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| Grand Canyon National Park |
Not all of the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim trails begin at Grand Canyon Village or require a shuttle to reach. Primary among them is the Grandview Trail. The steep trail heads into the canyon, connecting with other routes and offering interesting spurs. A segments of it can be done as a 2.2-mile round trip day hike, but you’ll need to be in shape, and any children with you will need to be in their teens.
Grand Canyon Village hikes
Among the Grand Canyon National Park’s most spectacular sights can be seen on day hikes near Grand Canyon Village, the gateway to the South Rim. While each of the trails heads for several miles, each of them can be shortened into reasonable day hikes. The three major South Rim trails start near the village.
Hermit Trail trailhead
To get away from the crowds that frequent the popular Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails on Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, consider heading to the Hermit Trail trailhead for a couple of options.
Family Hikes on Grand Canyon Backcountry Trails
Many of the national park’s trails head into the backcountry by going up and down steep canyon sides, offering fantastic adventures for backpackers. That’s not so great for families, especially with small children, though, who often find themselves limited to the crowded paved rim trails. Still, a small segment of any of those backcountry trails can be done as a day hike.
BONUS: Play it safe on Grand Canyon hiking trails
With spring’s arrival, hiking trails across Grand Canyon National Park are opening. Many of these trails head into the backcountry and go up and down steep canyon sides. Still, a small segment of any of the trails can be done as a day hike. Whether doing a day hike or a backcountry hike, though, the Grand Canyon’s many trails always should be taken seriously. The park annually averages around 400 medical emergencies on trails while about 250 people need to be rescued (which the rescued hiker gets billed for, by the way).
Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks series.
