Inner Canyon by Mule - Mule rides from the South Rim into the Grand Canyon are a great way to experience the canyon. It is an adventure that you will remember for years to come. Mule trips are one-day and two-day options. The two-day trip will take you to the canyon floor and the river. Overnight riders stay and eat at Phantom Ranch. The one-day trip, which goes part way to the river, is also offered.
Inner Canyon on Foot - Hiking below the rim requires preparation. Learn the trails, know the seasonal hazards, bring plenty of food and water and always hike within your capability.
Permits are not required for day hikes. There are several trails leading into the canyon, all of them steep. The Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab Trails are the most Popular. These trails are well maintained and easy to follow, but hikers share them with mules. Other trails are not maintained and are recommended for more experienced hikers.
The elevation and steepness of the trails makes it much easier to go down that to come up. Plan 1/3 of your time for hiking down and 2/3 for walking back up.
Summer hikers will experience temperatures in excess of 100 degrees F (40 degrees C) near the bottom of the canyon. Due to the heat and the length and steepness of the trails, attempting to hike to the river and back in one day is not recommended.
Winter hikers may find the trails very icy. The use of instep crampons may be necessary to ensure safe footing. Wear layers of clothes that can be removed as the temperature rises.
All hikers should be equipped with clothing suitable for the season, sturdy footwear, plenty of water= a gallon (4 liters) per day in the summer, food (especially salty snacks), and plenty of time. Before starting always check trail conditions at the visitor center, backcountry office, or the information line: (928) 638-7888.
Overnight hikers must obtain a backcountry permit. This allows you to stay in one of the many backcountry campsites. Hikers may also stay overnight at Phantom Ranch. Reservations are required at the ranch and should be made early (call 888-297-2757 or visit www.xanterra.com).
River Running - For many rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is the ultimate adventure travel experience. There are many ways to ride the river. Private parties must be experienced on rivers comparable to the Colorado. Permits are issued on a lottery basis. For information about a rpivate permit, contact the River Permits Office at (800) 959-9164 or (928) 638-7884. Commercial outfitters offer a variety of trips. Most trips take 7-18 days involving a variety of craft including paddle rafts, motorized rafts and dories. Please contact the Grand Canyon Tour companies directly for more details. The following Adventure Travel and Tour companies have been permitted to operate in Grand Canyon by the National Park Service.
Arizona Raft Adventures
4050 E. Huntington Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(800) 786-7238; (928) 526-8200; www.azraft.com
Arizona River Runners
P.O. Box 47788, Phoenix, AZ 85068-7788
(800) 477-7238; (602) 867-4866; www.raftarizona.com
Canyon Expeditions
P.O. Box 310, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
(800) 654-0723; (928) 774-4559; www.canyonexplorations.com
Canyoneers, Inc.
P.O. Box 2997, Flagstaff, AZ 86003
(800) 525-0924 outside Arizona; (928) 526-0924; www.canyoneers.com
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions
P.O. Box 57575, Salt Lake City, UT 84157-0575
(800) 253-7328; (801) 261-1789; www.crateinc.com
Diamond River Adventures
P.O. Box 1300, Page, AZ 86040
(800) 343-3121; (928) 645-8866; www.diamondriver.com
Grand Canyon Discovery
4050 East Huntington Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(800) 786-7238; (928) 526-8200; www.grandcanyondiscovery.com
Grand Canyon Expeditions Company
P.O. Box O, Kanab, UT 84741
(800) 544-2691; (435) 644-2691; www.gcex.com
Hatch River Expeditions
HC67 Box 35, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
(800) 856-8966; (928) 355-2241; www.hatchriverexpeditions.com
Moki Mac River Expeditions
P.O. Box 71242, Salt Lake City, UT 84171-0242
(800) 284-7280; (801) 268-6667; www.mokimac.com
O.A.R.S Grand Canyon / Grand Canyon Dories
P.O. Box 67; Angels Camp, CA 95222
(800) 346-6277; (209) 736-4677; www.oars.com
Outdoors Unlimited
6900 Townsend Winona Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(800) 637-7238; (928) 526-4511; www.outdoorsunlimited.com
Tour West
P.O. Box 333, Orem, UT 84059
(800) 453-9107; (801) 225-0755; www.twriver.com
Western River Expeditions
7258 Racquet Club Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84121
(800) 453-7450; (801) 942-6669; www.westernriver.com
Wilderness River Adventures
P.O. Box 717, Page, AZ 86040
(800) 992-8022; (928) 645-3296; www.riveradventures.com
Source: NPS
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