If one thinks hiking nine miles in or out of the Grand Canyon is as easy as walking to the store,…read morethink again. Located a few hundred yards from where we are staying, the Bright Angel Trail is one of the superhighways, with its heavenly name making it the most well-known trail. It follows an old Native American route zigzagging down a vertical wall and then cuts across the flat plateau to the river from the South Rim. Early this morning while the temperature was still cool, my partner and I took only a short distance. The trail was safe. We've seen hikers of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels. It was well-maintained, easy to follow, consistently about 4 feet wide, and has wider sections for passing. The steepness of the trail is very misleading on the way down. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. We enjoyed the views, which can be more spectacular in the canyon than from the rim. There is something about actually being in the canyon that is more memorable and moving than being on the rim.

This is the most popular hiking trail into Grand Canyon! Even though it is well-traversed, this is…read morealso a dangerous trail for people who are not prepared, as it's wayy easier hiking down...but you have to contend with the hike up. Also, there is limited water on the trail (and sometimes there are pipeline breaks), with not a lot of shade. With hot weather, this could be a deadly hike. The trail head has bathrooms and a water filling station. Definitely use them before hiking down. This hike is well maintained, with mules sharing the trail. You can see them...or at least smell them as they leave poop on the trail. I hiked down to the Second Tunnel (1.8 miles) and it wasn't too bad, but I was unfortunately limited on time. It seems past this point the crowds thinned out. Havasupai Gardens at 9 miles round trip is the most the rangers recommend as a day trip. I loved how the view of the Canyon changed as I descended the trail!

Despite being born and raised here, It took me over 30 years before finally seeing the Grand…read moreCanyon. It is mesmerizing, daunting, and caters to novices and experts alike. I should have gone sooner! Here are some tips: -Be prepared for a long line to get in when the weather's nice -Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks! You can go for miles without any sort of vendor -If you're afraid of heights, prepare to be MORTIFIED. There are steep drops everywhere, so beware! If you have the time, this is something you should enjoy over a long weekend. You can spend hours walking around and driving between the countless parking lots and still only see a fraction of what it has to offer. A real contender for best park in America, if not the world.

GranTyke GrandCayon RoadTrip Episode 3 "There's a garden…read morespot, I'm told, where it's never too hot and it's never too cold.. Where you're never too young and you're never too old.. Where you're never too thin or tall.. And you're never, never, never too, too, too anything at all, Oh! You're not too mad and you're not too sane And you don't compare and you don't complain, All you do is just sit tight, 'cause it's all so, so, so, so down-right, right...:) We arrived at the South Rim very early, we parked in the Raven 1 Lot, up front, please remember where you parked..:) As you approach the edge of the Rim, You loose your breath in the exhilarating view of this Canyon. The Rock formations, the colour of the striations, the depth of the Canyon, with a River far below is quite mind boggling. We spent 6 hours exploring the South Rim from end to end. Free Shuttle busses help you make it back to the area of your car. Regardless of your age "you're a kid again"..:) As you hike, avoid stepping on loose dirt or rocks. We had no trouble. Our GranTyke liked our slower pace. We eventually made it to their Geology Museum which explains it all. This is a must destination for everyone. Simply the best, with no time restraints. Arriving very early gets you there before any crowds that might arrive. It was a slow day, so we had access to staff when needed. We avoided tours and did a self discovery trip so much fun and worthwhile. Bring lots of water and energy bars/food easy to grab and eat on the move. Though this was not our first trip to the Canyon, It was the First for our GranTyke, which made it seem like the first for us..:) Ha-ha-ha! Ho-ho-ho! And a couple of tra-la-las.. That's how we laugh the day away.. In The Merry Old Grand Canyon Best, Avram WizardOz Jr.

