Grand Canyon preparation isn’t just about finding the right spot to take a dramatic photo.  Even if you aren’t going to descend into the canyon, you should be ready for conditions and equip yourself accordingly.  It’s common sense but alas, common sense isn’t as prevalent as it ought to be.

I was reminded of this face a few weeks ago when I went to the Grand Canyon with some friends from out of state.  Because I have lived in Arizona for over twenty years and have been to GCNP numerous times, I make sure we were all ready for a day of sight-seeing and walking along the South Rim.  We weren’t going to go into the canyon itself or camp overnight, but we wore the proper gear and carried necessary supplies for several hours of walking.  Not everybody was as well-equipped or prepared as we were though.

One salient feature of the Grand Canyon is people from around the world come to see it.  Of course this is not a surprise given the majestic beauty of the canyon and its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.  The problem is many of the park’s visitors aren’t physically prepared and properly equipped for a safe visit.  This exposes visitors to a range of risks from needless discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.  One doesn’t have to look far to find examples of either.

Among the ill-equipped throng of visitors was a middle-aged Russian lady wearing heels while she walk on the uneven rocks at the South Rim.  She was taking pictures of the Grand Canyon and having her family pose while she walked around in heels.  Heels, slacks, and a V-neck blouse might be appropriate for dining out in Nizhny Novgorod but shouldn’t be worn when walking along the top of a canyon.  I don’t know how her feet and legs felt the following day but I would have suggested something less fashionable but more functional for “Natasha.”

Of course, there are also many examples of people dying in the Canyon too.  Some are fit people who over-estimated their physical abilities whereas others died because they under-estimated heat and other factors.  Whether you are hiking along the rim or in the canyon itself, you need to be ready so you can have an enjoyable visit.  The alternative entails risks that can injure and kill without mercy.

So what should you do if you are visiting the Grand Canyon?  Here are some suggestions for hiking along the maintained trails of the South Rim:

• Appropriate footwear (supportive shoes or hiking boots are the best)
• Good socks (to prevent blisters)
• Water (at least 1L to drink while hiking)
• Food (food bars, fruit, dehydrated fruit, jerky)
• Sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat
• Layers of clothing (appropriate for expected conditions)
• Backpack
• Mobile phone or FRS radio
• Light source
• Emergency whistle
• Multi-tool or knife

Hiking in the canyon is a whole other subject that is best left to experts.  As someone who has hiked the Grand Canyon in the past, I can say that it is both an incredibly beautiful yet physically grueling experience.  However, preparations for that kind of hike are outside the scope of this post.

Being prepared isn’t for doomsday, it’s for everyday events like going on a walk in a National Park.  Getting ready and being properly-equipped will help ensure that your trip is a safe one.