When visiting the Grand Canyon to go hiking it can seem overwhelming at first due to the sheer size of the national park, as the Grand Canyon National Park encompasses more than 1.2 million acres of land and has what seems like an unlimited number of miles for hiking.
Because of this, we created this list of top hiking tips for the Grand Canyon to help you quickly get your bearings so you can start hiking at the Grand Canyon like a seasoned pro in no time.
Top 18 Hiking Tips for the Grand Canyon
Plan Ahead Before Hiking the Grand Canyon
If you don’t plan your hiking adventure until after you arrive at the Grand Canyon, you are greatly limiting the amount of time you will have for hiking. As it can take some time to plan your hiking excursion due to the sheer size of the park and the amount of hiking that is available at the Grand Canyon.
Instead, it’s a much better idea to do some basic research and get a jump start on planning your hike before ever arriving, by learning about the different areas of the park, the different trails available, and what you will need for a successful hike at the Grand Canyon.
That way when you arrive at the Grand Canyon for hiking you will be much better prepared and can start hiking much sooner.
Also, while doing your research it’s important to remember that even though the Grand Canyon is a popular tourist attraction when hiking there you will be hiking in a harsh and unforgiving landscape that can quickly turn deadly if the proper planning and precautions are not taken.
So when doing your research and planning make sure you spend some time learning how to stay safe and what dangers to look out for while hiking at the Grand Canyon.
Best Websites for Planning Your Trip and Hikes at the Grand Canyon
To help with this research there are several websites I recommend which are listed below, which will give you a good foundational knowledge about the park and the different hikes available.
Grand Canyon National Park Website – The first and most obvious is the Grand Canyon National Park website which is a wealth of general information and is an invaluable resource to help plan and get the most out of your trip to the Grand Canyon.
Backcountry Updates and Trail Closures Page – The next most important page if you plan to hike in the Grand Canyon is to check and familiarize yourself with the critical backcountry updates, trail closures, and restrictions page provided by the National Park Service. This page is your go-to resource when checking to see if particular trails are open and to check if there are any current restrictions in the park.
AllTrails Grand Canyon Trail List – Finally another great website to check out is the AllTrails website as they have one of the most comprehensive lists when it comes to Grand Canyon hiking trails that I have been able to find on the web.
Stay on Trail and Know Where You Are
While hiking at the Grand Canyon you should always stay on the trails and not get off-trail as this is often times when people quickly get themselves into trouble.
There are tons of great trails in and around the Grand Canyon and it’s best to stay on them in order to stay safe and provide a better chance of getting help in case something were to go wrong while hiking.
Also before you head out on your hike you should have a good understanding of the surrounding area as well as the trail you plan to hike so that you know what to expect and are prepared for your hike. Things that you should pay particular attention to include sources of water, elevation change, trailheads and crossings, length of the trail, and landmarks.
Also, don’t forget to have a good map of the area that clearly shows the trail your hiking.
Be Careful When Hiking in the Summer Months
Beginning hikers or new hikers at the Grand Canyon will often severely underestimate and be underprepared for the extreme heat they can encounter when hiking in the area during the summer.
The fact of the matter is, is that temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees at the Grand Canyon during the summer months and if a new hiker is not prepared for this level of heat they can quickly find themselves in trouble while on the trails.
To get an idea of the range of temperatures you can experience while in the inner canyon check out this helpful table from the National Park Service.
Average Temperature of the Inner Canyon at the Grand Canyon
Don’t Over Estimate Your Abilities
It can be easy to overestimate your hiking abilities at the beginning of a hike when you are fresh and just starting out.
However, when hiking in or around the Grand Canyon due to the extreme conditions, it’s important to have a good handle on your hiking abilities before choosing a hiking trail. Making sure to pick a hike that is a good fit for your hiking and athletic abilities.
Luckily the grand canyon has a wide range of hiking trails that can accommodate all skill levels and abilities.
When selecting a trail to hike make sure to pay close attention to not only the trail distance but also the trail rating in order to make sure you stay within your athletic abilities and don’t get in over your head.
Also if it’s been a while since you have done any hiking or any physical activity for that matter, it’s best to avoid any hiking trail that has you hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up again as these trails can be the most difficult and strenuous for new or beginning hikers.
Don’t Try to Hike From Rim to Colorado River and Back Out in One Day
While it is technically possible to hike from the rim of the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River and back out, it is extremely difficult and challenging and not something that should be tried by a first time visitor or beginning hiker at the Grand Canyon.
People often underestimate the amount of time needed and level of difficulty when hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out again, especially while they are hiking down into the canyon.
It might surprise new and beginning Grand Canyon hikers to know that it usually takes an average of 3 to 5 hours to hike to the bottom of the canyon and then due to the increased level of difficulty takes another 5 to 9 hours to hike back out of the canyon.
So as you can see due to the amount of time needed and the high level of difficulty it is not a good idea to try and day-hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out again.
