Nat Have you ever seen a mountain from afar and been blown away by the sheer size of it once you’ve gotten close? If so, try to imagine that feeling but looking into a giant hole! In this post, I will cover the Best Trails at the Grand Canyon for the Average Hiker, what to pack, and where you can find more information on the park.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural formations in the world for not just its sheer size, but also the for the incredibly beautiful hikes!
Read Did You Know… Grand Canyon National Park for more fun information about the park!
Now, if you are not an avid hiker, the thought of trekking the Grand Canyon may seem daunting. However, there are multiple trails that lead you deep into the canyon without requiring you to have much hiking experience.
NOTE: The Grand Canyon is still a very large canyon and not all trails have protective railing. Therefore, it is important to be diligent and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Views of the Canyon
I have visited Grand Canyon National Park many times, but nothing compares to seeing the canyon from deep within its rocky walls.
When visiting the first time, I chose to hike the Bright Angel Trail all the way to the Colorado River, where I stayed the night in the dorm at Phantom Ranch.
One of the most spectacular things about my experience was the continuously changing colors of the canyon throughout the day. During the bright early mornings that photographers call the “Magic Hour”, the canyon often casts a yellow and orange glow. In the evenings, the sunset highlights the purple and red hues of the multi-colored rocks. However, the colors also change depending on the season and the weather.
Therefore, I highly recommend staying long enough at the canyon to see sunrise and sunset if possible, regardless of the season!
Best Trails at the Grand Canyon
Below is my selection of the five best trails for the average hiker, including some tips and recommendations for planning your trip!
- Bright Angel Trail – Located on the South Rim, this trail starts out with switchbacks that include rest stops with water sources at 1, 2, 3, and 5 miles down into the canyon. This is the most popular trail for visitors so you can absolutely expect it to be crowded. However, the deeper you go into the canyon, the fewer people you will encounter.
- South Rim Trail – This paved trail is perfect for those looking to experience the canyon with minimal elevation change. It is scattered with iconic lookout points for the perfect photo, including some of the most popular: Mather Point, Powell Point, and Yavapai Point.
- South Kaibab Trail – As another one of the most famous trails leading into the canyon, South Kaibab Trail is famous for its access to Ooh-Aah-Point and Skeleton Point. The quick elevation change within the first mile is usually favorable for the descent into the canyon, but don’t forget that you do have to hike back out!
- Cape Final Trail – This four-mile trail takes you along the edge of the North Rim and includes some of the most breathtaking views! Since it does not take you into the canyon, this is a great scenic hike with little elevation change and less crowds!
- Bright Angel Point Trail – Wrapping up the list, this trail is a mild hike leading to incredible views of the canyon! It is one of the shortest trails at approximately half a mile in length. So if you are looking for a quick and easy hike, this one is perfect!
Also, if you are interested in upgrading your devices before your trip, read the Ultimate Digital Gear for Beginner Travelers for details on the gadgets I use to capture all my experiences!
What to Pack
Below are some of my top recommendations for what to pack for hiking at the Grand Canyon:
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- Hiking boots – There are many wonderful brands to choose from when purchasing a good pair of hiking boots. I personally use Timberland Hiking Boots and they have lasted me many years! (See photo above)
- Walking sticks – If you need a little extra support (or peace of mind when walking so close to the edges), I highly recommend taking along a good set of trekking poles.
- BIG WATER BOTTLE – If you are hiking the trails, it is likely during the warmest months of the year. Make sure you stay hydrated and bring along enough water to last you many hours. I prefer a water bottle with a spout to avoid spilling any extra water. Camelbak and Nalgene water bottles are great options that I swear by for daily use. However, consider an insulated water bottle like a Hydroflask to keep your water cold in the heat of the canyon.
- Tall socks – Hiking can get intense so avoid the blisters and invest in high quality socks that are breathable and extend past the tops of your shoes/boots.
- Backpack – You will want a light-weight hiking backpack because you don’t need any extra weight to lug around! Consider purchasing a hiking backpack if you plan to do more extensive hikes while visiting the Grand Canyon.
- Snacks – Obviously, you may get hungry during the hike, so try to pack snacks with minimal waste as you will have to carry the trash back out of the canyon with you.
- Sunscreen – In the heat of the summer, the Grand Canyon can feel blistering hot. Don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen and reapply it as needed.
- Seamless Shirt – It may seem like an odd recommendation but try to avoid shirts that have seams across the tops of your shoulders. This will help eliminate unnecessary friction from your pack!
Hiking the Grand Canyon is a spectacular accomplishment that I believe everyone should try at some point in their lives.
You can find more information about the park, seasonal closures/safety warnings, and more at the National Park Service website.
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