The Grand Canyon is an inverted mountain sinking over 5,000 vertical feet in depth. It is 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long, and the remote North Rim is nearly 1,200 feet higher than the popular South Rim.

The first time you approach the rim, you’re surprised as the flat plateau you were just strolling on drops away and you gaze down into the various multi-colored, multi-layered rock formations. On a partly cloudy day as shadows undulate in and around the diverse geology of the canyon, it is incomparable in its beauty.

To venture below the rim of the canyon is to gain a perspective that very few of the estimated 5 million annual visitors realize, but hikers and backpackers should be aware that there are over 240 rescues inside the canyon each year.

All trails into the canyon are relentlessly steep and blisters, ankle sprains, and dehydration are common problems that hikers could face any time they enter the hot desert environment of the canyon.

The top three tips for hiking into the canyon include: 1) drinking plenty of fluids, 2) resting often, and 3) taking your time. You should carry a minimum of one quart of water and/or sport drink for every hour you plan to hike. Take a break every hour for ten or fifteen minutes, take your pack off and rest. And try and pace yourself so you are not consistently out of breath when hiking or your chances of suffering the effects of exhaustion or leg fatigue

For any and all hikes into the canyon, you should have a small pack containing the following items: ample water (at least a quart for every hour of hiking), food (salty snacks/trail mix, energy bars), first-aid supplies (blister treatments, ibuprofen), compass, map, trail description, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, small flashlight, whistle, and extra clothing (appropriate for the season). When day hiking the canyon it is also important to remember to turn around before you get tired— since it is climbing back up to the rim when the work really begins. Also, permits are required for all overnight hikers—if you are day hiking no permit is required.