HikeArizona.COM

Hello Canyon Lovers,

I'm compiling a list of 'Best Tips and Techniques' for hiking/backpacking Grand Canyon for a magazine article. If you have something unique and of interest, let me know. Of course, I'm looking for something other than 'take plenty of water' or 'hike in the shade,' LOL. I'll give you credit for any used in the article. Of course, you are providing me publication rights for your tip if you submit. Thanks, Gary Barnes

Post to the forum or send to me at my home email at gbarnes6614@msn.com. Thanks and see you on the Tonto.

Use an umbrella for shade.

1. Toe Socks. They rock. Toe jam is not fun.
2. Fitting shoes is a special challenge on prolonged summer hikes. My feet swell up to two whole sizes after a couple of long hot days. My "canyon" boots are a size larger than my regular hiking shoes (but I use them on a variety of extended hikes).
3. Hiking poles. Two of them. Save your knees, you're gonna need them. You'd miss your knees more than you'll miss having your hands free - and if your hands swell like mine, it's solving two problems with one fantastic idea!
4. Take your time on the downhill. I know plenty of first or second timers who fly down because they think it's easy, then moan and bellyache because they've worn themselves out when it's time to go up. Going down is much harder than you think when you're doing that much of it, and nearly all the injuries I've had or witnessed at the GC were gotten on the down hill run. Take your time and enjoy the view - it's less grand and more intimidating when you're headed up hill.
5. Any time spent on the Tonto is Golden Time. You don't have to get all the way to the river to really experience the majesty.
6. Respect her. She bites.

You forgot an important one. ;)

7.) Throwing a Wendy... Which would fall under the having fun and loving life part.

rlrjamy wrote:You forgot an important one. ;)

7.) Throwing a Wendy... Which would fall under the having fun and loving life part.

:bigth:

Oh yeah baby!

Writelots: you hike the Canyon in summer? That is where I'd start my list: avoid hiking it in summer. (People from Phx. and Tucson may understand how to deal with heat, but most people around the world do not, plus they are not used to it like Valley people may be.)

I frequently leave my tent in the car, depending upon the weather forecast. That's my one pointer to add. Sleeping under the stars is one of life's greatest pleasures, in my book.

I'll echo azbackpackr, stay out of it in the summer. Maybe if your book emphasizes this, a life will be saved, and certainly plenty of discomfort and pain avoided. There are better places to go in the summer, save the glory of the canyon for when it's cool. A hike with snow on the rim is especially beautiful, versus the pain/agony/danger of hiking in 100 degrees. Tell them the locals (the locals who know) don't go in the summer.

Appreciate everyone who has taken the time to log in a response to my query about best hiking tips. I worked up at the Canyon for a year-and-half with Xanterra. Except for the low pay it was great having the Canyon as my backyard. Thanks again. Gary

Don't overestimate your ability....

If you're camping back country, bring something to keep your gear and food away from rodents. Ratsack, rope, bear canister, etc.

jostream wrote:If you're camping back country, bring something to keep your gear and food away from rodents. Ratsack, rope, bear canister, etc.

...amo can, cast-iron locker, missile silo...
Those critters have gotten wise to the rat sacks. They can't get much, but they can scratch a tiny hole in your bag and nibble on your tortillas or scatter your hot coco all over the canyon. I couldn't believe the audacity of those lil' buggers in the commonly used areas. This one we were actually able to trap with a cooking pot , a stick and some string. I guess if they eat all of your food, your best bet is to turn around and eat them...

writelots wrote: I guess if they eat all of your food, your best bet is to turn around and eat them...

Yum!