RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS

HIKING

Entering the Grand Canyon under your own power gives you the best feel for its size, grandeur, and details. Easy paths follow sections of the rims, a few wide and well-graded trails enter the depths, narrower and more difficult trails extend farther out into the backcountry, and some very difficult routes go to places rarely visited. Because of the Grand Canyon’s immensity and potential hazards, hikers need to give some thought to what they wish to do, then carry sufficient water, food, maps, and supplies for the trip.

The region also has fine hiking in tributaries of the Colorado River, such as Paria Canyon north of Lees Ferry and Havasu Canyon farther downstream. The hike to Rainbow Bridge on the Navajo Indian Reservation offers many awe-inspiring views of slick rock and canyons. Near Page, you can wander into the cavelike passages of Antelope Canyon, also on Navajo lands. Mountains of the Arizona Strip north of the Grand Canyon have some enjoyable climbs, as do the many peaks of the San Francisco Volcanic Field to the south.

BIKING

To be fully alive to the land, skies, sounds, plants, and birds of the region, consider touring on a bicycle. Gliding across the desert or topping out on a mountain pass are experiences beyond words. Some effort, a lightweight touring or mountain bicycle, and awareness of your surroundings are all you will require.

In Grand Canyon National Park, cyclists have the big advantage of being able to ride the roads to Hermits Rest and Yaki Point even when they’re closed to private vehicles. Although hiking trails in the park are closed to bicycles, the Kaibab National Forest on both rims features some excellent mountain biking through the forest and to Canyon overlooks. The North Rim offers the most possibilities, including the road out to Point Sublime. The areas surrounding the Grand Canyon have good riding too, for both mountain biking and long-distance touring.

Start with short rides if you’re new to bicycle touring, then work up to longer cross-country trips. Learn to maintain and repair your steed, and you’ll seldom have trouble on the road. An extra-low gear of 30 inches or less will take the strain out of long mountain grades. The performance of mountain bikes for touring can be improved by using road tires (no knobs) and handlebar extenders (for a variety of riding positions). Bookstores and bicycle shops provide good publications on bicycle touring. As when hiking, always carry rain and wind gear and plenty of water. Also, don’t forget to wear a bicycling helmet.

RAFTING

The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon has it all—big-water rapids, serene passages of smooth water, and gorgeous canyons—and it provides an amazing tour of the region’s geology! The 280 river miles from Lees Ferry to the end of the Grand Canyon at Lake Mead requires a big commitment in time and gear, so you’ll want to plan carefully. You can go either on your own—if suitably equipped and experienced—or with a river company.

FISHING

Rainbow trout thrive in the cold water that flows from Glen Canyon Dam above the Grand Canyon. Lees Ferry offers the easiest fishing access, either from the shore or on a boat. Fishing within the Grand Canyon requires strenuous hiking or taking a river-rafting trip. Trout lurk both in the river and in permanent tributaries such as Bright Angel and Tapeats Creeks. Other popular fishing areas in the region include vast Lake Powell above the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead below it.

Before the early 1960s, the warm Colorado River water had so much silt and such irregular flows that it could support only a handful of specially adapted fish species. The native Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, bonytail chub, and humpback or razorback sucker are now endangered. Anglers should know what they look like, and should return any they catch to the water.

SKIING

Grand Canyon National Park doesn’t have developed ski areas or trails, but the North Rim area offers limitless backcountry skiing. On the South Rim, cross-country ski loops lie just a few miles south of Grandview Point in the Kaibab National Forest. Flagstaff features the best downhill facilities of the region and a Nordic center. Williams offers a smaller downhill area and a few cross-country areas.

SNOWMOBILING

Although it’s not allowed in the park, the Kaibab National Forest adjacent to the North Rim has many route possibilities. Snowmobilers must keep to the west of Highway 67; areas to the east of the highway are open only to skiers and snowshoers.