This is the second time that Americans have been captured near the border of a hostile nation. Stay home and go to the Grand Canyon. Seriously, people need to weigh the risks of their adventures and choose wisely!

My friend has prosthetic leg. He can walk about 1 mile on level terrain. It doesn’t have to be paved but nothing too steep or rocky. Recommendations on specific camp grounds or hiking trails would be appreciated.

Because of the fragile desert ecosystem of the inner canyon, minimum impact camping practices are a must. Around 800 people a day will be camping along the river on any given night during peak season. There’s significant potential for damage to everyone’s favorite camps.
But if we all work together, we can help preserve the camps for future visitors.

Indian Artifacts

Humans have left their mark in the canyon, long before we started running the rapids. These pre-historic and historic resource areas are all a part of the canyon record, from ancestral Puebloans to the miners and explorers. Each site is a protected area and every thing from the smallest flake of stone, to pieces of pottery, even more recent historic artifacts are a significant part of the canyons history. All are protected by law and should be left as they’re found.

Permits Required

Remember when you hike on river left, you may be entering the Navajo, Havasupai, or Hualapi Indian Reservations. This includes the Diamond Creek Takeout. If you are planning on visiting these areas, please apply for permits well in advance before entering reservation lands. Consult with the main park office for the specific boundaries of these reservations and any applicable fees.

While exploring areas off the river you’ll discover a wealth of archeological sites. They’re all fragile and serve as a connection to the Canyon’s past as well as a valuable study resource.

Native Americans have been in the canyon for over ten thousand years. Because of the dry desert environment many of the artifacts they left are still intact throughout the canyon. Many are of significant religious importance to today’s tribal people.

Archeological Sites

Archeological sites come in many varieties from walls and foundations to granaries to large areas dotted with ruins and roasting pits. These sites have endured decades and sometimes centuries but with one misstep an area can be damaged or eliminated over time. Always stay on established trails and don’t enter any of the sites. Most of them are very delicate and can be degraded or destroyed very easily. Something as simple as leaning against a wall can cause it to collapse.

Grand Canyon covers over 1.2 million acres, most of this space is open for you to explore. There are certain areas though where you will need to show caution or simply avoid.

Use Caution Here

Stanton’s Cave is at river mile 30. You can hike to the cave opening but are restricted from entering the cave by a gate. This gate was constructed to preserve the archeological site inside and allow a colony of bats to fly in and out of the cave. The artifacts that once were here were excavated by archeologists long ago.

Just down river and in view of Stanton’s Cave is Vasey’s Paradise. Vasey’s is home to the Kanab Amber Snail that live in the vegetation. It’s best to stay 5 feet from any plants for the protection of the snail and yourself; poison ivy abounds at this site. Due to the fragile nature of the remnants of Anasazi Bridge on the cliff face at river mile 42, this archaeological site is closed to all stopping or visitation.

Another area off limits to all stopping is the Sacred Salt Mine just below the confluence of the Little Colorado River. This is a religious site of great value to Hopi and other tribes of the Four Corners and out of respect we ask you not to stop here.

At River Mile 52 you will see the Nankoweap Granaries in a small alcove in the cliff face. Hiking up the stabilized trail is permitted but please stay on the ledge below the actual granaries.

The Furnace Flats area is located at river mile 71 and half. The site has undergone severe erosion, and is closed to any visitation. While the park tries to stabilize the area please don’t stop there.

At river mile 72 is one of the largest archeological sites in the canyon, Unkar Delta is perched on a large shelve above Unkar Rapid. This area covers many acres and was inhabited some 1000 years ago. There are dozens of structures, foundations as well as pottery pieces and other artifacts. Unkar Delta is the only exception to the rule, where you will be permitted to enter the structures so take some time to explore this unique area.

If You Find an Artifact

If you want to examine an artifact more closely you may pick it up but please return it to the exact spot where you picked it up. You’ll notice collectors piles throughout the site where visitors have stacked artifacts for display. It’s far more rewarding for you and those who will follow to make their own discoveries. Please don’t pile artifacts on rocks or walls.

The canyon has been host to several eras of human occupation and activities. The late 1800’s saw a flurry of mining activity. One of the richest minerals taken from the canyon was asbestos, because of the potential health hazard both Hance and Bass mines sites are closed to visitation.