Instead, it’s a much better idea to hike to the bottom in one day, get a good night’s rest at the popular Bright Angel Campground or the rustic Phantom Ranch Lodge at the bottom, and then hike back out of the canyon the next day. ***Please be advised that it requires a permit to camp overnight in the canyon which can be difficult to get due to the high demand.***
To see what it’s like to camp at the popular Bright Angel Campground or to stay at the Phantom Ranch Lodge check out the below YouTube video.
Plan Ahead if You Want to Camp in the Canyon
If you decide you want to do more than day hike at the Grand Canyon and you want to camp or sleep overnight inside the canyon there are several options to do so including campgrounds, primitive lodging, and backcountry camping options.
However, if you plan to camp in the backcountry which includes the three main campgrounds inside the Grand Canyon a backcountry permit is required. The only place you can sleep overnight in the Grand Canyon that does not require a backcountry permit is Phantom Ranch Lodge.
Just know that there can be fierce competition for the campgrounds and Phantom Ranch Lodge due to the limited supply and extreme demand for places to camp in the Grand Canyon overnight. So if you want to stay overnight inside the Grand Canyon you need to plan ahead and make advanced reservations.
If you’re interested in camping or staying overnight in the canyon check out these three helpful resources for more information.
James Kaiser’s Grand Canyon Website – A great place to start is James Kaiser’s Grand Canyon website as it provides a great overview of all of the different camping options inside the Grand Canyon.
National Park Service Backcountry Permit Page – The next website you should check out is the National Park Services website backcountry permit page that goes into great detail about backcountry permits and how to obtain one.
Phantom Ranch Lodge Website – The last website you should check out if you’re interested in staying at the Phantom Ranch Lodge overnight is their website, as it provides a ton of helpful information including how to make a reservation at the lodge for your visit to the Grand Canyon.
Remember Going Down is Much Easier than Coming Back Up
One of the most common ways for hikers at the Grand Canyon to get into trouble is that they don’t take into account how much harder it is to hike out of the Grand Canyon as opposed to hiking down into it.
If you are planning to hike a Grand Canyon trail that has you hiking down into the canyon and back out again make sure to realize that it usually takes twice as much effort to hike out of the Grand Cayon as it does to hike down into.
It’s also important to realize that it usually takes twice as much time to hike out of the Grand Canyon as it does to hike down into it. So it’s important to keep an eye on your time when hiking and if it’s getting later in the day it’s probably best to skip any hiking trail that has you hiking into the canyon.
Bring Plenty of Water and Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to become dehydrated when hiking in the Grand Canyon especially during the summer months due to the high temperatures and arid climate. So it’s extremely important to bring plenty of water with you on your hike as well as know where you can fill up on water for longer and more strenuous hikes.
A good rule of thumb and what is generally recommended when hiking is to consume at least a half-liter of water per hour on moderate hikes in moderate weather.
However, if you’re hiking in the summer months at the Grand Canyon you more than likely will need to be drinking at least a liter of water or more per hour to stay properly hydrated due to the level of difficulty and extreme heat.
Set the Proper Hiking Pace from the Beginning
It’s easy at the beginning of a hike when you’re fresh to set out too fast, only to pay for it dearly when on the back half of your hike when your worn out and tired.
Instead, when setting your hiking pace it’s best to set a nice even and consistent hiking pace that you can maintain throughout the hike.
If you’re not quite sure how to set your hiking pace, the best and most simple way is to try and have a conversation while hiking. If you find that you can’t carry on a conversation without losing your breath, then you should slow down the pace until you are able to comfortably hold a conversation while hiking.
Know the Rules on Mules
It might surprise you to learn that there are several different mule rides that exist at the Grand Canyon. And because of this, there are specific rules in regards to how to deal with mules if you encounter one while hiking on the trails in and around the canyon.
The first thing to be aware of while hiking is that the mules always have the right of way. So if you happen to encounter a mule or mule ride while hiking at the grand canyon there are three rules you must remember in order to keep you and everyone else safe.
- When you see a mule approaching the trail the first thing you want to do is step off the trail on the uphill side away from the edge of the canyon.
- Remain completely quite, stand perfectly still, and always follow the directions of the wrangler.
- Do not return to the trail until the mule is at least 50 feet past your position.
Pack Light When Hiking the Grand Canyon
While you definitely want to be prepared while hiking the Grand Canyon there is such a thing as being too prepared when it comes to gear while hiking.
Many times hikers find that they have brought way to much unnecessary gear while hiking at the Grand Canyon, causing them to have to lug around multiple pounds of extra gear that never sees the light of day. Leading to over exertion and fatigue sooner than if they had chosen to pack light.
In general its a good idea to go through all your hiking gear the day before the hike to discover and remove any items from your hiking backpack that are not absolutely essential to that particular trip. That way you can stay light on your feet and unencumbered from unwanted and unnecessary pack weight.
Another tip to keep in mind in regards to hiking light and pack weight is to remember that the heaviest items in your pack should be your food and water provisions while hiking the Grand Canyon.
