your descent and especially your climb.

Sometimes you don't even need a headlamp if the moon is full, although moon shadows can hide ankle breakers and face planters if you aren't careful. (Trekking poles are a good idea.)

If night hiking isn't your thing, try to hike early and hike late, before and after the sun is at its most intense. As a general rule, do your hiking before 10am and after 4pm.

Where To HikeNot all Grand Canyon trails are created equalAnd that's a great thing! Sure, two trails may go from top to bottom, but no two trails are at all the same when it comes to the views, the footpath itself, or what I call the "personality" of the trail.

The trails in Grand Canyon are also different when it comes to the best times to hike in summer. That's partly because of the location of the sun versus the "exposure" of the trail South Rim trails have a northern exposure; North Rim trails a southern exposure; and trails on the Tonto Platform and Esplanade are basically out there in the open all the time.

Another difference is that some trails are ridge trails while others tend to follow faults and side canyons. So the availability of shade is a big factor.

South Rim Trails

Facing the north, trails that descend the south side of the canyon are in the shade (or at least out of the direct sun) for longer on summer mornings than their counterparts on the north side of the canyon. Still, even if you start hiking at first light, it won't be long before things really start to heat up, especially on a trail like the South Kaibab, one of the two most popular "corridor" trails from rim to river.

The South Kaibab Trail essentially has no shade, unless you count crawling into a crevice or under a rock. There's little vegetation large enough to rest under, and the trail follows a ridge which is fully exposed to the sun.

And keep in mind there is NO WATER on the South Kaibab.

The Bright Angel TrailThe Bright Angel Trail, by contrast, follows a fault for much of its 9.3 miles to the bottom of the canyon, so there's much more shade along the way and for more hours of the day. Also, this most heavily used trail in the Park has more vegetation, two rest houses en route to the halfway point at the oasis known as Indian Garden, and another rest house between there and the river.

Another summer benefit to the Bright Angel is that there's potable water along the way, at the Mile and a half and Three mile rest houses and at Indian Garden, 4.6 miles from the rim and an equal distance from the Colorado River. Between there and the river, Garden Creek and Pipe Creek flow year round but must be treated before drinking. There's also water available at another rest house, piped from the Colorado River.

The Bright Angel trail is longer than the South Kaibab Ray Ban Eyeglasses by a couple of miles, but unless you're hiking at night or very early in the morning for just a few hours, I'd recommend not using the S. Kaibab during the summer. At least, not for an ascent from river to rim. Climb the Bright Angel Trail instead.

There are other South Rim Trails of course, including the Hermit Trail (There's water at Santa Maria Spring at 2.5 miles and Dripping Spring at 3.5 miles below the rim, but both should be treated); Grandview Trail (no water), Tanner Trail (no water), and South Bass Trail (remote trailhead, no water), but these are unmaintained, much more rugged and steeper trails. If you're new to hiking in Grand Canyon, I'd get some experience on the corridor trails before tackling the others . at any time of year.

Being more remote (a much longer drive from populated areas), the North Rim sees a lot less visitation than the South, as does its trails. The road to the North Rim is also closed for half the year, from mid October to mid May, due to the amount of snowfall. So, the North Rim really is a summer destination.

The most heavily used trail from the North Rim to the river is the 14 mile North Kaibab Trail, with an elevation gain (or loss) of 5,700 feet. So, you might begin a descent wearing a jacket, but you'll soon be feeling the heat.

With a southern exposure, North Rim trails see the sun sooner than those on the south side of the canyon, but there are more trees on the upper reaches of the trails, and the North Kaibab follows the other side of the Bright Angel fault, so there's a decent amount of shade from the topography.

During the summer, you'll find potable Oakley Sunglasses Sale water from a spigot 2 miles below the rim at Supai

Tunnel, and then the next water is at Roaring Spring, which is another 4 miles down canyon. There's also water at Cottonwood Camp, and then, if you have a filter or other way to purify, you can fill up from Bright Angel Creek, which follows alongside the trail (but is sometimes difficult to access).