When it comes to walking, USA holidays provide many opportunities for some truly excellent hiking experiences. For anyone considering going walking in the USA, there is one place that is likely to be a big draw, being one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world: the Grand Canyon.
At 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is simply vast. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the USA, seeing five million visitors each year. The huge majority of these people visit just to look, but there are some excellent hiking opportunities for those who want to get up close and personal to the canyon.
Visiting the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is ideal for people who enjoy energetic walking. USA breaks to the Grand Canyon are easy to arrange, but the question with something so big, is - where to actually visit?
When you visit the Grand Canyon there are two areas that you can go: the South Rim on the Arizona side and the North Rim on the Utah side. The South Rim is by far the most popular side to visit, and it gets very busy during peak tourist season. The reason for this is because it is the most accessible side, and it is open throughout the year.
The North Rim is less accessible, and the road is closed from October to May due to snow. It is also much wilder and more secluded than the South Rim, which makes it particularly appealing to hikers.
Walking in the Grand Canyon
Walking in the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to fully appreciate its size and beauty. But for anyone who likes walking, USA authorities are quite clear that it can be hard going even for experienced hikers. Extremes of hot and cold are quite common, and the sides are very steep. This means you should take plenty of food and water with you, as well as making sure you are in good physical condition before you begin your hike. Of course, if you are with a walking group and an experienced leader, all the practicalities will be taken care of for you.
Hiking Trails
Two of the most popular trails are the South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail, both of which are good options when you go walking. USA trips to the Grand Canyon provide you with plenty of opportunities for hiking, but these two are both popular and well known.
The Bright Angel Trail is two miles longer, but it includes a stop off at Indian Garden for a rest where you can find water, toilets and a ranger station. The South Kaibab Trail is shorter, but there is nowhere to stop and rest. However, it is very beautiful and takes you across the Colorado River on a bridge high above the water. It is 21 miles rim to rim, and one mile up and down the walls, making it an overnight trip for most people. If you can't decide which trail to try out then you can always do them both by taking the Kaibab down and the Angel up again.
Things to Be Aware Of
Walking in the Grand Canyon is a real adventure, but there are a few things you should be aware of before you start your hike.
- Always take a map
- Watch out for scorpions and snakes
- Don't try and go down and up in one day as it is not recommended
- When you go walking, USA authorities require you to have a back country permit if you are hiking overnight
- Remember to carry all rubbish and dispose of it in the proper disposal facilities
Enjoy Walking in the Grand Canyon
For those who love walking, USA trips offer so much to enjoy, and the Grand Canyon is surely one of the highlights. Plan your trip properly, (even better, let the experts plan it for you!), make sure you take all the precautions, and you will be sure to have an amazing time exploring this incredible wonder of the world.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries. Join our walking USA tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, and you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
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