If you really want to understand the Grand Canyon, you don't stand at the rim. You step off it…read more South Kaibab Trail is not subtle about what it is. There's no easing into it, no gentle introduction. Within minutes, you're descending through tight switchbacks, the rim already pulling away behind you, and that comfortable "overlook" perspective is gone. You're in it now. What makes this trail different is the exposure. It rides out along a ridge, not tucked away or hidden, so the views are constant. There's no point where it closes in or gives you a break. Every step opens something new. Layers of rock stacked like pages, colors shifting depending on where the sun hits, distances that feel close until you realize they're anything but. Early on, you hit that first real vantage point where everything just drops away in front of you. It's the kind of moment that interrupts whatever you were thinking about. You stop, not because you planned to, but because you don't really have a choice. And then you keep going. The trail pulls you downward at a steady, unapologetic grade. It's not technical, but it demands attention. Your footing matters. Your pacing matters. Knees start to take notice on the way down, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you're already aware that every step you're taking is one you'll have to reverse later. There's almost no shade. That's not an exaggeration. Once the sun is up, it owns this trail. That's why going early isn't just a good idea, it's the difference between a great hike and a brutal one. In the early hours, the light cuts across the canyon at an angle, pulling out depth and contrast you just don't get later. Shadows stretch, colors deepen, and the entire landscape feels more alive. By midday, it flattens out and the heat starts pressing down in a way that changes the tone completely. As you descend, the canyon shifts around you. The rock underfoot changes color and texture, walls rise and fall, and the sense of scale keeps slipping just out of reach. You try to make sense of distance, but it doesn't behave the way you expect. What looks like a short stretch can take far longer than it should. Landmarks move. Perspectives lie. There's a point where the noise fades out. Fewer people, more space, just the sound of your own steps and the occasional wind moving through the canyon. It's quiet in a way that feels earned. Not empty, just stripped down to what matters. And then there's the reality check. Going down is the easy part. It always is. The climb back up is where this trail makes its case. The grade doesn't soften. The exposure doesn't change. It's you, the incline, and however well you managed your energy on the way down. It's not impossible, not even close, but it demands respect. You feel it in your legs, your lungs, your pace slowing whether you like it or not. But that's also where something shifts. You're not just looking at the canyon anymore. You're moving through it, working against it, understanding it in a physical way that no overlook can give you. The scale stops being abstract. It becomes something you measure in effort, in time, in breath. By the time you reach the top again, you've earned a completely different perspective than the one you started with. This trail doesn't offer comfort. It offers clarity. It strips things down to effort, environment, and awareness. And in return, it gives you one of the most direct, honest ways to experience the Grand Canyon. Five stars, no hesitation.

I have done Bright Angle Trial a couple of times in the past to the bottom of the Grand Canyon…read more South Kaibab is the other big trail into the Canyon. Over the summer, we camped at the rim and decided to hike South Kaibab a little ways early in the morning before it got too hot. We ended up hiking all the way to Skeleton Point and back. As it approached afternoon, it started to get a little warm. I ended drinking all the water in my CamelBak just before I got to the top. The temperature was climbing fast and I had to use my cooling towel to stay cool. I got to say that I really gained a lot of respect for this Canyon during this short summer hike that I did. The South Kaibab Trail is a 7 mile hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park that leads to the Colorado River. I like this trail because you get 360-degree views of the canyon after you pass Skeleton Point. The trail is mostly shaded until you reach Ooh Aah Point. Then you are out in the open. Up next is Cedar Ridge at 1.5 miles and then Skeleton Point at 3 miles. After that is the Tipoff and Black Suspension Bridge as you are descending into the Canyon. There is no water on the trail until you get to the bottom of the canyon at Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch. So bring plenty of it along with snacks, sunscreen, etc. The hike is 15 miles (24 km) roundtrip to Phantom Ranch and will take at least 2 days to complete. If you get to the beginning of the trail early enough, you can probably find parking in the parking lot or on the side of the road. But it fills up quick. Another option is to take the free shuttle to the trailhead from the South Rim Visitor's Center. Both water and restrooms are located at the beginning of the trail. The hike is usually a little busy with people to start off with, but many turn around after reaching Ooh Aah Point. It is also fairly steep with lots of switchbacks, so bring poles if you need them for assistance. Be prepared for a climb on the way back to the parking lot during that last mile. Also keep an eye out for Mules as they use this trail regularly. My recent hike was in June and I saw many people with little or no water. I also saw people with footwear that should not be worn on this trail. It blew me away how uneducated and naive people are about doing these hikes into the canyon. I understand lots of tourists come here, but people need to be a little more careful when hiking the Grand Canyon. Many of the deaths that occur every year in this Canyon can be avoided. On the day that I visited and hiked this trail, they reported several heat related incidents that evening and one death. South Kaibab Trail is a great hike. Enjoy, make a plan and be responsible.

