Hiking the Grand Canyon

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HIking the Grand Canyon

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Hiking the Grand Canyon

I planned seven days hiking the Grand Canyon, linking six trails together into a hike that surely in my mind rates as one of the best if not the best hike I have ever done. That is not a statement I make lightly. I linked the Hermit Trail, Tonto Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Kaibab Trail, Escalante Trail, and Tanner Trail into one continuous 79-mile / 127-kilometer hike which I have called ‘The Grand Traverse‘.

Permits for Grand Canyon

My planning for the hike was minimal. I spoke with hikers emerging from the canyon with their packs and asked where they had been and what they recommended and also spoke with rangers about their favorite hikes within the park.

With this information, I went to the Backcountry Office at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim to discuss the hiking opportunities.

I spoke with the ranger at length about hikes, how many miles per day and what permits were available for me to hike. He also mentioned that as I could store my bicycle at the Backcountry Office for the duration of the hike.

Awesome, the plan would be a reality. The only issue was it was 4 pm and I was to start the next day. I went to the General Store which was well stocked with everything a hiker would need from dehydrated meals to stove fuel. That night I repacked my food into lighter-weight packaging and studied the maps. I was excited about the possibilities.

Hiking gear list

Below is a guide to some of the best lightweight gear items to take backpacking in the Grand Canyon.


Hiking the Grand Canyon – Day 1

I rose early the following morning and cycled to the Backcountry Office to store my bike then made my way to Hermits Rest, the start of the trail. There is a free bus that runs to the trailhead at Hermits Rest until 1st December. I would catch one of the last buses for the season.

Now all I had to do was hike 17km and descend 1323 meters to the floor of the canyon and my camp at Granite Beach. I set off with 3 litres of water and a pack full of 7 days food that weighed about 21kg (Edit – My base weight is now 6.5kg, click here to learn how). I took comfort in the fact that it would get lighter by about 1kg per day as I ate the food but the water weight was mildly annoying.

The trail continued ever downwards past many varieties of cactus with continual expansive and ever changing views of the canyon. If this was a preview of the coming days I would take many photos and possibly run out of batteries, it was so photogenic. Several hours later I arrived at Granite Beach, on the banks of the Colorado River, I had made it to the bottom of the canyon.

The beach I camped on was located at one of the larger rapids on the river, called Granite Rapids oddly enough. I shared the camp with four other people. Close to sunset an older man arrived to advise of an incident at a nearby canyon. I won’t go into too much detail but the following morning a helicopter arrived to evacuate the injured person.

Typical view while descending on the Hermit Trail
Typical view while descending on the Hermit Trail
Hermit Trail
Hermit Trail
My camp at Granite Beach
My camp at Granite Beach
Granite Rapidson the Colorado River from my campsite looking upstream into the narrow Granite Gorge
Granite Rapids on the Colorado River from my campsite looking upstream into the narrow Granite Gorge

Hiking the Grand Canyon – Day 2

I hiked up the scenic Granite Gorge with a small detour to explore the narrow slot canyons on route to the Tonto Trail which continues for much of the length of the canyon. Frustratingly it follows the contour lines of the canyon and can take many hours to travel a distance that looks so close in a straight line. In truth there are many, many side canyons entering the Colorado River and most need to be skirted around due to the sheer size of them.

After another day of stunning scenery I arrived at one of the most civilised of campsites, Indian Gardens. It was rather crowded and can be difficult to get a permit to stay here during peak times. I conversed with several other learned hikers who confirmed that by the time I finish the hike I will have completed the best the canyon has to offer. This was also confirmed by the duty ranger which stays at the nearby rangers hut.

The campsite is nestled among Cottonwood trees that at this time of year changed into a stunning array of yellows, greens and oranges. During the night the deer and small rodents running around my tent kept me awake.

