{"id":132,"date":"2021-05-13T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/archives\/132"},"modified":"2024-10-08T09:48:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:48:59","slug":"the-grandest-canyon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/the-grandest-canyon\/","title":{"rendered":"A Hike Through The Grand Canyon"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Unique<\/p>\n

The American West is one of the most beautiful places I\u2019ve ever seen. Within it lies one of the world\u2019s greatest wonders: the Grand Canyon.<\/p>\n

Stretching 277 miles and cutting a trench 6,000 feet deep, the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country (and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world). Taking millennia to form, the rocks at the base of the canyon have been dated to be over 2 billion years old.<\/p>\n

While the canyon is popular, of the 6 million annual visitors, 99% go to the Grand Canyon for less than four hours. Of that time, the average visitor only spends 20 minutes at the actual canyon. Surprisingly, less than 1% of visitors actually walk down to the bottom.<\/p>\n

Because hiking the Grand Canyon is really hard. It’s a sweaty, steep hike that is incredibly exhausting. But it’s worth it. There is more to the canyon than just the views overlooking the rim, yet so few people actually venture down to see what else is there.<\/p>\n

\"Nomadic<\/p>\n

I’ve been to the Grand Canyon twice. The first time, I hiked to the bottom. I\u2019d seen the pictures and heard the stories, but nothing could have prepared me for just how huge it was. In front of me, stretching far and wide, were red and orange peaks and valleys, jutting and falling into the ground. <\/p>\n

Hiking down, you see all the desert animals, the intricacies of the ridges, the mountains, the streams, and the cliffs that aren\u2019t noticeable from above. You see the color changes in the rocks up close, touching them, and enjoy the peacefulness of this place away from the crowds<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If you ever visit the Grand Canyon, hike down, even if just for a few hours. Hiking the Grand Canyon, you\u2019ll get to experience the canyon in detail, and it gives you way more perspective than just looking out over the rim and going \u201cooohh\u201d and \u201cahhh.\u201d<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll see the Colorado River up close as it cuts its way through the canyon, flowing fast and furiously as it sketches one of nature\u2019s greatest paintings. <\/p>\n

From the bottom, the landscape takes on a totally new shape. The vast canyon disappears and all you can see is this little valley the river has cut.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

After spending the night at the bottom, I awoke, my legs already sore. Yet I was still in for another 9.6-mile hike back up the canyon through hot, steep terrain. Hiking up was a lot tougher than hiking down, even when taking the flatter Bright Angel trail. After six hours of hiking, I made it out.<\/p>\n

Once over the top, all the pain, fatigue, and heat disappeared, giving way to sheer joy. I had mastered the canyon. I had done what few do. I felt like Rocky.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

My second visit was a bit easier as I only did 6 miles to Skeleton Point. It was still a hard hike given the ascent involved but it’s doable day hike, taking about 5.5 hours to complete. <\/p>\n

Having done the Grand Canyon twice now, I can say that it’s something I think everyone needs to experience. <\/p>\n

Below are some tips for hiking the Grand Canyon:<\/p>\n