How to Hike the Grand Canyon Safely in the Winter

When exploring the Grand Canyon, especially in winter, there are safety tips and advice to keep in mind. It's important to have a checklist for items you want to carry and to know locations where you might take a break to eat and get warm.

Before you leave the hotel, make sure that you and each member of your party has a list of emergency numbers and information in case you get separated or have any problems. If you're traveling with a buddy, you can be assured that one of you can get help if there is any need.

Here's some additional suggestions to keep in mind:

Be sure to pack enough additional supplies.

Rangers are stationed at the park entrance and exit, and at the bottom of the canyon, if you have any questions, need directions or run into any problems.

While most will make the trip without incident, it's wise to realize that accidents happen. Plan ahead. Bring a backpack with a first aid kit and extra supplies and you'll be prepared for anything.

Bring a map, compass, moleskin and water purification tablets for back up.

Also carry a basic first aid kit, a signal mirror, any prescription medicines (including allergies and for extra doses, in case you're there longer than you may have planned), aspirin for body aches, matches or a lighter, and a knife or utility tool.

You might also bring along an extra day's supply of food, a cell phone if you have one, or a portable CB radio, a whistle, a flare, and a light thermal blanket. Band-Aids and a topical ointment for any cuts or scrapes are also a good idea. Hikers who are prepared are those more likely to cope with accidents.

To beat the crowds, it helps to arrive by 7 a.m., even during the winter season. The Canyon can be chilly in the morning hours; it may warm up to subtropical temperatures with a high humidity by noon. Avoid hiking in the heat from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Pack light; remember that you'll have to carry gear with you.

Bring suntan oil to protect you from the Arizona sun.

Although it may be winter, the sun is still out there. Bring lip-gloss or medicated lip balm for protection, as well as sunglasses and a hat.

Stay hydrated. Bottled water, electrolyte sports and power drinks, and other refreshments can be purchased at souvenir shops and lookout points on your way to the canyon, or pack them up before you go. Bring more than you think you'll need. You should also drink before you're thirsty.

High-energy snacks throughout your excursion can give you the boost you'll need. Salty snacks will make you thirsty sooner but can also provide nourishment. Along with hard candy, some healthy ideas would be trail mix, or other on-the-go snacks, especially dried fruit and nuts and seeds. Bring extra snacks along in the trip.

Eat before, during and after hike, and eat before you're hungry, to prevent fatigue and altitude sickness. Eat breakfast, and eat twice as much, when snacking and eating dinner.

Wear comfortable hiking clothes. Dress in layers so you can remove pieces as the day warms. Support from appropriate hiking shoes and boots, that are well-fitted and properly broken-in will prevent sore and aching feet. Avoid wearing open-toed shoes or sandals.

Be kind to yourself. People who have back or knee problems, asthma, heart problems, diabetes and other health/medical problems should limit the exertion and exposure to heat. Those who have such concerns should attempt the trail only after consulting their physician.

Use a walking or hiking stick. Stretching before hiking is helpful to prepare your muscles for the trip. For the sake of safety and courtesy, stay on the trail, never shortcut switchbacks (zigzag trails), and give uphill hikers the right of way.

Pace yourself. Avoid huffing and puffing. An aerobic paced jot, (baby steps), will make you last longer on the hike and feel well at the end.

If you should get lost, call for help, use your signal mirror and send a message with another hiker. Make sure you give the following information to them: the nature of the problem, the location, the number of people involved, and a physical description.

Don't expect to go down to the river and back in one day. It's a long hike from going down to the canyon and back up, so plan for a two-day trip. There are handrails and stairs to make the journey, but use caution and watch your footing. You can camp backcountry at the nearest campgrounds in the area.

Be aware of the time on the descent. However long it takes you to reach the bottom, and it will twice as long to reach the top again. It takes one-third of your time to descend, and two-thirds of your time to ascend.

Taking frequent 30-minute breaks every hour to rest, and to partake of refreshment to stop and eat and drink is a wise idea. You can also take in the beauty and wonders of the cavern, chat and enjoy your snacks. Rest for five- seven minutes during that time. Sit down in the shade, let the gravity help drain the metabolic waste products from your legs, by propping them above the heart level.

Some other items to consider bringing: small flashlights with an extra set of batteries and bulb, just in case; a camera to capture the memories of the trips; bring an extra bag, old blanket or shower liner to sit on, when the ground is wet, for trash for deposit in the nearest trashcan.

Bathroom facilities aren't provided. In the canyon, you're in nature and roughing it. If you have to go to the bathroom, it should be buried under 6"-8" of mineral soil. If you have to bury it, you'll need a shovel. Remember to bring toilet paper, which should be carried in plastic or biodegradable bags, for non-liquid human waste.

As well as having no bathrooms, be aware that there is no food or other refreshments at the bottom of the canyon. You should bring your own.

Limited daylight could also limit your view of the landscape; therefore you should keep your flashlight close by and watch where you're going.

The best safety tip of them all is to keep focused. If it should happen and you got lost, STOP hiking. Sit down and wait for help to arrive. Call for help.

Be safety-conscious and have fun.

Sidebars:

Entry fees: $10 for individuals for up to seven days
Vehicles: $20
Children under five: free
Backcountry camping: $15/night

Contact info:
Grand Canyon National Park,
P.O. Box 129,
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca
Phone number: (918) 638-7888

Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3007
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Website: http://www.grandcanyonchamber.org
Email: info@grandcanyonchamber.org
Phone Number: (928) 623-2901

How to:

Local visitor centers: free
Local lodging in the area: Blue Angel Lodge
Local restaurants: Blue Angel Lodge Restaurant, The Grand Restaurant

Places to Visit:

The Blue Angel Lodge is located right in the Grand Canyon National Park, and is within walking distance from the canyon. It's a great stop for a warm, relaxing meal beside a crackling fire. You can even rent a cabin, if you're so inclined.

The Grand Restaurant is in Tusayuan. It features American Indian performers in full dress who entertain travelers with tribal songs and dance. There you sample Western dishes, and other native cuisines, which offer a splendid array for the senses.