The Grand Canyon is of course one of those iconic places that we would all like to see before we go to the grand canyon in the sky. It is not the deepest canyon in the world, neither is it the longest nor widest, but many agree it is the most compelling for its impact and natural beauty.

The Grand Canyon is basically a large rift in the Colorado Plateau that exposes uplifted strata that date back to 2 billion years at the bottom of the canyon to 2oo million years plus at the rim. Bear in mind that these figures do not indicate the age of the actual canyon. Contradicting studies estimate this at between 6 and 17 million years – but who cares about a few million years here or then when compared to man’s years of tenancy. Never the less the Grand Canyon can truly be declared a wonder of our world.

If you are intending to camp in the backcountry you really have to be aware and be intelligent enough to heed the warnings. There are generally three grades of camping – campground, designated sites and at large camping. However, it gets better (!), you need to understand the grading for the environment, and this can range from corridor, threshold, primitive and wild. Believe me, if you are inexperienced at this kind of thing you do not want to go wild!

If you are new to the game try a campground first and take the less testing walks and trails. If you feel you wish to be challenged further then consider the more demanding aspects of this unique environment. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon. But remember, the difference between a great hike or a trip to the nearest hospital is entirely up to you, and that hospital may not be too close. So take a while to consider some hiking and camping tips.

• Know your limitations and stay within them. Don’t take unnecessary risks for the sake of bragging rights.
• Travel light. The more weight you carry, the harder it’s going to get. But use hiking sticks to take the stress off. Make sure your hiking boots fit well and are broken in. Remember a small lightweight flashlight (LED) and a change of batteries. Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. Make sure you have a map of the area, a compass, signal mirror or whistle, first aid kit, and water purification tablets.
• Repeat – don’t go beyond your limits. If you get out of breath, take a break. When you huff and puff your body is telling you that it needs more oxygen. If you can still talk while walking then you are getting enough oxygen to your body in order to function efficiently. A ten minute break every hour is not being a wuss – it is being intelligent!
• Don’t go into this thinking of it as an ideal time to diet! You will be expending energy and your body needs fuel to replenish that. Take plenty of water and salty snacks and eat something most times you stop for a drink. Of coure the ideal preparation for this is to eat a full and healthy breakfast and a good rewarding dinner at the end of the day.
• Finally, make sure you monitor your time. Take the time for the outward journey and multiply that by one and a half or two for the return journey – you are going to be tired on the way back and will likely take many more breaks.

Enjoy and stay safe.

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Filed under: Destinations, USA