#42 - Visit the Grand Canyon (71/101).

With two weeks between my old and new job (#funemployement), I have been making the most of it by moving cities, spending time with friends/family and going on a short trip out west with my dad and sister. We visited the Grand Canyon this past week and it was incredible. One day, we hiked the Bright Angel Trail down to Indian Garden. It was about a 9.2 mile hike round trip down into the canyon and it was beautiful and very hot. Thankfully a decent amount of the path was shaded by the canyon walls so we were able to seek refuge in the shade as we walked. The trail is very well maintained with stops every 1.5 miles that include toilets, water and rest houses. While we were exhausted afterwards, we were so glad to have had the opportunity to hike in the Grand Canyon. It is such an incredible sight and to be able to explore the different elevations and viewpoints as we hiked was awesome. The following day we walked along the South Rim and could see many other trails down into the canyon. I wish we had more time to hike on some more trails but we will have to return to explore more trails at a later time. Enjoy a few more pictures of our time in the Grand Canyon below.

If you decide to hike the Bright Angel Trail or other trails down into the Canyon, here are a few tips:

• H2O + Trail Fuel: Having enough water and food (mix of sweet, salty and substantial foods) is essential. While there are places to fill up your water on the trail, you will want to make sure to bring a couple of liters of water with you. I suggest having a cold drink waiting in the cooler for you when you get back as well (I usually have a blue gatorade)! 
• Appropriate Gear: Many times the trail can be chilly in the morning but rise to high temperatures throughout the day. Layers are key and make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself against all the rays. Good shoes/hiking boots are important, especially if you are hiking a decent amount of way into the canyon. I would also recommend hiking poles as coming back up is a lot more work than descending down into the canyon.
• Down is Optional, Up is Mandatory: We saw signs with this saying posted a few times on the trail and it is so true. The beginning of the hike is deceiving as you basically hike downhill until you turn around. Before going to far, make sure to ask yourself and those with you if they are ok to keep on going and keep in mind that going back up is much more difficult than descending down into the canyon. For most hikers, it takes 1.5-2 times as long to go back up than to go down and there is also a substantial elevation change. Make sure to take adequate breaks and stay hydrated on the return to the top!