Grand Canyon Hiking: the South Rim

The Grand Canyon in the United States is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Seven Wonders of the World. To hike the canyon from the rim to the base and back can be a one of the most enduring and satisfying adventures of your life. One of the best areas to begin a hike is at the South Rim of the canyon. This trail is open year round and starts out at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The Colorado River, which carved the canyon, lies about a vertical mile below the rim.

Some 5 million people visit this southern rim every year, with very few ever seeing the bottom of the canyon. Some have traveled down Bright Angel Trail, but soon turn back after seeing the extent of their trip and decide the view is better than the physical exertion. A better option is to plan a 2-day hike, with an overnight stay in the canyon, in case the one day hike back and forth from the rim to the bottom is too exhausting for you. You have 2 options in this area of the South Rim. You can take the Bright Angel Trail, which is a 10-mile trail from the rim to Phantom Ranch, or you can choose the steeper version, the Kaibab Trail. This trail is just to the east of the Bright Angel Trail, and it is only 7 miles of trail-going to get to Phantom Ranch.

The ranch is a comfortable destination for a two-day trip with cabins and food available, or you can stay at a nearby campground, where a tent can be acquired for the night. As with all hiking, be sure you have needed refreshments and food items with you before attempting to travel into this area. Because of the heat and the sun exposure to you during your trip, a head covering is recommended. Do not try and take the trail in one big set of movements. Pace yourself and enjoy the beauty of the canyon while moving to the base.