This trail is very nice for everyone of all ages and for leashed pets! It's pretty well defined so…read moreyou won't get lost. Most of the trail is paved and some sections are even accessible. It's pretty flat. I would say it's great for a stroll, walking at whatever pace you want for quiet views of the inner canyon. The only drawback is that there's no water on the trail, so be prepared. There are primitive toilets along the trail. At the end of the trail at Hermit's Rest there's running water (and the gift shop with snacks). There are nine scenic overlooks along this trail, although all along the trail you will see amazing views. If you would rather bike, you can bike on the road that kind of follows the rim, or take the shuttle. There are also shuttle stops at various points, so if you only want to do a portion of the Trail that's also doable.

Walking the Rim Trail was easily our favorite part of visiting the Grand Canyon. It's the perfect…read moreway to take in those iconic South Rim views, especially since it's dog-friendly! The path is mostly paved, though we did hit a few moderately steep sections along the way.  There aren't water stations or restrooms directly on the trail, so definitely fill up and use the facilities at the popular stops whenever you can. We drove in and found parking near the lodges (no parking fees). While there are benches and shuttle stations to rest at, keep in mind that dogs aren't allowed on the shuttles, so you'll be walking the whole way back if traveling with your pup. We visited in early March and were definitely glad to have jackets for the chilly weather.

Absolutely a must do while here in the Grand Canyon. This hike is gorgeous, pretty easy for the…read moremost part, can be much longer than to the point and is part of the Kaibab trail. Endless miles of non stop stunning views and some man made stairs to help along the way. We took the orange line shuttle from the visitor center and it was easy and well worth it. We saw mule deer and elk along the way. Bring water, a hat, multiple layers and a snack, the temperature changes drastically as you head down into the canyon. The incline can definitely be a challenge if you are not used to hiking and the switch backs can be a scramble so good shoes are a must. No restrooms so use them before you hike. Enjoy!

Amazing views! But that incline though has me dying…read more I would not recommend doing this as a mid-day hike because once the sun hits around 10:30AM that heat will hit you like a freight train since there is no shade. Bring 3 liters of water at least and definitely sunnies and a hat.

Located about 2.0 miles east-northeast of Grand Canyon Village, the limestone projecting rocks at…read morean elevation of 7,120 feet make Mather Point an expansive view of the Grand Canyon at the South Rim. Named the first director of the National Park Service, my partner and I came this morning via their free shuttle bus. This is the closest major viewpoint to the South Entrance, often the first glimpse many travelers have of the Grand Canyon. It is just a short, paved walk from the Visitor Center, making it very accessible for all visitors. The guardrail overlook plunges 4,500 ft to the Colorado River, which one can finally see. Visitors can gape at the 10-mile distance from where they are to the Grand Canyon North Rim or peer into the depths of the abyss below them. Many photos seen online were taken from this spot. It offers such wide, dramatic, and picture-perfect views of the canyon.

