What to do in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado? What are the most practiced sports and adventure activities?

In this section we try to take a tour of the main experiences that you can live during your visit to the Grand Canyon of Colorado, a unique setting for active life and contact with nature in which you can explore desert ecosystems, mighty rivers, waterfalls daydream and hundreds of kilometers in which to get lost and discover a corner of the planet where the hand of man has had almost no effect.

It doesn't matter your condition, your age or your physical preparation. Surely you will find the best option to enjoy the wild beauty of this natural gorge that every year attracts millions of people in search of adventure and different experiences.

 

Walking or hiking tours

One of the most popular activities in the Grand Canyon is hiking (in English hicking), that is, walking one of the many established routes that allow you to enjoy captivating landscapes and even descend into the waters of the Colorado River. There are over 100,000 miles of trails in the park so the options are endless.

The simplest thing is to do a walk for a day or a day without spending the night outside. On both the north and south rim there are many marked trails, some of them paved, that are suitable for all levels and fitness levels.

We recommend consulting the information services of the park, which are the ones that have all the information about the state of the paths, their services and the physical level required to carry them out.

Both on the North Rim and on the South Rim there are short sections with beautiful views that anyone can do in a few hours.

For the more experienced there are longer routes or even the option of going down to the bottom of the canyon, for which you must spend at least 2 days and obtain a camping permit. The list of official routes is very extensive and there are many references on the net.

A great hiking option is Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation. Requires at least one night in the area.

 

Camping

The experience of camping at night and contemplating the clean starry sky without pollution or urban lights is incredible.

Visit the official website of the national park to reserve a place at one of the established camping sites throughout the Grand Canyon. Only those who are going to sleep at the Phantom Ranch do not need permission.

You can camp freely in the middle of nature but to do so you must obtain a permit from the visitors' office (Backcity Information Center), which is recommended to do well in advance as permits are limited.

 

Take advantage of the river

The Colorado River is a great place for adventure. It is a river famous for its rapids , ideal for rafting, as well as for kayaking, boating or fishing. There are a thousand options and various companies that organize routes from one day to two weeks, guided walks or support for independent walks.

The Colorado is a wild river that should not be taken lightly. Natural conditions can change abruptly and it is essential to know the weather forecast and have the experience and appropriate materials to jump into its cold waters.

Fishing lovers will find fresh waters with many species eager for a different bite. The State of Arizona requires a fishing license , which can be obtained at national park facilities.

 

Organized adventures

The infinite possibilities of adventure that the Grand Canyon offers have favored the creation of numerous companies that offer organized activities within the limits of the park. There are options for all tastes, from day trips for the average tourist to advanced adventure programs of up to two weeks for more demanding visitors.

There are companies that offer general packages and others that specialize in specific products (fishing, kayaking, white water rafting...)

 

There are tours on foot, by mule, on horseback, by minibus, by bicycle, by helicopter, by boat, in 4×4 vehicles, by Hummer, in different boats, for bird watching, to discover historical trails with local guides...

Whatever your choice, we recommend hiring the services of recognized companies with experience in the field. In our section of organized tours in the Grand Canyon , you will find the most attractive products and the best prices on the net.

The organization of the National Park organizes many guided routes and activities in the hands of rangers or foresters of the Grand Canyon. They are very interesting, ideal for children and are usually free.