50 Survival Tips and Tricks for the Outdoors – This page from Authorized Boots includes an amazing treasure trove of valuable and interesting survival tips. I was amazed at all the information on this site!
All Hikers – Richard Perry has assembled information that those planning a trip to Grand Canyon will find both useful and interesting.
Backcountry Experience – Whether you’re driving through Durango, Colorado, or cruising through the Internet, stop on by this great backcountry gear store. They carry excellent quality clothing, tents, sleeping bags and pad, maps and guides and so much more! And I think they just about have the coolest logo ever. If you stop in, please tell them Denise from Hit the Trail said “Hi!”
Grand Canyon Explorer Home Page – The “unofficial” but original site showing all things Grand Canyon!
Grand Canyon Field Institute – A wide variety of courses are offered, including Geology, Natural and Human History, Archaeology, Botany, Backcountry Skills, and much more! Education and excitement all rolled up into one place! Something for every skill level.
Grand Canyon Hikers and Backpackers Association – “The mission of the Grand Canyon Hikers and Backpackers Association is to promote, encourage and advocate the interests of the hiking and backpacking community in the regions of Grand Canyon.” They now have a Facebook Fan page! Visit and become a Fan by visiting the link to the right.
Grand Canyon National Park– THE CANYON! The best photos and paintings in the world can only offer glimpses of this geologic masterpiece. It must be seen to be believed! Spanning a distance of 277 miles, with an average depth of one mile and width of ten miles, Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site. With elevations in the park ranging from 9000 feet on the North Rim all the way down to 2400 feet at the Colorado River, it is wise to research your itinerary to prepare properly for the conditions you are likely to experience. Information on reservations, permits, activities, tours and much, much more. This comprehensive site has links to many other related sites as well.
The park has made some valuable resources available for viewing online. The Hiking Grand Canyon video is now viewable as a videocast from the park’s website. The podcast is also as available as a free download from the iTunes Music Store: Hiking Grand Canyon Channel. This is a great video to help you prepare for hiking trips at the Canyon. It is the same hiking video that has been sent out with backcountry permits for several years and has helped many hikers properly prepare for an enjoyable inner canyon journey. Definitely worth viewing!
Grand Canyon Treks – You can never read too many trip reports, and this site is a valuable resource for them. Mike Mahanay’s site has a wealth of information on hiking and history at the Grand Canyon. If you planning a backpack trip here, I would definitely recommend that you take a look here!
Grand Hikes with Bob’s Rock Shop – Here is a site for those of you who are rock hounds and amateur geologists, as well as those just interested in knowing what forces created this magnificent canyon cut by the Colorado River.
HikeArizona.com – A wonderful resource for hiking reports, photos and a forum for trails throughout Arizona. It requires free registration to get the full benefit from the site, but well worth it. It covers the entire state of Arizona!
HikingCampingGuide.com – Not a Grand Canyon or southwest site but a site geared towards gear and hiking and camping with some gear reviews and tips with a strong emphasis on camping.
Hiking Etiquette 101: The 12 Trail Rules You Should Know – Not a Grand Canyon site; it is based in the U.K. But hiking etiquette is universal. The “dogs on the trails” obviously won’t apply here since dogs are not allowed in the interior of the Canyon, but these basic good manners are near and dear to my heart. The site itself is excellent for many other tips and ideas—highly recommended!
HikingLady.com – A website dedicated to women who love the outdoors, and choose to explore it by hiking, backpacking, and camping. Additionally, the blog is an up-to-date resource with articles of interest, events, environmental issues, book and movie reviews, organizations to join, and deals on hiking gear and apparel. The site is geared mostly towards mountain and cold weather hiking but there is still some excellent advice for gear and other information.
Recreation.gov – An excellent government site showing recreational areas for the entire country with contact information and links to the respective agency. This comprehensive website covers all aspects of recreational activity: auto touring, biking, boating, camping, climbing, historical/cultural site, educational programs, fishing, fish hatcheries, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, lodging, off-highway vehicle access, picnic areas, recreational vehicles, museum/visitor centers, water sports, wilderness areas, wildlife viewing, and winter sports.
WalkingAndHiking.co.uk – “Whether on a short stroll through the woods or a five peak challenge, we offer great tips and advice on keeping fit and safe.” Not a Grand Canyon site but rather one that provides information for those ready to embark on a walking or hiking venture. You’ll find tips on equipment, boots, and the benefits of joining a walking club, as well as advice on hill walking, long distance walking, and scrambling.
Wilderness First Aid Basics: A Guide for Preparation, Basic First Aid and Survival – Wilderness first aid is the knowledge and ability to effectively address injury, illness, or emergency outside of modern facilities, out in the wild. Skills could include knowing how to dress a wound, treat a burn or bite, or set an injured limb. These are important skills that can save your life or the lives of other outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more and be better prepared for your next hiking or backpacking adventure. The ACLS Training Center has compiled this comprehensive list of excellent resources for Preparation, Basic First Aid, Survival Skills and General Outdoor/Wilderness Safety. It is an excellent page of valuable information.