There's a reason Mather Point is where so many people start. It would be easy for a place this…read moreaccessible to feel overrun or diluted. It doesn't. If anything, it delivers one of the most honest introductions to the canyon you can get. You don't just step out of the car and see it all at once. There's a short walk from the parking area, a gradual approach, and then the land simply gives way. No warning, no buildup. One moment you're on solid ground, the next you're staring out over a void that seems to stretch beyond what your eyes can process. The first impression is scale. Not just "big," but disorienting in a way that takes a minute to settle. Layers of rock stacked and carved into something that looks almost unreal. Ridges folding into one another, shadows cutting across entire sections of the canyon floor, colors shifting depending on how the light hits them. You find yourself trying to pick a focal point and failing, because there isn't just one. We spent a good amount of time moving along the Rim Trail from this point, and that's where it really opens up. It's not a hike in the traditional sense, more of a slow, deliberate walk that lets you experience the canyon from different angles without losing that initial impact. The terrain is easy, but the experience isn't shallow. Every few steps, something changes. A new formation catches the light differently, a deeper cut in the canyon reveals itself, or the Colorado River flashes briefly in the distance like it's reminding you what carved all of this in the first place. There's an energy here that's hard to pin down. People talk quieter. Conversations trail off. Even with a steady flow of visitors, it never feels chaotic. Everyone seems to understand, at least for a moment, that they're standing in front of something that doesn't need to be rushed. What surprised me most is how long it holds your attention. You think you'll take a few photos and move on. Instead, you linger. You watch how the light shifts, how shadows stretch and retreat, how the colors deepen as the sun moves. It's not static. It's constantly changing, and that makes it hard to leave. If you go early, you catch the canyon waking up. The light comes in low, carving out depth and contrast that disappears later in the day. Midday flattens things out, still impressive, but less textured. Late afternoon brings it back again, warmer, softer, almost quieter in tone. It's also one of the most accessible ways to experience the Grand Canyon without sacrificing the impact. You don't need to commit to a full descent or a long hike to feel it. It's right there, immediate and undeniable. And yet, it never feels like a shortcut. There's something about standing at that edge, knowing how long it took for this landscape to become what it is, that puts everything else in perspective. Not in a dramatic way. Just enough to make you pause a little longer than you expected. You can call it a viewpoint. Technically, that's what it is. But it feels more like a threshold.

Probably one of the best but brutal hikes I have been on in awhile…read more I went with the AZ Trailblazers Hiking Club on this rim to Plateau Point 13 mile 3,000 feet elevation change in and out hike and so glad I did this hike. I actually wasn't too sure I was going to be able to finish because my right knee really started to hurt once down at Havasupai Gardens. But, I'm not someone that gives up, so I just told myself I would just push through the pain. We hiked another 1.5 miles to Plateau Point and what a beautiful spot, you can see right down into the Colorado River. I would love to be out here when its dark to see the night sky, will work on making that happen! The ascent is challenging, no matter who you are, but when you finally hit the top, victory is just so sweet! Highly recommend this hike for its beautiful views and make sure to mentally prepare for it. It is a meditative experience.

I stood on the precipice, gazing down at the mighty Colorado River below. There was a faint whisper…read moreof the rapids below, and the winter sun of late afternoon was slowly sinking to the west, casting long shadows from the mighty canyon cliffs and covering much of the winding, chocolate river below in dark hues of brown, buff, and muted orange tones. At that moment, the pot of water on top of my backpacking stove began to boil and I retreated from the edge to turn off the stream of isobutane, remove the water, and mix the hot water with freeze-dried meals for me and my backpacking partner so we could enjoy dinner. A few minutes later we were back on the edge at the guardrail, slowly eating our dinner and letting the hot, salty food warm us from within while the last few moments of sunshine glowed on our faces. And that was the moment. That was the moment of complete peace, and direction, and clarity. Every decision we had made in our lives, up to that point, had led us to this point. Our friendship, our adventurous spirit, our very decision to embark on a trek to the Grand Canyon and every little thing had fallen in place to take us to the edge of Plateau Point where we knew that everything was going to be okay. I think back often on that moment. It's been a year and a half, but I can still feel the chilly January breeze, and also the absolute peace that accompanied it. We had wandered into the Arizona desert with questions and Plateau Point had spoken to us with answers. The sage and saguaro spoke wisdom to our hearts. Getting to Plateau Point, in the literal sense, is no small feat. It's down the Bright Angel Trail, emphasis on DOWN. They warn you that going down the Grand Canyon is optional, but going up is not. You must first hike the 4.5 miles (7.25km) to Indian Garden (listed separately here on Yelp) and that includes about 3000ft (915m) in elevation loss. From there, the trail out to Plateau Point is actually remarkably flat, dropping less than 100 feet (30m) on an additional 1.5 miles (2.4km) of trail. At the very edge of Plateau Point, you get to peer over massive cliffs and catch your first view of the River, but it's still about 1300ft (400m) below you. The views are legendary. If you're planning on this as a day hike, start extremely early in the day, and I wouldn't do it in the dead of summer. Those distances above are one way, so to start at the rim and make it back, you're going a full 12 miles (19.3km) and that's down 3000ft (915m) and back up again. It's brutal, and should only be attempted by seasoned hikers. If you're going as an overnighter, it's a bit more manageable. You can stay at Indian Garden in the campground (permits required) and drop your pack and go out as a leisurely stroll. The latter was our plan. That's how we arrived at Plateau Point, in the literal sense. But in the figurative sense we arrived at the overlook by making every decision we had ever made. And if you live the kind of life where every decision you make leads you to a time and place when the sun is setting and you're eating dinner while looking out on the Colorado in this sacred Canyon with a good buddy, then your life is going to be okay. Now, I don't know where life will take me next. I don't know what trail is ahead of me. Sometimes I think I see what may be on the trail, sometimes I wish beyond anything I've wished for before just to lace up my shoes and head off on an adventure, only to be held back alone at the trailhead. But I know no matter what, I was once at the edge of Plateau Point and everything was okay, and everything can be okay again.

