Frequently Asked Questions and Links

"The Grand Canyon is huge and steep. Can I do this?"

YES! The Walking Connection has developed Conquer The Canyon to accommodate walkers, hikers and wheelchair participants with varied interests and abilities. We also have created a 16-week physical training and preparedness program that will help prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. There is something at Conquer The Canyon for everyone!

"How long are the hikes and how will I know which one is right for me?"

The Walking Connection has works closely with each organization to select a variety of trails that offer hikers a choice in both difficulty and distance. You may select the relatively flat and improved trails on the Rim that offer options of a 1.5 mile to a 12 mile walk/hike (2.4 - 19.3 Kilometers). You can select one of longest day hikes into the Canyon on a maintained trail which can be up to 12 miles (19.3 Kilometers) and 3000' (914 meters) descent into the canyon. You can select a very steep and challenging hike on a wilderness trail that is up to 7 miles long, but more technical in nature. Better yet, you even have the option of combining a few of these trails. Best of all, our .ORG Partners, in conjunction with The Walking Connection will provide you information and ongoing support so that you select and properly train for the perfect hike for you. The choice is yours!

"I'm not a hiker, can I do this?"

ABSOLUTELY! As long as you follow the online training schedule and preparedness manuals you will be provided, bring your spirit of adventure and an open mind, and follow the lead of your EXPERT Walking Connection Grand Canyon guide, there is something here for everyone.

"I'm an experienced hiker, will I be challenged?"

Definitely! First of all, there are NO EASY trails into or out of the Grand Canyon. The Walking Connection will work closely with you so that we combine experienced hikers into small groups. Our goal is to provide trails and hikes that will meet your adventurous spirit and challenge your technical and physical abilities. We want you to test your endurance and your ability to deal with a variety of new and different environmental conditions. Following your training schedule and preparedness manual will be critical to your success.

"Do I need special equipment and what should I bring?"

You won't need any special equipment. Depending upon where you live, the equipment you use to train for your Grand Canyon hike will be more than enough for your Grand Canyon hike. In fact, it may be too much. In addition to your adventuresome spirit, you'll need sturdy hiking boots, a good day pack, light hiking shorts and COTTON T-Shirts! Forget the moisture wicking hi-tech thin material athletic shirts. They are NOT appropriate for this desert hike. We'll explain in detail EXACTLY what you will and won't need once you have joined a .ORG Partner Team.

Grand Canyon Links

Here are a few links that will help you learn more about the Grand Canyon.

HitTheTrail - A must read. Denise Travers is "the" preeminent expert on the Grand Canyon and this non-commercial site offers more information about Grand Canyon than any other site on the internet! It is a "Must Read."

Grand Canyon - This is the official site of Grand Canyon National Park.

Read an article in Arizona Highways Magazine about Conquer The Canyon! [PDF]

Program Organization Links:

Here are links to sites that will help you learn more about the program including logistics and fundraising:

The Walking Connection and Conquer The Canyon invite you to an
adventure of a lifetime!

Click Here and Come Hike The Grand Canyon With Us!