When we say the hike into or out of the Grand Canyon is strenuous, we mean S-T-R-E-N-U-O-U-S, not for the inexperienced hiker, not for someone with knee issues, not for wee little ones, not for folks who aren’t quite physically active, STRENUOUS. This hike is not something to sign yourself up for without serious consideration. It is long, many times HOT, and either all uphill or downhill – either of which can be exhausting on certain parts of your bod.

Do your research. Don’t book yourself on an Upper or Lower Canyon trip without knowing about a major part of those trips: the hike. Don’t choose an Upper or Lower just because of the price or the amount of days; the first thing that needs to be considered is whether you even qualify as a person with the ability to make the hike. Grand Canyon Whitewater isn’t going to qualify you – we don’t know your physical ability, your experience, etc. You need to really think about it on your own. YOU need to decide whether you qualify for one of these trips, and you need to be honest with yourself. This hike is NOT a good opportunity to all of a sudden whip yourself into shape, or to lose those last 5 pounds. You need to be in shape before you begin this trek.

River rafting tours are incredible experiences AS LONG AS you choose the trip that matches your physical ability. You don’t want to start on a bad foot nor end on one (literally!) if you aren’t prepared for the mandatory hike on certain whitewater vacations.

That being said, my goal isn’t to scare people – just to make sure you really make a concious decision about whether an Upper/Lower Canyon trip is right for you or whether you’ll need to go the full way.

Photo:  These GCW passengers look prepared and ready to hike the Grand Canyon. Are you?