Hiking Grand Canyon

As a PSAR Ranger, my job is to help visitors avoid needing to be rescued by providing education about the hazards of hiking in the Grand Canyon, and the time and equipment necessary to complete a planned hike.

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

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

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.

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.