James Kaiser - Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide

7th Edition

2018 Destination Press & its licensors

ISBN: 978-1-940754-30-7

Written & Photographed
by James Kaiser

Special thanks to AJ Lapr, Tom Pittenger, Lon Ayers, Dawn OSickey, Colleen Hyde, Pam Frazier, Tricia Lund, Ginger Reeve, Gray Thompson, Cat Zusky, Peter Brewitt, Peter Bohler, Brian Gootee, Clayton Norman, Erin Burgess, Peter Potterfield, Luise Phelps, all my amazing river guides

As always, special thanks to my family, friends, and all the wonderful people I encountered while working on this guide.

All information in this guide has been exhaustively researched, but names, phone numbers, and other details do change. If you encounter a change or mistake while using this guide, please send an email to . Your input will help make future editions of this guide even better.

Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of information within this guide, the authors and publisher do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. If the rigors and threats of nature are in any way beyond your capabilities, do not attempt any hike in this guide. Many photos contained within this guide depict people in precarious situations; do not assume that any situations depicted in this book are in any way safe. All maps in this guide are based on official USGS data, but serious hikers should supplement their outings with detailed hiking maps.

I f youve purchased this book, youre going to Grand Canyon. Perhaps youre already here. If so, youre at one of the most amazing places on earthan act of geology so massive that it can be seen from space, and so beautiful that it lures over four million visitors each year.

My first introduction to Grand Canyon was in college, driving cross country on my way to California. When I reached Grand Canyon, I walked to the rim, basked in the view, and snapped a few photos. Then I climbed back into my car and headed to Las Vegas. Did I like the view? Of course. Did I realize that Grand Canyon had much more to offer? Not really.

It wasnt until several years later that I realized my mistake. In 2003 I went on my first Grand Canyon river trip. It wasand still isone of the most incredible journeys I have ever taken. For three weeks I rafted down the Colorado, running rapids and hiking to dozens of spectacular sightslush side canyons, hidden waterfalls, ancient Indian ruins. River guides, many of whom had spent decades rowing the Colorado, imparted their love and knowledge of the Canyon to me. By the end of the trip, I was hooked. I returned to Grand Canyon again and again, hiking the trails, studying the geology, and learning as much as I could about this amazing place.

Looking back, I cant believe I ever took Grand Canyon for granted. Sadly, many first-time visitors continue to make the same mistake. They step out of their cars, bask in the view, and then run off to their next destination. Vegas? Check. Hoover Dam? Check. Grand Canyon? Check. One of the most magnificent places on earth and they missed it!

Thats where this book comes in. From hiking to river trips to scenic flights, Grand Canyon has it all. But it can be an incredibly overwhelming place. This book breaks it down, shows you the best that Grand Canyon has to offer, and equips you with everything you need to make the most of your time in the park. So go for a hike, drive along the rim, or spend the night at a historic lodge. But whatever you do, dont peek over the rim and wonder what to do next!

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Introduction

O ne mile deep . Ten miles wide. Two hundred seventy seven miles long. Covering 1.2 million acres in northern Arizona, Grand Canyon is a breathtaking act of geology. Teddy Roosevelt called it the one great sight every American should see. The panorama from the rim is one of the most impressive sights in the world, but Grand Canyon is much more than just a pretty view. Hidden within its depths are fascinating creatures, geologic marvels, the ruins of an ancient civilization, and some of the best outdoor adventures in North America.

Cut by the Colorado River over the past six million years, Grand Canyon is a colossal labyrinth of towering buttes and deep side canyons. Although massive, most visitors head to one of two developed areas: the South Rim or the North Rim. The South Rim, located two hours north of Phoenix, is by far the more accessible and popular of the two. Home to six of the parks eight lodges, its what most people think of when they think of Grand Canyon. The North Rim is located just south of the Arizona/Utah borderone of the least densely populated regions in the United States. Its remote location means fewer crowds, but with equally stunning views.

Hiking trails descend from both rims to the bottom of the Canyon. Along the way they pass though 11 layers of ancient rocks, ranging in age from 250 million to nearly two billion years oldalmost half the age of the Earth! At the bottom of the Canyon, near the junction of three popular trails, lies Phantom Ranch, an overnight lodge offering comfortable beds and home-cooked meals. Guided mule trips are also offered along several Grand Canyon trails. Both day and overnight trips are available.

Twisting through the bottom of the Canyon is the Colorado River. Fed by Rocky Mountain snowmelt before slicing through the deserts of Utah and Arizona, the Colorado is the most impressive river in the West. Although currently plugged by dams along much of its length, the Colorado flows free in Grand Canyon, dropping 2,000 feet in 277 miles. Over 20,000 people embark on river trips through Grand Canyon each year. In addition to 60 thrilling rapids, river trips provide access to spectacular hiking trails, stunning archaeological ruins, and gorgeous waterfalls. Without question, a river trip through Grand Canyon is one of Earths most incredible outdoor adventures.

Grand Canyon Top 5

Top 5 Viewpoints

Top 5 Adventures

Top 5 Hikes