The Grand Canyon - Guidebook to Walking in America's Southwest

The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world. Its 277-mile length is protected by 1.2 million acres of national park. Bryce and Zion Canyons and their national parks are also included in the guide. Complete guide to 1000s of miles of trekking routes in the region.

Introduction to the Second Edition

A vast swathe cut deep into the earth’s crust, exposing a multitude of colours one can only begin to dream of… Layer upon layer of intense reds, golds and browns, rock and valley shapes defying the imagination with their indescribable twists and turns… Temperatures ranging from below freezing at the rim to the raging 30s or even 40s (centigrade!) at the bottom of the canyon… Thrilling paths plunging over the edge of the cliffs and steeply down into the unfathomable depths of the gorge cut by the Colorado River over millennia…
Such is the Grand Canyon. It is a very special place that the native people regard as the birthplace of the spirits, the sipapu of their ancestors.

Having been fortunate enough to have visited many exceptional parts of the world already, we wondered just how grand the Grand Canyon might be. Could it live up to its amazing reputation?

We were not disappointed. At first sight, the Grand Canyon is truly astonishing. Even after visiting many of the other beautiful canyons in the area, the Grand Canyon is not just majestic, it is monumentally magical. Its sheer supreme scale is almost incomprehensible – a vastness that one cannot really begin to understand.

Perhaps this is nature’s grandeur at its grandest?

Siân Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons, 2007

Introduction to the First Edition

The southwestern corner of the United States, dotted with national parks and monuments, wilderness areas, state parks and recreational areas, boasts a seemingly endless variety of deep canyons, high and low desert, snow-capped mountains and raging rivers. Within this area Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park encompass some of the most extraordinary scenery in the United States. Though Grand Canyon National Park is well known worldwide, Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks are less so. Yet the parks offer such splendid scenery that each merits a visit of its own.

Come and view this magnificent corner of the United States. Join me in touring these parks on foot. Walk the high country of Zion and veer down into the valley from atop its towering red walls. Weave amidst the hoodoos of Bryce and descend into the hidden depths of the Grand Canyon. Walkers can easily steer clear of crowds and enjoy the backcountry in relative isolation.

I have tried to present material and information as accurately as possible. But how quickly things change! Paths can be re-routed; new buildings are built and others are removed; bridges are washed away. Changes in the landscape occur due to storms, flooding, rockfall and other natural causes. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, wide fluctuations in temperature and unexpected obstacles blocking routes and trails.

Many of my trips to foreign countries have been inspired by guidebooks that I first studied from home. I hope this book will aid in planning a trip into this special area of the United States and, once you have arrived, help to make your visit a pleasant and meaningful one. I have presented travel and park information and trail descriptions in a style that I hope will be useful and practical, yet not overload you with too much detail.

Plan to arrive a day or two before your walk to get up-to-date information from the National Park Service. Without thoughtful planning many of these trips are dangerous or life threatening. Bring along your common sense and good judgement and you will enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

May you grow to love this section of the American southwest as I have. Have a great trip!
Constance Roos, 2000