The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous hiking destinations in the United States, but it can seem a bit overwhelming if you are a beginner to hiking. Many of the six million people who visit the park each year, never take a hike and there is plenty to see that way. However, there are hiking trails that are ideal for someone who isn’t an expert hiker, assuming you know where to look.
Today, we will look at beginner’s hikes that are short in nature, and typically less strenuous than other trails you may see at the park. There are plenty of day hikes that can give you some solace from the large crowds, so you can explore and enjoy nature however you like.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracts the most visitors for a couple of reasons. One, is that it is more accessible for the average person. It’s also open all year round, so you can come whenever you like. There are some fantastic views from the South Rim, but there are fewer beginner-friendly hikes to take off on from this rim. That said, there are a few options that we want to share with you.
This is the least strenuous hiking option from the South Rim. It’s largely flat, paved, and ADA accessible. However, there are some short sections where the walking is steeper or the surface is dirt. The great thing is that when you take this trail, you can go back at any point you like. Reaching your vehicle or a shuttle stop is simple. If you simply want to step away from the crowd, stretch your legs, and take in the views in a quieter setting, you can’t beat the Rim Trail.
Another unique facet of this trail is that it stays above the rim. This can be a pro, or a con, depending on your desires. While it does run parallel to the road, some sections move away from it, so the noise and crowds are less intense. Stepping just off the trail onto the rocks can also give you a more solitary experience for enjoying the canyon.
One of the perks of this trail is that you can bring your dogs, as well. However, they have to be on a leash that is six feet long or shorter, and you must be willing to clean up after them.
Those who prefer a hike below the rim will enjoy the Bright Angel Trail. It is well-maintained because it's the trail that pack mules use to make it to the river below. You won’t want to go all the way to the river unless you plan to sleep in the canyon, but day hikes are also possible. Finding a good place to turn around is simple enough. The trail also has water available and rest houses for those who need them.
As far as the South Rim goes, this is the simplest option for beginners. It begins in an alcove with shelter and is less steep than other options. While you may not get the best possible view from this trail, it’s still fantastic to experience.
If you plan to try this hike, which is open year-round, make sure you bring along plenty of food and water. You have to make a point to eat and drink as you hike because you will need electrolytes and calories. Rest houses are found about every 1.5 miles or so, which is the perfect time to refuel before continuing on.
You can expect to see less of a crowd on this side of the canyon, but it actually has far more options for short hikesappropriate for beginners. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the North Rim is not open the entire year. It has colder temperatures and a higher elevation, so it is open only from May through October. If you happen to be at the Grand Canyon during those months, there are many beginner’s hiking options.
Those who want an easy hike that nearly anyone can enjoy will appreciate Bright Angel Point. You can check out the visitor’s center, grab a cup of coffee, and hang out at the back of the lodge to take in the views. Adventurous people can even go out to the point to see everything up close and personal.
Tours from this area have been around since the beginning of the 20th century, but a road wasn’t built to the area until 1917. The road isn’t always in the best of conditions and sometimes is blocked by fallen rocks, but it has created more popularity in the point.
Bright Angel Point is where all of the planning and construction for the North Rim takes place. It was once also a major lookout point for firefighters in a time before the National Park Service took over. A new fire lookout was rebuilt near the point in the last 1920s.
This hike is less than a mile and a half long and is simple to walk for almost anyone. It’s also a central gathering part for this particular rim. You can find information, lodging, park preservation, and tourism information here. However, the North Rim only receives about a tenth of the visitor traffic that the South Rim sees, so if you're looking for smaller crowds the North Rim is for you.
Surprisingly, this relatively short hike of 1.2 miles that starts just down from the Cape Royal Overlook isn't as popular as it should be. The trail goes down into a valley and then passes by the ruins of a granary. From the valley, the trail goes into a side canyon with interesting overhanging rocks and fantastic views of the canyon.
The majority of the trail is in the canyon along a ledge, so the walking is flat and easy. You’ll reach an alcove at some point which features pictograph handprints. If you are looking for a short easy trail on the North Rim that won’t wear you out, you can’t beat the Cliff Springs.
This is a great trail, although beginners may find it off-putting when they find out that it runs ten miles in length. Don’t let that stress you out, because there’s no reason you have to hike the entire trail to enjoy the experience. People of all abilities and ages can traverse the trail and have a great time.
The first mile of the trail gives you substantial scenery of the canyon, which you won’t find elsewhere. There is an interpretive brochure you can pick up at the North Rim visitor center which can give you extra information about the trail, including the ecology and geology you will see along the way.
Once you move beyond the rim, the trail goes into the forest where you can take in aspen and conifer trees. After walking toward the end of the trail, you’ll find yourself at Widforss Point, which can be seen right across from the South Rim.
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is a bucket list experience, and being a beginner shouldn’t stop you. Make sure you bring along the gear you need and enjoy the great outdoors. The five hikes we mentioned above will offer the chance to see the canyon in all of its glory. If you get through them and feel like you want more of a challenge, try some of the more advanced hikes to up the difficulty on your next trip.