I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back...
By snam23
@snam23 (3157)
United States
June 11, 2012 11:00pm CST
in one day! Regardless of the numerous signs on not only the trail, but in the visitor's center, the bus, etc, we did it!
It was part of my traditional school trip, where the seniors take a five day trip to the Grand Canyon. It was an extraordinary hike, taking four hours down, and about six hours up for me. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful, and it really makes you aware of the power of nature.
It wasn't all good of course. We had to wake up at three in the morning so we could get to the river by eight, where we took a short break before ascending. The hike up was terrible! It just seemed like the trail would never end and I was surrounded by thousands of feet high rock. It actually drove me slightly insane near the end because I couldn't get out of the canyon and I felt claustrophobic (ironic seeing how open the canyon is). But I must say, it was truly worth it!
So I would like to hear your stories on hiking the Grand Canyon or just visiting this magnificent place! Did you hike to the bottom? Have you or someone you know run across from canyon top to canyon top and back (the infamous 40 mile trip) in one day? Do share your experiences!
4 responses
@allknowing (137746)
• India
12 Jun 12
I have been there flying to the spot from Las Vegas and that flight on a tiny plane was frightening as it was not a smooth ride and to look at the river from up there hoping nothing happened to the plane was indeed a nightmare but as we got down the plane every thing was forgotten. The bus took us to the spot from the airport and I was in heaven just being there. No. I did not venture into going down the canyon. Not my kind of adventure, unfortunately.
@allknowing (137746)
• India
12 Jun 12
When I was in New zealand, after they took us up from where the bungee jumping starts I climbed 300 steps further up without realising that there was a cable car for any one, ready and waiting. I got down again as going up there was more difficult than going down! But the Grand Canyon is indeed a different story!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jun 12
Sounds great! We took our children to the Grand Canyon last summer but did not hike down and back as we were only there for one day and thought it would be too much for them (they were 8 & 9). Our visit was part of a week-long trip to Arizona. We did walk along the Rim for a bit, and took the shuttle from place to place. We experienced a summer thunderstorm while we were there--that was impressive (and a bit scary). That's one reason why I was glad we didn't decide to hike down! The other was the heat. . .
But we have all decided to go back and stay at the Grand Canyon for a couple of days so that we can do the full hike, and hopefully see the North Rim as well.
Glad you enjoyed it--sounds like a wonderful senior class trip.
Sometimes I wished I had just taken the shuttle around too! But the hike was definitely worth it! It sounds like you had quite and experience! I hope when you do go back that you will enjoy the hike as much as I did.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
12 Jun 12
I am delighted to read about your five day hike to the Grand Canyon. I haven't ever see the Grand Canyon but I have done some hiking elsewhere. In New Zealand I walked the Abel Tasman Walkway and it took three days. Along it I saw beautiful bays and beaches. I camped in my tent along the walkway. I found the scenery spectacular. Wow! Also in New Zealand I walked the Queen Charlotte Walkway. It was more challenging and demanding. I had my backpack dropped at the next campsite. Day 3 was a 9 hour walk and much of it was uphill on a narrow stretch of land. My most fun day out was in North Land and it included climbing up a mountain plus walking a track later on to Smuggler's Cove.
@snam23 (3157)
• United States
13 Jun 12
Wow! That sounds just as amazing! And it certainly sounds more like my type of place (bays and beaches!) Thank you for sharing your experiences in New Zealand. As hard as the Grand Canyon hike was, you have convinced me to one day visit New Zealand to hike the trails you mentioned!
@China5Flower (225)
• Guangzhou, China
12 Jun 12
I hope one day I will go to the states and see it! From your day I believe it worths an eye-enjoying. I like deep water and the sharp mountains, and even I want to dive into the river from the cliff!