Don’t Forget the Food
While water and staying hydrated should be your number one concern when hiking the Grand Canyon don’t forget to bring plenty of food for your hike as food = fuel when hiking.
When hiking its best to stick with easy to eat and consume calorie-dense foods that take very little prep and can even be eaten on the go if need be.
When trying to decide what type of food you should bring and eat while hiking at the Grand Canyon the four words you should use to guide your choices include lightweight, compact, healthy, and delicious.
Below is a list of some of my favorite calorie and nutrient-dense foods to eat while hiking on the trails.
- Dry Foods – Dry foods such as rice, instant noodles, and soup mixes.
- Cheese – Cheese is a great choice for hiking because it has a ton of protein and calories and can last for days if properly stored.
- Granola and Protein Bars – While it’s a good idea to avoid any kind of snack bars loaded with sugar to prevent you from crashing on the trail, a well balanced and nutrition granola or protein bar is a great choice for a snack on the go.
- Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Options – While dehydrated or freeze-dried foods can be more expensive, they can be a great choice for hiking due to how compact and lightweight they are.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Fresh fruits and vegetables make a great trail snack and pick me up while hiking.
- Nuts or Trail Mix – Nuts or trail mix is great for hiking because they are packed with protein, easy to consume on the go, and can be easily and safely stored while on the trails.
Take Plenty of Breaks
Even for the most seasoned of hikers the hot sun, high temperature, and high altitude experienced while hiking at the Grand Canyon can be grueling and exhausting.
So to prevent yourself from overheating and overexerting yourself it’s best to take regular breaks, making sure to check in with everyone in your hiking party while on those breaks to see how they’re doing.
A good rule of thumb if you are not sure how often you should take a break, is to take a 10-minute break for every 1 hour of hiking.
Never Hike Alone while at the Grand Canyon
While in my opinion, it’s never a good idea to hike alone, this is especially true while hiking at the Grand Canyon due to the harsh conditions, rugged trails, and extreme heat that you can experience while on the trails.
Instead its always a better to hike in groups of at least two or more while hiking at the Grand Canyon in case something goes wrong.
While you might consider yourself an excellent hiker, the fact of the matter is, is that things can and do go wrong while hiking especially in remote areas like the Grand Canyon and there is always safety in numbers while hiking.
Don’t Feel Like You Have to Reach the Bottom
Often times hikers not knowing what it really entails, show up to the Grand Canyon expecting to hike to the bottom on their day hike.
However, for most people due to a lack of time, skill level, or physical ability this is just not practical or a good idea.
The fact of the matter is, is that the park rangers at the Grand Canyon have to rescue hundreds of day-hikers ever year that get in over the heads while hiking down into the Grand Canyon.
Don’t forget when you start hiking down into the canyon that it is much easier hiking down into the canyon than it is to hike back out of it.
So remember when you’re hiking in or around the Grand Canyon don’t feel like you need to hike all the way to the bottom in order to get the full experience. As there is natural beauty and wonder all around you while hiking at the Grand Canyon whether you are hiking around the North Rim, South Rim, inside the canyon, or halfway down it really doesn’t matter as they are all spectacular.
Be Prepared For Large Temperature Swings
While we have talked a lot about the extreme heat you can experience during the summer months at the Grand Canyon. It’s also important to point out that the temperatures can get quite cold after the sun goes down while at the canyon.
So while it might be warm or hot in the daytime, temperatures can quickly drop at night, this is especially true in the spring and fall at the Grand Canyon.
This is because the Grand Canyon is located in a desert environment with very thin and arid air which means the air does not hold heat very well causing the temperature to drop rapidly when the sun goes down.
So if you are planning on hiking at the Grand Canyon make sure you dress in layers in order to handle a variety of temperatures. Allowing for extra layers of clothing in the cool morning and evening hours but also the ability to shed those extra layers as the sun pops out and it starts heating up.
Don’t Feed the Wildlife
It’s important to remember to keep the wildlife wild while hiking and visiting the Grand Canyon.
This means that you should not attempt to feed wildlife while hiking and you should also make sure that you store your food properly and away from wildlife by using food storage lockers and airtight storage containers.
Remember we are sharing the canyon with all sorts of wildlife and are just visiting so the least impact you can have to the surrounding wildlife the better while hiking at the Grand Canyon.
Pack Out Your Trash and Leave No Trace
While this obviously goes without saying, but make sure that anything you bring with you including hiking or camping gear, water bottles, packaging, or trash you take out with you when you leave the Grand Canyon.
It’s also important to follow the leave no trace policy while you are hiking or camping in or around the Grand Canyon. Which means to tread as lightly as possible on your surroundings around you while hiking.
Your goal should always be after you leave an area that the next person coming in behind you can’t tell that anyone was ever there.
Remember, it’s all our responsibilities to keep our national parks and protected wildlife areas pristine and beautiful not only for the next hiker or camper but also for future generations that come after us.
