Planning your trip to Grand Canyon NP ahead of time can save you time and worry. Once you have secured the dates and permits, deciding on what trails to hike is the next step. There are many options from which you can choose, so have fun planning your hike.When planning your trip, remember that the most enjoyable and safest seasons for hiking are spring and fall. It is desirable to schedule at least 2 nights in the canyon. This allows a rest and recovery day before the hike out and/or reduces the distance to be covered each day. Consider elevation gain and loss, not just mileage, when researching possible itineraries.

• Since most people live at elevations near sea level, they find that hiking in high elevations greatly contributes to their fatigue. Canyon topography requires that most hikes begin and end at elevations of 7,000 ft/2100 m (South Rim) to 8,500 ft/2600 m (North Rim).

15 trails and numerous obscure routes provide access to the inner canyon. Access to the bottom (2400? above sea level) is possible from both the South Rim (7000? above sea level) and the North Rim (8200? above sea level). None of these trails are easy.

Only the South Kaibab, Bright Angel, and North Kaibab Trails are maintained and patrolled by trail crews on a regular basis. These 3 trails meet at the bottom near the only bridges that span the Colorado River, creating a popular cross-canyon "corridor." These wider corridor trails offer expansive views, reliable water sources, great camping, and the opportunity for hiking in and out on different trails. Backcountry Rangers highly recommend this area, especially for a first Grand Canyon adventure. Most visitors begin and end their hikes from the South Rim.South Rim.
Suggested itineraries:

1. Night 1 - Bright Angel Camp; Night 2 - Indian Garden Camp; Night 3 - Hike Out.
2. Night 1 - Bright Angel Camp; Night 2 - Bright Angel Camp; Night 3 - Hike Out.
3. Night 1 - Indian Garden Camp; Night 2 - Indian Garden Camp; Night 3 - Hike Out.

North Rim.
Roads leading to the North Rim are closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall. Depending upon weather conditions, these roads are usually open from mid-May to mid-October. The hiking distance from the North Rim to the bottom of the canyon is twice as far as from the South Rim to the bottom. 3 nights are the minimum recommended for a round trip from the North Rim.

Suggested itineraries:

1. Night 1 - Cottonwood Camp; Night 2 - Bright Angel Camp; Night 3 - Bright Angel Camp; Night 4 - Cottonwood Camp; Night 5 - Hike Out.
2. Night 1 - Cottonwood Camp; Night 2 - Bright Angel Camp; Night 3 - Cottonwood Camp; Night 4 - Hike Out.
3. Night 1 - Cottonwood Camp; Night 2 - Cottonwood Camp; Night 3 - Hike Out.

Consider Day Hikes

Day hiking is an acceptable and worthwhile alternative if you are unable to obtain an overnight permit. Day hiking can be a safer and more enjoyable choice than an overnight trip into a difficult area that is beyond the capabilities of any single member of your group. Be sure to prepare for your day hike as carefully as you would an overnight trip and do not attempt excessive mileages. Permits are not required for day hikes.

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