Conquer The Canyon®
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Trail Descriptions

Conquer The Canyon offers a wide range of trails for your Hike For SHELTER Grand Canyon adventure. 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 footedness 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.

The Hike For Shelter leaders Pam and Karen are experienced Grand Canyon hikers and welcome your questions. "I conquered the canyon with The Walking Connection a few years ago. It simply was one of the best adventures of my life. Now I have the opportunity to lead a new group of people and share this fantastic adventure with them. I invite you to Come Hike Grand Canyon With Us! Karen Leffler, Hike Leader

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Take The Next Step & Learn More!

SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa County - Every year, SHELTER, Inc. helps more than 4,000 at-risk or homeless men, women and children in Contra Costa County; over 40% of those are children. Our mission—to prevent homelessness and promote self-sufficiency among low-income residents of Contra Costa County. Teamed with Conquer The Canyon at The Grand Canyon, we are "Changing Lives, One Step At A Time! Come Hike Grand Canyon With Us.

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