If you're looking for a "dip your toes in and call it adventure" kind of trip, this ain't it. This…read moreis the real deal and Arizona River Runners delivers it with a throttle. I went the motorized raft route, and I'll tell you straight, it's the perfect balance of thrill and sanity. You've got young guns, older folks, everybody laughing, holding on, and living the same moment. One minute you're punching through rapids, the next you're cruising those calm stretches at a steady clip, maybe 8 mph, just soaking it all in. And that's the beauty of it, you cover serious ground without sacrificing the experience. If you don't have 10 days to disappear into the canyon but still want to feel it in your bones, this is your move. Now listen, getting on the water in Grand Canyon isn't something you just wake up and decide to do. Permits, reservations, planning...this is high demand, bucket list territory. You do your homework, plan ahead, and you can make it happen. You wait till the last minute? Good luck. This isn't your local float trip. And then there's the part nobody really prepares you for. The canyon messes with you in a good way, mostly. I swear this is the second time I've felt like I saw Bigfoot out there. Not joking. Starts making you wonder, is it one Bigfoot, multiple, is he just pacing the canyon like he owns it? Add in a little déjà vu, the silence, the scale of it all, your mind starts wandering places you didn't expect. Daytime, it's raw. Sun beating down, heat cooking you alive, jumping into the river whether it looks crystal clear or straight up brown just to cool off. Nighttime, whole different world. Stars like you've never seen, Milky Way stretched across the sky, dead quiet except for the river and a crackling fire. Cold drink in hand, swapping stories, realizing you're sitting in one of the most unreal places on earth. But don't get it twisted, this place demands respect. The canyon is massive, and it'll remind you quick how small you are. People make it through just fine until they don't. Heat, terrain, isolation, it's not forgiving. There are spots out there where if something goes sideways, you're not just hiking your way out. That's part of what makes it real. End of the day, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. There's something about finishing a trip like this, grateful, a little humbled, maybe a little paranoid about Bigfoot, but knowing you just experienced something most people never will.

I cannot say enough good things about this company. We did a "hikers" trip and it was amazing. The…read moreguides were great. They were knowledgeable, safety conscious, friendly and so much fun. The food was amazing. We were all impressed with the guides organizational skills and their cooking . We heard all the stories about the formation of the Grand Canyon and the history of its exploration. We got to hike to some spectacular locations. We rafted 6 days from Lees Ferry to Pipeline Beach then hiked out on Bright Angel Trail. We are already making plans to return and raft from Pipeline to the end. Our trip was everything we had hoped for and more. Highly recommended!!! Arizona River Runners does a spectacular job!

