Park Tips
The Grand Canyon is an awesome spectacle — and best enjoyed when prepared. Here’s what you need to know for a safe and comfortable visit.
Prepare For Extremes
A hike into the canyon entails descending and re-ascending thousands of feet, with huge swings in temperatures. During the summer, the bottom of the canyon has registered temperatures of 120 degrees, whereas at over 7,000 feet, the South Rim annually averages five feet of snow.
Hikers must also keep in mind that each easy step they take down into the canyon means a more arduous step to climb back out — the reverse of ascending a mountain. Count on needing twice the duration of your descent to retrace your steps, and check with rangers at the Backcountry Information Center before embarking.
Hiking Elsewhere in the Area
If you’re looking for an outdoor jaunt closer to Williams, AZ, try the Bill Williams Mountain Trail. A 7.5-mile out-and-back, it begins at the U.S. Forest Service’s Williams Ranger District office and climbs steadily through pine, fir, and aspen. The views from the summit, one of the highest points in the area, are spectacular.