Sun rising from within Granite Gorge
Sun rising from within Granite Gorge on the hike back up to the Tonto Trail.
A short exploration of one of the side slot canyons within Granite Gorge
A short exploration of one of the side slot canyons within Granite Gorge
Hiking with cactus, that's new for me
Hiking with cactus, that’s new for me
Classic Grand Canyon
Looking downstream from the Tonto Trail, my campsite at Granite Beach and rapids visible on the Colorado River
I only walked into a cactus thorn once, only once.
I only walked into a cactus thorn once, only once.
View downstream from the Tonto Trail
View downstream from the Tonto Trail
Tonto Trail
Tonto Trail
Indian Garden Campground surrounded by Cottonwood trees
Indian Garden Campground surrounded by Cottonwood trees

Hiking the Grand Canyon – Day 3

It was early when I set off on the descent of the Bright Angel Trail that descends to the Colorado River. I crossed the river on one of the suspension bridges and went to Phantom Range, a commercial operation that sells Snickers Bars. $16 later I left Phantom Ranch and headed up the South Kaibab Trail to again join the Tonto Trail and set of for my first dry camp with no nearby water.

Earlier I filled my 4.5 litres of water which I hoped would get me to a known water supply at Grapevine Gorge. I walked till near sunset which comes early at this time of year and set up in a place that provided the most stunning view of the gorge. The sunset that evening lit of the clouds into every hue of pink and purple which turned the whites, yellows, reds and purples of the canyon walls into colours that are normally only seen in postcards. I have yet to see such a more beautiful place to watch the setting sun.

Descending the Bright Angel Trail
Descending the Bright Angel Trail
One of the suspension bridges crossing the Colorado River linking north to south
One of the suspension bridges crossing the Colorado River linking north to south
South Kaibab Trail heading up
South Kaibab Trail heading up
South Kaibab Trail looking down towards the Colorado River, Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch
South Kaibab Trail looking down towards the Colorado River, Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch
Checking the map back on the Tonto Trail, looking rather scruffy
Checking the map on the Tonto Trail, looking rather scruffy
Found this deer away from the relative safety of the large campgrounds
Found this deer away from the relative safety of the large campgrounds and any water sources
Campsite on the Tonto Trail, one very impressive sunset
Campsite on the Tonto Trail, one very impressive sunset normally only seen in postcards.

Hiking the Grand Canyon – Day 4

After breakfast I looked at my water supply. I had 1.5 litres. I had to hike 16km to my next known water resupply at Grapevine Gorge. The Tonto Trail continued to follow the contour lines making huge detours around the impressively deep gorges of Lone Pine Canyon and Boulder Canyon. By lunch time I made it to Grapevine Canyon.

I had run out of water an hour earlier and happily treated the water with my steripen and drank copious amounts. I lazed at this spot for a while, eating, drinking and resting until mid afternoon when I set off towards Cottonwood Canyon which I also knew had water and I planned to camp for the night.

My Titanium alcohol stove making breakfast
My Titanium alcohol stove making breakfast
Early morning on the Tonto Trail
Early morning on the Tonto Trail
Early morning on the Tonto Trail following the Colorado River
Early morning on the Tonto Trail following the Colorado River
Tonto Trail
Tonto Trail
Resting on the cliffs overlooking the Colorado River
Resting on the cliffs overlooking the Colorado River
Campsite among the Cottonwoods at Cottonwood Canyon
Campsite among the Cottonwoods at Cottonwood Canyon, my tent on the bottom left.

Hiking the Grand Canyon – Day 5

I rose late in the morning, I don’t use an alarm. I use a combination of the morning light and my body clock to wake me. They failed me. Camping within a gorge meant the morning twilight took much longer to brighten the sky enough to wake me, the grey clouds may have also assisted. The trail continued to Hance Rapids, one of the largest and most feared rapids on the river.

The trail entered the famed Escalante Route with a view to making it to camp for the night on the banks of the Colorado River where it joins with Escalante Gorge. I had been advised that navigation would be a problem and route finding skills were a necessity. I’ve done a lot of hiking in trackless wilderness areas and was looking forward to the challenge.

