Debra L> Hiking Grand Canyon

[lcsavik_85]

I read on another thread that you've hiked the GC. I live roughly 50 miles NE of it and would like to hike it either this spring or fall.
Which trails would you recommend for going down and up? BrightAngle or Kibab (I think thats what its called) are the only ones I know of.
How did you get in shape for the hike? I think I'd like to go down to the falls. I know your suppose to educate your self b4 hiking it so any information you could give me would be great!

I currently am training with the HardCore Series. Any rotation you could suggest would be helpful as well.

~Reece Out~

 

[naughtoj]

I am interested in this too!!!!!!!!!!

 

[db5]

You will never forget your first hike down. It is the most incredible experience. First I suggest you go to the grand canyon website and review all the links for hiking. If you plan to hike it plan to camp to because 4 short miles down means like 4 miles back up at a constant grueling incline. You'll need a pass to hike if you plan to camp and I would get one early because they go fast. The rangers need your itinerary just in case you don;t come out when you said you would, they'll come looking for you. I would suggest either the bright angel or the Kaibab first. They have the most water and potty stops. The other hard core trails have very little water and no port a pottys so its you with nature. The 2 trails above are both fairly easy going down but are brutal coming up. They tend to be busy during the summer months but tolerable and you'll meet alot of interesting people. For training you need a strong back, glutes and calves. I trained on a treadmill mostly with the highest grade of incline to simulate the hike. I would also wear my backpack and fill it with weight similiar to what I would be using on the trail. I'm not kidding I thought I was in great shape but you will feel muscles you never knew you had after, especially your calves and glutes. OMG! Despite all the intensity it is the most gloriuos place on earth and you will never forget it and you'll want to keep going back for more! Any more questions just ask. I am so jealous that you live so close to it. I live in NY where it's either cold or raining. Poo!! Debi
:+

 

[Debra L]

Are you planning on overnite camping, a stay at Phantom Ranch or a long day hike? I'm not sure which falls you're aiming for. Phantom Ranch reservations have to be made well in advance for spring & fall.

I really enjoyed our route, descending Kaibab which has more open vistas, & climbing up the slighly less steep Bright Angel trail, which follows a creek up to the Tonto plateau. Both trails are very well graded & maintained.

I like a split routine (think gym style) so that I can hit legs hard at least once a week. Leg presses are great as you'll be doing those for hours as you climb out of the Canyon. Endurance is more important than strength. Core strength is invaluable.

Hit the trail as often as you can. I can walk out my front door & hit the trail, but my hiking buddies relied on moderate weekly hikes. I organized a monthly long hike with at least 4000' of elevation gain (the climb out of the Canyon from the Colorado River is about 4500').

People get in trouble at the Canyon because of the heat & because they underestimate how difficult the climb out is after the easy descent.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Janice, I'm surprised you haven't hiked the Canyon. Can't get further north than Sedona?

Debra

 

[Gayle]

Hi Debra,

Is there a better time of the year weather-wise to hike it and camp it than others? DH and I would love to do this, but we'd love to avoid high season.

 

[dss62467]

Dh and I hiked halfway down Bright Angel Trail on our honeymoon. (I wasn't an exerciser at that time either). Going down was cake. We started at about 7 a.m., hiked down, had lunch and hung out for a little while, then turned around to come back. After hiking for what seemed like hours, and still having quite a ways to go...we kept passing people who would smile and say, "good morning". "GOOD MORNING?!?" dh and I said to each other. We thought it had to be mid-afternoon already. When we got back to the rim, it wasn't even noon yet!

It was great, though. The Grand Canyon is just breathtaking. We also went to Sequioia National Forest, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon and Zion while on our honeymoon. I would highly HIGHLY recommend Bryce Canyon. It's so cool.

 

[Debra L]

I would contact the ranger's at the Grand Canyon and ask them. They'll know how heavy the traffic is because you need a permit for camping below the rim.

I think it would be too hot, especially with a backpack, from May through mid-September. The Grand Canyon website has average temperatures by month. March, April, late September & October should be your best chance of having mild weather.

My trip was at the end of January, & there were people camping. They looked young, hardy & very cold at Indian Gardens (on the Bright Angel trail) but down at Phantom Ranch it was quite pleasant. There was snow & ice near the rim, probably the top 2 miles of the trails.

Debra

 

[lcsavik_85]

Thank you for all the replies! You've all been very helpful.

Debra- I plan on doing the gymstyle rotation next month. I think I should wait and train all summer then go down in the fall. It will be just a long day hike. Some friends hiked it when it was snowing on the rim but as they dropped in elevation they put on shorts and sandals.
How much water should I take. What can help keep my energy level up?

I have to run b/c I'm taking off for spring break to CA! So I'll check in with you on Monday when I get back or earlier if I have the net where I'll be staying.

Thank you,
~Reece Out~

 

[Debra L]

Reece, gym style legs is a good choice because it works the calves & shins. I can share some ankle exercises using the stability ball if you like. At a minimum, use your flex band to work on range of motion of your feet & ankles.

Take 2 quarts of liquid: one water & one a drink with electrolytes like Gatorade. Take a 3rd bottle if it's going to be hot. There's usually water on the Kaibab & Bright Angel trails, but check with the ranger before you set out. You'll have a better idea what you need once you're doing training hikes.

You'll burn 400 to 500 calories per hour when you're climbing so you need to consume easily digestible food, mainly carbs. Bars & gels are convenient, but you don't want too much protein while hiking. Dried fruit, trail mix (though watch the fat content), peanut (or almond) butter sandwiches are all popular choices. I nibble on a Power Bar when I'm doing a long strenuous climb, aiming for one per hour until lunch. Experiment to find what works for you. Some people can eat anything & feel fine.

Debra