Grand Canyon

It would be a crime to mention great hikes in the US and not mention the Grand Canyon. The vast majority of tourists come to the Grand Canyon each year and don’t make it past the rim. While wandering around the rim and seeing the Grand Canyon from above is certainly amazing, it’s even more spectacular to see the power of the Canyon from the bottom. It takes a lot of advanced planning, but if you want to see the canyon from a unique perspective, consider hiking to the bottom and camping.

Popular hikes in the Grand Canyon

If you’re looking to hike to the bottom of the Canyon, you have to start planning early. Hikers can apply for permits 6 months before the proposed hike, and if you are hiking in high season, the permits get gobbled up the first day they are available.

Bright Angel Trail - This trail on the south rim is the most popular trail for those hiking into the Canyon. It’s not nearly as steep as the South Kaibab Trail, but at 9.5 miles, it’s long, and the constant sun with no relief provides challenges, especially in summer months.

South Kaibab Trail - The other option for descending into the canyon from the South Rim, this trial is a few miles shorter than the Bright Angel, which means it’s considerably steeper. If hiking to the bottom and camping, many take the South Kaibab down and the Bright Angel back up.

North Rim - The South Rim is much more popular than the less accessible north rim, so if you’re not fond of crowds and looking to see the canyon from a different perspective, check out the possibilities available on the canyon’s north rim.