One best hike. Grand Canyon : everything you need to know to successfully hike from the rim to the river-- and back

One of the world’s most spectacular places, the Grand Canyon annually attracts over 4 million visitors who peer over the edge of the abyss. A smaller number of them trek from the rim to the banks of the Colorado River on one of the nation's best-known hikes. Many of these hikers are inadequately prepared for the rigors of what can be a deadly journey. This indispensable guide describes the most popular route into the canyon — the 16.2 mile round-trip route from the South Rim to the Colorado River. It addresses the many possible hazards (extreme heat, cold, elevation gain/loss of over 9,000 feet), gives advice on physical conditioning, and includes helpful charts, maps, and GPS waypoints for the best rest points. The hike itself is covered mile by mile, with expert coaching and hints along the way. Experienced and novice hikers alike will benefit from its encouraging, can-do approach. Find everything you need to know about the Grand Canyons one best hike, from the rim to the riverand back again. The Grand Canyons striking geology and overwhelming scale inspires the millions who stand on its South Rim each year. Let expert author Elizabeth Wenk lead you into the canyons depths on the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails to the mighty Colorado River, and spend the night at Indian Garden or Bright Angel campgrounds, or Phantom Ranch. While tremendously rewarding, this 16.1-mile loop hike demands much, even of experienced trekkers. Hikers need to prepare for the hot temperatures, lack of shade, long distance, elevation change, and other potential dangers. One Best Grand Canyon is a step-by-step guide that helps you tackle this trip with confidence. Inside youll One Best Grand Canyon, with its can-do approach, nuts-and-bolts advice, and practical tips, will leave you wondering why you waited so long to embark on this truly special hiking adventure.