The North Rim was my first ever introduction to the Grand Canyon, and the North Kaibab Trail was…read morethe first hike I did when I got there. This was a while ago, but having been back recently, and having hiked the North Kaibab Trail again, it's given me some perspective on how amazing this trail truly is. Leaving not far from the campground, it takes you in the same direction as any other Grand Canyon Trail: down. They say that going down is optional but coming up is not, so you really need to assess your hiking skills and your physical condition before heading down. You might think to yourself, hey, I will just pop down to the springs and then pop back up. You might look at that mileage and say hey, I have all day, I can do 10 miles (some places say Roaring Springs is an 11-mile trip... my tracking calls it 10 but always overestimate). That's a big day no matter what, but remember that you're headed straight down and you have to come straight back up. That's like 3500' in elevation. And that's just to Roaring Springs. It never lets up, so just know before you go. If you're out here to flex for your Rim-To-Rim patch, good on you and you obvs should have done a lot to prepare. This is where you'll launch of you're SOBO, and this is where you'll weep with relief if you went NOBO. Despite multiple trips, I've only hiked two separate sections. I've hiked the aforementioned trip to Roaring Springs which is absolutely mindblowing. It's dry, it's steep, and after you pass that last water spigot, you buckle up. Then, out of seemingly nowhere you're at this huge waterfall and there's green everywhere. Our July trip had dragonflies landing all around; it was a wild and unexpected find, even though it's written about and on the map. You don't really expect it to be what it is, even though you know you're going to a spring. On the other end, I've hiked up the trail from Phantom to Ribbon Falls. this portion is still uphill, but less steep. The elevation is lower, so it's warmer there. Remember that the trailhead is above 8K and the bottom is in the 2400' range, so weather will vary drastically. Rim-to-rimmers have to plan for two climates, and that multiplies when you factor in day versus night. This bottom section is really lovely though, and Ribbon Falls is a wispy dream. The trail is very well maintained, and though it's highly trafficked, it's not nearly as packed as the South Kaibab Trail or the Bright Angel Trail. Indeed, the North Rim really has my heart. It was my first visit to see the big ol' hole in the earth and I really love the rustic cabins, the big windows on the lodge, and the huge pine trees and more laid back feel.

We hiked this trail Rim-to-Rim in mid July. It's HOT down in the canyon (20 degrees hotter!). In…read moreother seasons, this trail is open, but the lodge is closed. There is water right at the trailhead, so no excuse to start out without water! We started at the North Kaibab Trail from the North Canyon at 4:10am. We took the shuttle from the lodge-- if you're staying there, it's complimentary, but you have to request at the front desk to be put on a list. For decent hikers, this is the best time to start if you're headed to Phantom Ranch for the night. If you're attempting all 24 miles in one day, begin earlier! The first mile or so were in the dark for us, but I won't forget the awful sand we walked through-- got all in my hiking boots. It's from the constant trudging of the mules taking people up and down to the Supai Tunnel (which is the most beautiful lookout, by the way!). Luckily, the sun was giving us enough visibility at this point and it was awesome. You don't need mules to at least go this far. It's just so beautiful!! WALK IT. Even if you don't intend to do the whole trail, get to the Supai tunnel. You won't regret it. We were just so amazed with the first few miles of this. It was majestic and so unique because of the elevation and plant life. You should be fine with the water on the trail and the bathrooms provided. We never had to collect from the streams or use the bathroom on the ground. There was plentiful if you plan right. I highly recommend visiting the Ribbon Falls. I cannot express just how beautiful this is. I soaked my shoes because when we went, the bridge was broken, but I recommend going further than the bridge and pass on the "Creek" side. I think the creek is less deep (no wet feet!). The Ribbon Falls were just SO beautiful. Most beautiful waterfall ever. We took the time to soak all our clothes before heading into the "box" before hitting Phantom Ranch. You don't want to get stuck in that during the day heat. We got to Phantom at 10:30 and didn't experience full sun in the box or any heat exhaustion. Very well marked and beat the crap out of our feet from all the DOWN DOWN DOWN in elevation. Didn't raise the heart rate much going down, but those feet sure were ready for a soak when we got to Phantom Ranch!

