Hiking in the Grand Canyon
Hiking in the Grand Canyon
Every serious hiker has a dream – to hike the Grand Canyon. People who have hiked the Grand Canyon usually express one of the two opposite feelings. They either want to come to the Grand Canyon again at the earliest, or, they swear not to come to it again! Though hiking the Grand Canyon is a different ball game altogether from other hiking trips, it is a wonderful way to experience the rich natural wealth of the king-size canyon.
Mental Attitude
For hiking the Grand Canyon, you need the right mental set up. The hiking trip is so demanding that people with excellent physical condition, often emerge fatigued. Hiking the Grand Canyon is a test of your physical and mental endurance power. Children, aged persons, and even people with physical disabilities are known to have hiked the Grand Canyon with success. Undoubtedly, these people had rock-solid, never-say-die, positive attitude.
Early Explorations
The first recorded exploration of the region occurred in the mid 1800s, when an army unit led by Lieutenant Joseph Ives came to explore the area. According to Ives, the locality was “profitless” and “valueless.”
Much later, John Wesley Powell became the first to raft the Grand Canyon in 1869.
He, along with his team traveled more than 1000 miles through the canyon in wooden boats. Powell made a second attempt to visit the unexplored part of the Grand Canyon in 1871. He later founded the U.S. Geological Society. In the course of time, the Grand Canyon attracted more and more explorers.
Grand Canyon–a Geographical Overview
The Grand Canyon is in the northwestern corner of Arizona, in the vicinity of Utah and Nevada borders. The Colorado River, flowing through the canyon, drains water from seven states of the U.S. But the hiking site (actually what is known as Grand Canyon) is entirely in Arizona. The major portion of the Grand Canyon is within the Grand Canyon National Park. The mile-deep Colorado River bisects the National Park into north and south rims. The two rims are different in elevation and have different climatic conditions. The vegetation types are also different.
Tips for Hiking the Grand Canyon
The first and basic activity prior to any exploration is planning. It is all the more crucial for the Grand Canyon. Do not hike alone. You have to get the weather forecast ahead and the places where water will be available. You have to hike intelligently and never ever fall into the trap of over-ambitiousness. You have to climb high in dry, desert-like conditions. Be conservative in planning your hike. If you are suffering from diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart ailments, you should limit your exertion and exposure to heat.
You need to travel light. Food and water should consume the bulk of your travel pack. You need a pair of well-fitted hiking boots. A flashlight with spare bulb and batteries might prove to be highly effective. You will require sunglasses and sunscreen to beat the heat of the sun. A map, a compass, and a signal mirror will help to prevent you from getting lost. A whistle will help you to alert other hikers in case you are in distress. A first aid kit is an absolute necessity in such rigorous explorations. Waterproof clothing is another essential item. Keep spare dry clothes too in case you get wet.
Do not increase your speed unnecessarily and exert yourself too much. You should be able to talk while walking. Walking along with talking ensures that your legs and body are getting adequate supply of oxygen for proper functioning. You have to take a ten minute break after every hour of hiking. This measure will ensure that the metabolic waste products that are built up in your legs get removed. During the break, eat some food and drink some fluids.
Taking food and drinks adequately and frequently is a must. You have to eat and drink more than you usually do. After every hour of hiking, you need to drink at least a liter of water or sports drinks. To supply the necessary energy, you should have a wholesome breakfast, full-course lunch, snacks every time you drink, and a fulfilling dinner. Remember, the level of exhaustion is so hard that this is not the time for dieting.
Coming back from the hike can be harder than ascent. Plan 1/3 of your time to descend and 2/3 to ascend (for every hour you hike into the canyon, plan on spending two hours to hike out). As a matter of courtesy, give uphill hikers the right of way. In case you need expert help, you can take the help of guided hikes from the Grand Canyon Field Institute.
Additional Information
Write To
Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Visitor Information
(928) 638-7888
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