I was pleasantly surprised to find rock cairns in most areas and had little trouble following the trail. I would stress that I would not want to be doing this section of the trail as my first ever experience in route finding. After climbing up above Red Canyon the trail descended along the aptly named Mineral Canyon with every colour in the spectrum represented.

While peering over the other side of the Colorado River to a gorge called Asbestos Canyon I sighted what looked like mine tunnels. The name of the gorge I suspect will link what mineral was mined there. I continued upstream to 75 mile Canyon. A narrow slot canyon that needs to be traversed for several hundred meters until at the end of the narrow section I popped up onto the canyon rim only to follow it back down to the river. A most stunning section of trail.

The clouds were getting thicker and a combination my instincts and memory of the long term weather forecast that I read at the Backcountry Office told me rain. I set up on high ground in case there was a huge deluge and flash flood. There was rain, but nothing more than an annoying drizzle on and off all night.

Last section of the Tonto Trail heading towards Hance Rapids
Last section of the Tonto Trail heading towards Hance Rapids
Hance Rapids
Hance Rapids
Colorado River on the Escalante Route just above Hance Rapids
Colorado River on the Escalante Route just above Hance Rapids
Escalante Route
Escalante Route
Entrance to 75 Mile Slot Canyon
Entrance to 75 Mile Slot Canyon
75 Mile Slot Canyon from above
75 Mile Slot Canyon from above
Exiting 75 Mile Slot Canyon heading to camp at the base of Escalante Canyon near the small rapids
Exiting 75 Mile Slot Canyon heading to camp at the base of Escalante Canyon near the small rapids

Hiking the Grand Canyon – Day 6

I continue along the Escalante route to the junction of the Tanner trail. Initially via the trail that ascended up Escalante Gorge on what could best be described as a ‘goat trail’ up to a blood red coloured mountain ridge that overlooked the gorge both upstream and downstream. The trail followed slowly descending course back to the river at a place known as Furnace Flats which is said to be rather hotter than anywhere else in the canyon during summer.

As I got closer to the Tanner Trail I passed several other hikers who were either having a miserable time or didn’t want to talk to me. As I hadn’t seen anybody for several days I wanted to chat with somebody. Considering the Grand Canyon has visitors that number over 1,000,000 per year this is a little visited place, effort vs reward.

I had lunch at the junction of the Tanner Trail and Escalante Trail which is on the Colorado River and filled my 4.5 litres of water then set off up the Tanner Trail, the last trail on my ‘Grand Traverse‘. I planned to walk for several hours until near sunset and make camp somewhere with a great view.

It didn’t take long before I met another solo hiker, Murray. We chatted for an hour when I found out that he completed the Pacific Crest Trail twice and also completed the other long distance trail in USA, the Appalachian Trail. A true long distance hiker traveling with custom made lightweight hiking gear. I was impressed.

I set off up the trail which continually climbed and climbed until I made it to a bench that had a most stunning view. The low clouds that had been hanging around all day set the Grand Canyon into another mood. I chose to make this my camp. Yet another campsite that surely ranks as one of my most stunning ever. After taking many photos around sunset I ate dinner and set about updating my journal and reading about Dick Griffiths adventures in Grand Canyon in the book, Canyons and Ice.

It was dark and a bright light hit my tent. It was Murray. He hiked for an hour or so after sunset and made it to my camp. Again we chatted while he struggled to set up his Cuben Fibre ultra lightweight fly which he used to shelter from rain which he pulled out of his ‘Cuben Fibre’ backpack, so very, very lightweight. Once more I was inspired to one day soon hike the PCT, the long distance hike from Mexico to Canada.

