One Best Hike: Grand Canyon
1st EDITION 2010
Copyright © 2010 by Elizabeth Wenk
Cover photos copyright © 2010 by the author
Interior photos, except where noted, by the author
Maps and figures: Elizabeth Wenk and Larry B. Van Dyke
Cover design: Larry B. Van Dyke
Interior design: Andreas Schueller and Larry B. Van Dyke
Editor: Laura Shauger
ISBN 978-0-89997-491-0
Manufactured in the United States of America
| Published by: | Wilderness Press |
| 1345 8th Street | |
| Berkeley, CA 94710 | |
| (800) 443-7227; FAX (510) 558-1696 | |
| [email protected] | |
| www.wildernesspress.com |
Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information.
Distibuted by Publishers Group West
Front cover photos: Top: Descending below Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail; Middle: Walls of Coconino Sandstone rising above the Bright Angel Trail (near 1.5-Mile Resthouse); Bottom: Descending below Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail
Back cover photos: Top: View from Mather Point; Bottom: Ribbon Falls
Frontispiece: A mule train approaches Jacobs Ladder on the Bright Angel Trail.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.
SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions, know your own limitations, and consult a map.
To Eleanor and Sophia,
who were tolerant of our many research
trips to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
CONTENTS
Why You Should Buy—and Carry—This Book
Trail History and Construction
Animals
Grand Canyon Region Weather
2 PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Hyponatremia
Dehydration
Heat Illnesses
Hypothermia
Falling
Blisters
Flash Floods
Lightning
Scorpions
Waterborne Pests
Altitude Sickness
Drowning in the Colorado
3 PREPARATIONS AND PLANNING
Choosing an Itinerary
When to Go
Wilderness Permits
Permit reservations
Last-minute permits
Fees
Staying at Phantom Ranch
Training
Physical training
Mental preparation
Acclimatizing to desert heat
What to Contemplate Before Descending
Descending First, Ascending Second
Pace
Group Dynamics
Breaks
Dayhiking
Familiarizing Yourself with the Landscape
What to Bring
Water
Food
Footwear
Ten Essentials
Dayhike Gear List
Overnight Gear List
Getting to Grand Canyon Village
By Car
By Air
By Train
Shuttle, Bus, and Taxi Services
Getting Around Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan