Hit the Trail is dedicated to helping those planning a trip to Grand Canyon and the southwestern United States. Within these pages is information to assist you in finding lodging and campgrounds, making reservations, choosing hiking equipment, finding guides and visitor services, as well as providing practical tips and advice to help make your trip a special and safe one.
The monsoon season is winding down and the sun is starting to dip lower in the sky. Night time temperatures are cooling down and the feel of autumn is in the air—at least on the rims. The Inner Canyon temperatures are still pretty hot, but at least it is starting to cool off enough to sleep at night! It is still VERY important to hike early before it heats up. Read the Summertime Hiking Tips to found out how to beat the heat.
Information specific to the Inner Canyon lodge and the campground located near there. Both are located near the junction of the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. All 3 Corridor Trails, the South Kaibab, the Bright Angel, and the North Kaibab meet at here at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
This section includes information on lodging and camping on both the South and North Rim, the inner canyon lodging at Phantom Ranch, the gateway communities, and along the highway connecting both rims. Please note that I am not associated with any of the listed companies and only provide the links and information as a service. If you have any questions, please direct them to the appropriate companies.
Here we discuss shelter, boots, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, clothing, food, and other topics for making your trip enjoyable and safe no matter the season. The weather in the Canyon can vary greatly. Rental options are also listed. Keep in mind that it is far better to rent good gear than to buy cheap gear and regret it when you get caught in a storm in a leaky tent or a sleeping bag that weighs too much and still doesn't keep you warm!
The Bright Angel, South Kaibab and North Kaibab Trail are all part of the Corridor Trail system, the main trails to Phantom Ranch and the Inner Canyon. This section includes information on the trails, campgrounds and permits required for camping below the rim. You'll also find trip reports and links to other resources to help plan your hiking trip.
This section provides information and links to companies that provide In-Park Shuttles & Transportation, Guiding Services, mule rides from the South Rim and North Rim, and Commercial River Trips in the Grand Canyon, as well as information for those wanting to arrange their own Private River Trips. Please note that I am not associated with any of the listed companies and only provide the links and information as a service. If you have any questions, please direct them to the appropriate companies.
As the name implies, this section covers general stuff that doesn't really fit anywhere else. Weather conditions, Ranger Programs, Fishing Regulations, Mileage Chart, Grand Canyon Artists and Authors, Trivia and Facts, Metric Calculators, Visitor Centers and Chambers of Commerce, Indian Reservations, and much more. There is also a Calendar of Current Events.
Shuttles, bikes, walking trails—there are quite a few options for getting around along the rim. Learn about them before your arrival to make the best of your visit.
The companion Facebook page with photos and updates for Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch, and parks and recreation areas throughout the Southwest.
From invasive plants to uranium mining, Grand Canyon National Park is under siege from a host of existential threats. Such is the conclusion of an 80-page report by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) that is catching the attention of major media outlets around the globe.
The findings were reported as the latest installment in NPCA’s "State of the Parks" series that began in 2000 as a means "to assess the condition of natural and cultural resources in the parks, and determine how well equipped the National Park Service is to protect the parks—its stewardship capacity." Follow this link to access this thoughtful document, and let the information inform your own efforts to protect this magnificent landscape!
See you on the trail!
Mike