It's magical and wonderful and if you're lucky enough to spend the night here, you'll lay away in…read moreyour bed even years later and think about it. Too much hype? Prove me wrong. I first encountered Indian Garden on a hike up the Bright Angel Trail, at least seven or eight years ago. That's the trail it's on, but I had come down the South Kaibab, stayed at the Bright Angel Campground (also magical and wonderful) and then taken the longer route up to the rim via Bright Angel. I remember popping up out of all those switchbacks from the Colorado, encountering the more gentle slope along the river, and being totally blown away by all the trees at Indian Garden. It's full on riparian corridor! Indeed, this little stretch of the river where the picnic grounds, ranger station, pump station, and campground are located is its own little world. Day hikers often congregate on the trail side of the river -- they recommend you don't descend beyond this point as a day hike -- and as I walked by almost a decade ago, I just knew I needed to come back and stay in the campground. Fast forward to January of 2017 when a wonderful set of circumstances, including a last chance backcountry permit, allowed me to fulfill that dream. This time, I descended the Bright Angel Trail and spent two nights in the canyon. The campground is located about 4.5 miles down (some charts list it at 4.8) from the rim on the Bright Angel Trail. The first three are steep descents, the last mile-ish is more gradual. All told, you descend over 3500 feet, which still puts you around 4.5 miles (4.1, depending on the chart) from Phantom Ranch with another 1300 or so feet to descend. It's actually the perfect setup for backpacking. You haul your full pack only 4.5 down and 4.5 up. Take two nights. On that full day in between, make the hike down to Phantom and the Colorado River with only a daypack. On your half-day, march out to Plateau Point with daypack. You get to see it all, but only have 9 miles of trek under full weight, and the uphill portion will be when your pack is the lightest. The campground itself is incredible, and I can only imagine how it looks when the trees are leaved out. I've only been in January, but it must be a shaded dream in the summer. There's one group site, and the rest are just first-come, first-served sites that probably accommodate up to 2 small backpacking tents. They also each have a rain/shade structure over a picnic table, and a small concrete pad where you should do your cooking. You'll get two small ammo cans to hold your food or garbage, which should be sealed when not in use. Save those critters! You'll also post your backcountry permit in the new permit box affixed to each structure. You must have a permit to sleep here. Besides the permit, there are a few other rules you should be aware of: There are quiet hours, no cooking allowed on the tables, all food must be stored in the ammo cans, no fires allowed, and all other park rules apply. It's also worth mentioning that you shouldn't approach wildlife, and definitely not feed them. The deer in the Grand Canyon are too accustomed to humans, and there are problems. We had a herd come right through camp which was very special, but a good reminder that we need to respect them for their own good. As for amenities, there are nice pit toilets (the fan noises are a little distracting), several water stations, and even a small hiker hut with art on display, and a lending library. Grab a book and read, then put it back when you're done. As I sit here typing this, my mind has wandered back to Indian Garden. I almost ache for that feeling of being in that special place, on an adventure I'll remember for the rest of my life. I didn't so much enter that place, as that place has entered into me and my soul. To spend a few nights there only makes me appreciate how rare and special it really is.

I slept here, in the Inner Canyon. The deer walked right through camp and we sat still. The sun set…read morehigh above us against the edge of the canyon and then we were in a strip of stars. The second night was especially quiet, only two or three other campgrounds being used, and we all woke up early to hike out in the dusk to beat the snow. You should go, you should go, you should go. You can do the hike down to the campground, you can get a backcountry permit to camp there. You can carry your food in and use the clean pit toilets. I didn't know it, but I could do those things, and now I'm one of those people that's done those things so I can tell you: you can do it, and you should. Go in the off season when it's not 100 degrees, watch the light in the trees and feel surrounded by the walls of red and copper stone. Think about the people who gardened here in Indian Garden, and read their stories in the lovely tiny little library, and carry them and this place with you everywhere you go forever after. I know I will.