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Hiking Guide
Hiking In Grand Canyon
To call the Grand Canyon a national park seems a little too simple for what is nothing short of one of the true wonders of the world and an area which inspires awe in anyone backpacking or hiking in Grand Canyon.
Situated in Arizona the canyon is 275 miles long, 18 miles wide at its widest point and extends to a depth of one mile. Elevations around the canyon range from 2,400 feet above sea level to over 7,000 feet and the canyon extends from Grand Wash Cliffs close to Las Vegas to Lees Ferry on the Arizona and Utah border.
There are miles of Grand Canyon hiking trails providing astounding views of the golden cliffs of the canyon and the magnificent California condors which circle high over the rim in a display which is seen nowhere else on earth.
The canyon attracts over four million visitors each year but many of these visitors see only a small part of the canyon on its southern rim along which a section of the AZ 64 highway runs. From here you can however get an excellent view of part of the canyon and the Colorado River far below.
For those who want to leave their cars and really get out and see the canyon there are dozens of hiking trails covered in a number of excellent Grand Canyon hiking guides. Included among the more accessible hikes are those to the Bright Angel and the South Kaibab from where you can get a very good view of some of the fascinating detail of the canyon.
The north rim is another area well worth visiting as it is much less heavily traveled and the peace and quite in the area, which has become known as the eighth wonder of the world, attracts many hikers who enjoy an excellent day of leisurely hiking.
One of perhaps the best Grand Canyon hiking tips is to explore an area which is again much quieter than the south rim and starts in the Havasupai Indian Reservation, from where it is a day's hike to get to the Grand Canyon.
One of the best hikes in the Grand Canyon is along the Lava Falls Trail near Tuweep which takes you down to the river and is a must for those who enjoy the wildlife of the area. Along the trail you will not only see the condors but also stellar jays, canyon wrens and many different species of humming bird. You will also come across a lot of chipmunks and coyote and the occasional western spotted and common striped skunk. You should also keep an eye out for rattlesnakes which are easy to miss as they blend into their surroundings but which will strike if you step on them.
If you are preparing to hike the Grand Canyon then you will certainly not be disappointed as you walk along cliffs which represent two million years of geological history and amaze you with the layers of rock carved out over the centuries by Mother Nature herself.
Whether you go it alone or take one of the many excellent hiking tours in Grand Canyon you will not be disappointed and this is one area of our magnificent country which is a must for any hiker. From the most leisurely of hikes to the most extreme hikes in the Grand Canyon there is something to suit hikers of all ages and abilities.
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