Conquer The Canyon®
Come Hike The Grand Canyon with

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 and hikers with varied interests and abilities. We also have created a 16-week physical training and preparedness program. Hike Leader and Program Contact for Promise Olives 100 Year Hike, Steve and Marijane Relth will help lead a fantastic local training program right in your area. Filled with great local training hikes, clinics and informational and fun gatherings. She will lead you along a journey that will prepare you for your hike at Grand Canyon, introduce you to new and soon to be lifelong friends and teach you about Shelter's mission and the incredible good you are doing by participating in this program.

During your training and while you are at Grand Canyon, you will see that there is something for everyone.

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

Steve and Marijane Relth, and Promise Olives are working closely with The Walking Connection 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 the 100 Year Hike and 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! Both Marijane and Steve are a seasoned veterans when it comes to preparing you for your adventure. We work closely with them each and every day and together we will provide you with all the help and support you need to be successful and reach your goals. As long as you follow their lead and 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, you will enjoy your entire adventure!

"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. Conquer The Canyon will combine hikers into small groups based upon your interests and abilities. Our goal is to provide trails and hikes that will meet your adventurous spirit and challenge your technical abilities and physical preparedness. 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 Promise Olives 100 Year Hike.

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.

Grand Canyon Field Institute - Their site is a must read for all Grand Canyon Visitors before you reach the park.

Program Organization Links:

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

Take The Next Step & Learn More!