One Best Hike: Grand Canyon. Elizabeth Wenk

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      One Best Hike: Grand Canyon

      1st EDITION 2010

      Copyright © 2010 by Elizabeth Wenk

      Cover photos copyright © 2010 by the author

      Interior photos, except where noted, by the author

      Maps and figures: Elizabeth Wenk and Larry B. Van Dyke

      Cover design: Larry B. Van Dyke

      Interior design: Andreas Schueller and Larry B. Van Dyke

      Editor: Laura Shauger

      ISBN 978-0-89997-491-0

      Manufactured in the United States of America

Published by:	Wilderness Press
	1345 8th Street
	Berkeley, CA 94710
	[phone]; FAX [phone]
	[email protected]
	www.wildernesspress.com

      Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information.

      Distibuted by Publishers Group West

      Front cover photos: Top: Descending below Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail; Middle: Walls of Coconino Sandstone rising above the Bright Angel Trail (near 1.5-Mile Resthouse); Bottom: Descending below Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail

      Back cover photos: Top: View from Mather Point; Bottom: Ribbon Falls

      Frontispiece: A mule train approaches Jacobs Ladder on the Bright Angel Trail.

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.

      SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions, know your own limitations, and consult a map.

      To Eleanor and Sophia,

      who were tolerant of our many research

      trips to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

      CONTENTS

       1 INTRODUCTION

       A Location Hike

       Why You Should Buy—and Carry—This Book

       Why You Should Not Dayhike

       Human History

       Native Peoples

       Pioneers

       Phantom Ranch

       Trail History and Construction

       Natural History

       Geology

       Vegetation

       Animals

       Grand Canyon Region Weather

      2 PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

       Hyponatremia

       Dehydration

       Heat Illnesses

       Hypothermia

       Falling

       Blisters

       Flash Floods

       Lightning

       Scorpions

       Waterborne Pests

       Altitude Sickness

       Drowning in the Colorado

      3 PREPARATIONS AND PLANNING

       Choosing an Itinerary

       When to Go

       Wilderness Permits

       Permit reservations

       Last-minute permits

       Fees

       Staying at Phantom Ranch

       Training

       Physical training

       Mental preparation

       Acclimatizing to desert heat

       What to Contemplate Before Descending

       Descending First, Ascending Second

       Pace

       Group Dynamics

       Breaks

       Dayhiking

       Familiarizing Yourself with the Landscape

       What to Bring

       Water

       Food

       Footwear

       Ten Essentials

       Dayhike Gear List

       Overnight Gear List

       Getting to Grand Canyon Village

       By Car

       By Air

       By Train

       Shuttle, Bus, and Taxi Services

       Getting Around Grand Canyon Village

       Grand Canyon Village and Tusayan