At its deepest point, the Grand Canyon is about a mile deep. Unfortunately, many people who don’t really think about it, think this means the hiking trail into inner canyon is a mile long. Well, that’s not the case, unless you roll straight down!

Actually, the shortest trail out of the canyon is almost 8 miles long, and the longest is about 12, which is why it’s not a really good idea to attempt to hike into and out of the canyon in one day. Yet, every year, thousands of visitors do just that, and a lot of them don’t make it. They have to get “dragged out” by a mule (oh, the humiliation!) or airlifted out by helicopter, and neither of those options are cheap by any means.

If you’re planning on hiking into the Grand Canyon, you have to realize that it’s not your average hike. You have to do the hardest work at the end of the hike, when you’re on your way out, and temperatures inside the canyon can reach well over 100 degrees in the summertime, making it very dangerous to hike on the hottest summer days.

Don’t underestimate the canyon when you’re planning to hike there. Every year, people die, just trying to enjoy the Grand Canyon on a hike. Don’t be one of them! Plan ahead, carry lots of water, and make sure you’re in the physical shape to endure a 20 mile hike.

Most of all, DON’T try to do it in one day. Unless you’re a VERY well-trained athlete who understands the nuances of the canyon, chances are you’ll get stuck, and then, anything could happen. Check with the National Park Service at the Visitor’s Center when you visit the park for complete hiking and weather information before you head out on a hike!