Summer Backpacks into the Grand Canyon
Preparing for Trekking into one Wonders of the World
Grand Canyon National Park is located in Northern Arizona. It covers 1.2 million acres and visitors can access the Canyon from the South Rim (an easy hour drive from Flagstaff, Arizona), or the North Rim (about 3 hour drive from Flagstaff, AZ).
Viewing the Canyon from either rim is an invitation for the adventuresome to explore the inner depths of the Canyon where there are creeks, waterfalls, and the mighty Colorado River.
Day hikes are possible but the most beautiful sights require longer stays and that means getting a backpacking permit and doing some planning before hitting the trails.
Water, Packs & Boots
Water in the summer is often available along some of the more traveled trails (Bright Angel, North Kaibab, Hermit) but it is important to carry plenty of water no matter which trails backpackers or hikers take as hikers are often exposed to the sun for hours.
According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service's Backcountry Trip Planner, "every hour hiking in the canyon you should drink 1/2 to 1 quart of water or sport drink". If hikers are not used to temperatures that range from 90s to the 100s they may need to drink more water than is recommended.
Plan to leave early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the sun. Some backpacking trips are even planned around the full moon which allows hikers the option to hike in or out of the canyon at night.
Hiking into the Canyon means a downhill trek that can last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours and the hike out is about the same, so keeping packs light is very important.
Avoid carrying cans of food or heavy items (water should be the heaviest item carried). Check the weather and if the possibility of rain is slight consider hiking without a tent or at the very least leave the rain fly behind.
The trails in the Grand Canyon are dusty and rocky. Light weight boots that support ankles can make the hours spent hiking in or out easier to bear. Feet tend to get very hot so make sure boots are able to breathe.
Once trekking for the day is done it feels heavenly to take off the boots and socks and put on sandals. Bring moleskin to protect sensitive feet or blisters that may develop from the day's travel.
Clothing and Keeping Cool
People often get very sunburned in the canyon and one way to prevent this from happening is to wear sunscreen shirts and shorts. These lightweight clothing options block most of the UVA & UVB rays emitted by the sun.
Carry sunscreen and apply it often on all exposed body parts. The Sun is fierce in the Canyon and getting sunburn can make carrying out a pack impossible.
Drinking liquids is essential when backpacking in the Grand Canyon in the summer, but it is not enough. It is important to bring a bandanna and keep it wet and on throughout the day. Pouring water on shirts and stopping often in shade can help, too.
Know the Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke and do everything possible to prevent their onset.
Backpacking in the Grand Canyon is an experience that can be life changing. Being prepared, especially in the summer assures that the journey is not marred by injuries or other problems.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon
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