Escalante Route from above Escalante Canyon and on the descent towards Furnace Flats
Escalante Route from above Escalante Canyon and on the descent towards Furnace Flats
Same place but looking up canyon
Same place but looking up canyon
From Furnace Flats looking up canyon
From Furnace Flats looking up canyon
Climbing the Tanner Trail in the late afternoon, about a third of the way up
Climbing the Tanner Trail in the late afternoon, about a third of the way up
Awesome Campsite at Redwall Limestone Saddle, my tent just visible on the bottom left
Awesome Campsite at Redwall Limestone Saddle, my tent just visible on the bottom left

On the Last Morning Murray and I set off together to make the final push up the Tanner Trail to the Trailhead at Lipan Point. For most of the way we hiked together until eventually he needed a rest and I continued alone to the top. Initially we hiked through damp cloud, then light drizzle and finally intermittent rain. When the thick cloud came in I had little idea how far we were from the top until about 15 minutes from the top it cleared.

At the top I was cold and set about putting on all my clothing to warm my now wet body while I waited for somebody that would give me a lift back to Grand Canyon Village. The first few vehicles were all heading the opposite direction. But an Aussie couple took pity on me and went out of their way to drive me and Murray, who now made it to the top, all the way to the village even though they were heading the other way. A very kind act of generosity that seems to have followed me for the whole duration of this trip. And so it was that in 6.5 days I completed 127km of, ‘The Grand Traverse‘, my favourite hike so far.

This hike ruined my life in many ways: This is where I made the decision that I would hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

View from camp on Redwall Limestone Saddle the last morning
View from camp on Redwall Limestone Saddle the last morning

Photos from the Rim of the Grand Canyon

View from the top when I was there a week earlier after cycling to the canyon from Page.
View from the top when I was there a week earlier after cycling to the canyon from Page.
Looking back up the canyon, I walked from the furthest visible depths of the canyon and beyond, a magical hike and a magical place
Looking back up the canyon, I walked from the furthest visible depths of the canyon and beyond, a magical hike and a magical place

Hermits Rest to Granite Beach on the Hermit Trail = 17km
Granite Beach to Indian Garden Camp, via the Tonto Trail = 20km
Indian Garden Camp to dry camp between Cremation Canyon and Lone Pine Canyon, Tonto Trail = 18km
Camp to Cottonwood Gorge camp on the Tonto Trail = 24km
Cottonwood to Escalante Gorge via Tonto Trail and Escalante Route = 21km
Escalante to Redwall Limestone Camp on Tanner trail = 20km
Redwall Limestone Camp to Lipan Trailhead = 7km

Have you hiking in the Grand Canyon? What was it like for you?
Let me know in the comments section below.

This is part of my cycling and hiking journey from Alaska to Panama. Read the next instalment: Cycling the Arizona Trail, Ranches and Pueblos


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About the Author:
Brad is an Australian who has completed the hiking Triple Crown after he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. He has hiked on every continent (except Antarctica) and has cycled from Alaska to Ecuador. He is an expert on outdoor gear currently living in Chile.

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9 thoughts on “Hiking the Grand Canyon”

  1. Hey Brad! Loved your blog. Fantastic pictures as well! Husband and I are thinking of following your route, camping on Granite Beach and Tonto trail. Few questions, which map did you use, and did you need to apply for a camping permit in these sites?

    Reply
    • I used the map from the store at the National Park, it had all the trails and was easy to follow. I also had an offline map on my phone from PocketEarth Pro which worked great (Iphone only). A permit it required and can be organised in the backcountry office at the park or online. You must choose each campsite and be there on the required night. No permit, no overnight hiking. Good luck it is a great hike.

      Reply
  2. Hey Brad! I am enjoying following your adventures on the TA ???? I noticed this Grand Canyon post was written in April- when did you do the hike itself? Thanks and happy hiking!! -Kelly

    Reply
    • I think I updated some photos last year if I recall correctly. I hiked the Grand Canyon in December 2014. It was a life changing moment as that was the place and time I decided to hike the Pacific crest trail which led to every other long distance hike since, including the TA.

      Reply
  3. Brilliant mate, just brilliant. Loving it. Wish we’d been going in the same direction when I met you buddy. I’d have stayed on the road!

    Reply
  4. Good Job on scouting the trail out and completing it. Now, it’s on my list. Looks like you did it at a good time with low traffic.

    Reply

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