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The beauty and grandeur of this ancient landscape
is unique and quite wonderful.
In many ways the Grand Canyon presents the very finest desert landscape to be found
anywhere on the face of the planet.
Opportunities for wilderness travel abound and hikers come from around the world
to walk the canyon trails
and experience this special place
in a very personal way.
Unfortunately
far too many people arrive at the park
unaware
that hiking in the Grand Canyon is entirely different than hiking anywhere else
and that the world of the inner canyon can present a harsh,
dangerous, unforgiving environment.
For a safe, successful canyon hike
you need to know how to take care of yourself
as well as how to take care of the canyon,
so let's review
what you need to know before starting down canyon trails.
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Having a grand hike depends in part upon your safety. If you need to be rescued it will be
costly, damaging to the canyon and you might not be rescued.
Every year hikers die
in the Grand Canyon.
You need to be deliberate about each step
from planning to the end of the hike.
We came into the park very nieve to
the conditions. We start off in the morning it was probably sixty five degrees
had a pair of shorts and a shirt on and was
chilly at that point.
and
basically just went walking down the trail
and next thing you know we'd probably
walked four or five miles and not thought anything of it.
Walking down the canyon
takes very little energy
or exercise.
and
next thing you knew,
we were dealing with the dehydration
and one hundred fifteen degrees versus sixty five degrees
and, once dehydration set in and then
there was nothing left...
and basically we were stranded at that point.
in the midst of
dealing with
dehydration
and trying to get to water
and replenish myself
I basically took some risks that
I probably would not usually have taken.
so - I actually descended
from where I was, and actual successfully
kind of rock climbed for a while before
I got the one that
got the better of me.
Fell about forty feet down a cliff
The injuries I sustained: had seven broken bones
two of which
were spinal. Collapsed lung.
But from what I understand, when they actually go to me and
hooked me up to an IV and everything...
They said that my temperature was one hundred and four at that point.
I was close to the point of buurning up.
Each year, more than a thousand visitors are treated for heat-related illness
injuries or exposure to cold.
Thousands more go unreported.
You'll be safer and better prepared both mentally and physically
if you thought carefully about your itinerary, and plan for it.
So check the official guide to hiking the Grand Canyon for the difficulty of the trails
you're taking, and
know exactly how far you'll go and how long it will take.
Weigh your physical condition condition an experience against the extreme
temperatures and the exertion you'll face.
Call ahead to check
trail conditions and weather
Trails can be restricted or closed and weather is variable.
Avoid hiking alone
and tell people where you'll be.
Your physical condition is very important
The canyon is like and upside-down mountain.
You work hardest at the end of the hike
when you're most tired.
It takes twice as long to hike up as down.
You might average a mile per hour going up and it will be like climbing stairs
all day long.
Even well conditioned hikers can have trouble,
so start conditioning months before your hike.
Some medications can make heat problems worse, so, check with your doctor.
Even if you're an experienced hiker,
the grand canyon trip will require special gear and preparation.
See the Grand Canyon Hiking Brochure for a checklist.
Pack for your specific trip, and pay special attention to your
water supply.
Water sources are few an unreliable,
so know where your next drink of water is coming from,
and carry more than enough water to get there.
Hiking up hill in the canyon on a hot sunny day, you can sweat up to two quarts or two
liters per hour.
If you lose too much water, your body temperature
can climb.
Unchecked, this will lead to heat stroke.
and eventually death.
Sweating
washes salt from your body.
This loss of salt can make you very sick.
Salty snacks an electrolyte drinks will replace the salty you sweat away.
Began each day's hike with at least four quarts or liters of water in your pack,
and treat or filter any water
you take from canyon springs, creeks or potholes.
Bring re-sealable bags to carry out uneaten food or trash.
Fires aren't allowed, so bring a stove.
You may need rain gear.
A camera or sketch pad are great ways to record sites...
and avoid the temptation to take things from the canyon.
Pack basic first aid kits -
especially an ankle wrap.
For emergencies carry a whistle and a signal mirror.
Bring a flashlight -
even if you you're just on a day hike.
If you return late,
you may need it.
It's possible to get lost, so don't leave without a map an compass.
And remember, your whole hike rides on your boots.
When you had steep terrain,
even with perfect boots,
your feet can blister,
so bring moleskin
and use it...
before blisters form.
And don't forget a hat...
that really shades you.
During winter or spring and fall it might snow, so check conditions with rangers and
be prepared for all types of weather.
Be sure to pack gators and in-step crampons.
If the canyon rim is cold or snowy,
you can get into real trouble if you're not prepared.
You'll avoid problems by slowing down and by staying energized.
Remember, you're on vacation.
"Almost done?"
"Just about."
Reserve a campsite on the rim of the canyon for the day before the hike, so you'll have
time to check on the weather and the trail,
to find out about trail restrictions and closures
or to rest up...
This is a great time to double-check critical items like prescription medicines,
and to take care of details
"OK, I'm getting the permit, so we don't forget that in the morning.