Video: Go here for a short clip on Grand Canyon Hiking Tips

Before we can head down the trail we need to pack the equipment and supplies we will need for the hike. Whenever I hike the trails, even if I’m only intending to go a short distance, I always bring the ten essentials. Someone much smarter than me once said “The only constant in life is change.” And at the Grand Canyon plans can change quickly due to the weather, illness, injury or fatigue. If you plan for a hike to take longer than you expect, you will be better prepared if things don’t go according to plan.

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Part 3 of the video provides a brief review of the Grand Canyon Hiking Information from parts 1 and 2 of this video program.

If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

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One of the most unique landscapes in the world can be found at the Grand Canyon National Park, which is in Arizona, US. The mighty Colorado River has carved its way through the landscape for millions of years, which has resulted in a canyon that is up to 6,000 feet deep in places and up to 18 miles wide.

South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is internationally famous and attracts up to 5 million visitors a year who come to sample this crown jewel of the national park system. Designated a World Heritage Site, the South Rim is home to 50 species of reptiles, 300 different bird species, 75 species of mammals and 25 fish species, some of which can only be found locally.

South Rim Road Trip

Parts of the area can be quite inaccessible. The South Rim, however, is the easiest to access because of its excellent roadways. On arrival, there’s a large selection of activities that visitors can take part in. By far the easiest way to enjoy the scenery is to take the 35-mile, rim-top drive, which lets you see Powell Memorial, Desert Watchtower and other iconic landmarks.

El Tovar Hotel, South Rim, Grand Canyon

For visitors wanting to spend more time in the area, there is an excellent selection of lodgings available, both within and outside the Park in Tusayan. These accommodations fill up quickly, often up to a year in advance, so booking ahead of time is essential. For visitors who want to sample the outdoor life, there are a variety of campgrounds from which to choose. The most popular is Mather Campground, where campsites are reserved online or over the phone on a first come, first served basis.

Grand Canyon Lodging

The South Rim is loaded with excellent facilities like those found in the Historic District such as El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, the Bucky O’Neil Cabins, and the Grand Canyon Train Station. There’s an excellent visitor center near Mather Point. Market Plaza near the Shrine of Ages boasts a general store and deli, post office, bank and a cafeteria

The North Rim is far more inaccessible, but rewards the visitor with spectacular, unspoilt scenery. There are various half day and overnight hiking and walking trails that lead to the regions many fantastic natural landmarks. Lodging and camping is limited and open only during the summer months. It’s best to call ahead for a reservation. The rim is closed during winter due to its altitude and extreme weather conditions.

Grand Canyon Weather

Any visitors arriving at the National Park (especially for hiking) should always check in with the backcountry office and scan the weather forecasts carefully. During spring and fall, the weather can be quite unpredictable with rapid changes. Temperatures in the high parts of the South Rim are quite pleasant during the summer, but are hot as you hike down to he bottom of the canyon. The North Rim has cooler temperatures due to its high-altitude. During winter, the weather conditions in the South Rim can be quite extreme with snow and ice at times; the North Rim, as noted earlier, is closed from November to April.

Helicopter Tour, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

There is a good choice of guided tours available, as well as activities such as 1-day, smooth-water rafting tours, helicopter flights and airplane tours. The float trips are seasonal and run from April to November. Helicopter and plane trips fly 365 days a year. I highly recommend reserving all these trips beforehand as they are extremely popular and do sell out.

Canyon Time!

Visiting the Grand Canyon National Park will give any visitor a memorable vacation. With the area’s unique landscape and wildlife, there are new experiences to be found around virtually every corner. Much of the area has excellent communication links as well as an excellent selection of accommodations to make the whole visit the experience of a lifetime.

Part 2 of the video tells shows an backpacking trip in progress and what to do when faced with a variety of situations during your hike or backpacking trip.

A Grand Canyon hike can be one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime. But no hike in the canyon is easy: the terrain is steep, dry and rugged. This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon’s harsh, yet fragile, environment.

If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

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Part 1 of the video tells you how to prepare for your hike or backpacking trip.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon.

A hike into the Grand Canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable hike. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers.

Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

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This is an audio podcast made from the soundtrack of Hiking Information Video.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon.

A hike into the Grand Canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable hike. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers.

Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

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Heading out into the natural environment with children can be a fantastic experience for both parent and child. Children often bring our attention back to the wonder of small things we may miss while taking in the grandeur of the Canyon. Hiking with children in a place known for extreme temperatures and high cliffs also presents a unique set of safety challenges. In this podcast I will present some suggestions for keeping your infant or small child protected from heat-illness, dehydration, sunburn and falls. I will also give you a checklist of items you might want to bring with you on your hike, and some suggested trail destinations.

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