Conquer
The Canyon®
Trail Descriptions
Conquer The Canyon
offers a wide range of trails for
your hike at Grand Canyon. While each trail offers
differing views and varying degrees of difficulty, all provide an
exciting adventure in Grand Canyon National Park.
Hiking the Grand Canyon is challenging
for everyone on many different levels. The first challenge is hiking
in an altitude range of 7000 feet where cardiovascular fitness is
vital. The second challenge is hiking in extremely low relative
humidity and high temperatures where hydration is critical. Our
team hikes will prepare you for both of these universal challenges.
Each team hike will get progressively longer with more elevation
gain/loss while carrying up to 128 oz. of water (and drinking it!)
while hiking. If you actively train and participate in the team
hikes (at your own PACE) you will be adequately prepared for the
first two challenges of elevation and hydration.
The other key challenges for hikers
at Grand Canyon are based on personal choices and considerations
(self-examination). We want your hike experience to be extraordinary
hiking the trail of your choice that is appropriate for interest
and ability. The following trail choices are categorized based on
unique characteristics of the types of trails along the rim or into
canyon. Trail choices should not be based on NOT based solely on
distance in miles (endurance) or steepness of descent/ascent (elevation
gain/loss).
THE RIM TRAIL
8.2 miles ONE WAY beginning at Hermit’s
Rest to official terminus at Bright Angel Lodge. Portions of the
trail are paved with minimal elevation gain of 200 feet.
Shuttle bus stops are along the
trail at 1 to 2 mile intervals.
If you suffer from acrophobia this
trail is may not be for you! Parts of the Rim Trail are along the
edge of the canyon with spectacular views but with no guard rails
and very narrow trails. Requires sure footed dexterity and concentration.
SUMMARY: This trail
offers a wide range of opportunities – from the relative ease
of rolling hills to the more difficult challenges of longer distances.
NO water along trail.
Rim Trail with Optional Bright Angel
Extension: This is a guided hike a short distance down Bright Angel
Trail after Rim Trail hike. As with all Conquer The Canyon hikes,
the turnaround point will be at discretion of the guide.
WILDERNESS TRAIL on HERMIT
TRAIL
This is the MOST TECHNICALLY CHALLENGING
trail into and out of Grand Canyon on rocky, rugged, unmaintained
wilderness trails with very steep descents and ascents. It is the
most physically demanding and difficult trail with 1600 foot gain/loss
in 2.4 miles. Though not long in actual miles, it will feel like
8-10 miles of intense uphill hiking! Recommended for experienced
desert hikers requiring surefootedness and no fear of heights. The
maximum turnaround point for this hike is Santa Maria Springs or
Dripping Springs.
NO water or toilets along trail.
SUMMARY: THE MOST
TECHNICAL HIKE! on steep, unmaintained trails.
Option: Hikers can independently
extend their experience in the canyon to include hiking up to an
additional 8.2 miles along The Rim Trail after they have experienced
the inner canyon on The Hermit Trail. Hikers can board a shuttle
back to Bright Angel Lodge at their discretion.
CORRIDOR Trail on BRIGHT
ANGEL TRAIL
This is the most popular trail
into the Grand Canyon on a maintained, corridor trail with steep
descents – the steepest being in the first 1.5 miles. It is
a wide trail also used by mules and best suited for anyone with
height issues. Most elevation change takes place in the top 4 miles
of the trail with many switchbacks. For those who have trained for
endurance Bright Angel gives the best options to 3-Mile House, Indian
Garden or Plateau Point.
Views include natural cliffs and
more plant and animal life than other trails. There will be 4 options
on Bright Angel Trail with roundtrip distances of 3, 6, 9, and 12
miles – the longest day hike allowed in the Grand Canyon to
Plateau Point.
Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse (3 miles
Roundtrip)
Three Mile Resthouse (6 mile roundtrip)
Indian Gardens (9 miles roundtrip)
Plateau Point (12 miles roundtrip- the longest day hike allowed
in the canyon!)
Water and restrooms available on
Bright Angel trail at various points.
SUMMARY: The most
popular hike into and out of Grand Canyon on a wide maintained trail.
Images Not To Scale
Bright Angel
Trail is a corridor trail and the most popular at Grand
Canyon. The trail is very steep in the midway points between Indian
Garden and 3-mile, and then from 3-mile to just above 1.5-mile house.
Below 3-mile to Indian Garden the trail, though maintained, is rutted
and "puddled" by the mule trains. In the sun, it can be
very aromatic. The new toilets at 3-mile house are quite nice and
the small protruding bench nearby provides a great place to view
the wide open expanse of the canyon and enjoy lunch. You'll appreciate
this point going in both directions. 3-Mile Rest house is the most
popular turnaround point for most day hikers into Grand Canyon.
Indian Gardens are
surrounded by Cottonwood tress with lots of shade and there are
many places to rest and enjoy the view. For those who have especially
prepared themselves, the spur hike on the Plateau Point Trail provides
beautiful views of the Colorado River (and an excellent view of
the Rim of Grand Canyon that is over 6 miles away by foot)! It is
a reminder of things to come.
Summary - The trail
is well worn, but nicely maintained. You will meet many hikers along
the trail, but the expansive views are some of the canyon's best.
Recognizing the challenge of distance hiking on this trail are critical.
The lack of shade, especially in the midsection can drain you of
energy and sap your will without notice. Access to water every mile
and a half makes this very difficult hike a challenging yet rewarding
adventure.
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STEP: Training - Online Guidebook
Hike On!
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