Summer thunderstorms (July through September) provide beauty, excitement, and much needed water to Grand Canyon, but they also bring risk. Dangerous, potentially deadly, lightning accompanies thunderstorms. Practicing basic safety precautions can help you reduce risk.

Hiking Grand Canyon

Lightning Safety at Grand Canyon

Some tips for hiking in the extreme heat of the inner Grand Canyon; tips that can mean the difference between an enjoyable hike and a potentially fatal one.

Hiking in the Heat (TWEET to Beat the Heat!)

Learn about Grand Canyon National Park's the Backcountry Information Center and how to obtain trip planning information and how to apply for a permit.

June 2013 Update: Backcountry Information Center

This is an audio podcast made from the soundtrack of Hiking Information Video. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon. A hike into the Grand Canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable hike. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

Intro to Hiking Grand Canyon - 20 Minute Audiocast (from video)

Part 1 of the video tells you how to prepare for your hike or backpacking trip. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon. A hike into the Grand Canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable hike. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

1) Preparation - Hiking Grand Canyon Video

Part 2 of the video tells shows an backpacking trip in progress and what to do when faced with a variety of situations during your hike or backpacking trip. A Grand Canyon hike can be one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime. But no hike in the canyon is easy: the terrain is steep, dry and rugged. This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

2) Your Hike - Hiking Grand Canyon Video

Part 3 of the video provides a brief review of the Grand Canyon Hiking Information from parts 1 and 2 of this video program. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

3) Review - Hiking Grand Canyon Video

As a PSAR Ranger, my job is to help visitors avoid needing to be rescued by providing education about the hazards of hiking in the Grand Canyon, and the time and equipment necessary to complete a planned hike.

PSAR01 - What is Preventive Search and Rescue?

Before we can head down the trail we need to pack the equipment and supplies we will need for the hike. Whenever I hike the trails, even if I’m only intending to go a short distance, I always bring the ten essentials. Someone much smarter than me once said "The only constant in life is change." And at the Grand Canyon plans can change quickly due to the weather, illness, injury or fatigue. If you plan for a hike to take longer than you expect, you will be better prepared if things don’t go according to plan.

PSAR02 - 10 Essentials for Grand Canyon Hiking

Before we start down the trail though, there are a few more things to consider. First and foremost, are you in good physical condition? If you have any medical problems talk to your doctor before visiting the Grand Canyon to make sure you are healthy enough to hike steep and difficult trails. You can see beautiful views of the Canyon from the Rim Trail, or you may want to limit your hike to 15-30 minutes down trail. Remember it takes most hikers one and a half to two times the amount of time it took to hike down to hike back up. So a 30 minute hike down the trail may take 1 hour to come back up.

PSAR03 - Heading down the trail: It’s all about planning

Some of the most common problems I see on the trail are fatigue, nausea and leg cramps. Many times these problems are caused by the early stages of hyponatremia, or too little salt, along with too few calories for a high level of exertion. This hiker has done several things right. When he got tired he sat down in the shade to rest, and he has tried to eat and drink this morning. Although he’s feeling sick right now, many times these problems can be resolved with rest, salty food, water and electrolytes.

PSAR04 - Self-rescue Tips

Heading out into the natural environment with children can be a fantastic experience for both parent and child. Children often bring our attention back to the wonder of small things we may miss while taking in the grandeur of the Canyon. Hiking with children in a place known for extreme temperatures and high cliffs also presents a unique set of safety challenges. In this podcast I will present some suggestions for keeping your infant or small child protected from heat-illness, dehydration, sunburn and falls. I will also give you a checklist of items you might want to bring with you on your hike, and some suggested trail destinations.

PSAR05 - Hiking with Infants and Toddlers

Grand Canyon Hiking can be one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime. But no hike in the canyon is easy: the terrain is steep, dry and rugged. This channel is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment. The Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size. Unique combinations of geologic color and erosional forms decorate a canyon that is 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep.

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Hiking Grand Canyon

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