I just envy the people that are 200 lbs or less fully geared up. That weight limit was disappointing.
Luckily no such weight limited existed for the mules at Copper Canyon (Barrancas de Cobre), although we didn’t go all the way down from Divisadero. It sure scared the hell out of my wife, though, and I admit to doubting the mules’ surefootedness at times.
I can’t add much to what cormac262 wrote. Just bring ibuprofen and Tiger_Balm.
Don’t do it. I have vertigo rather than acrophobia . . . it’s more light-headedness than fear. The mule ride took some getting used to, but I finally adjusted to it. But if you have an actual fear to fight, you might spook the mule, with very serious consequences. The guys in charge are very good at weeding out people who may be a problem . . . one thing you’re warned against doing is leaning away from the edge. If you have acrophobia you won’t be able to stop doing it.
But if you do it, try not to be on the last mule. You’ll smell the stench of all the other mules’ shit, and it’s the worst thing you’ve ever smelled.
I also did something that was just as much fun. I don’t remember the name of the company, but we left very early in the morning, flew over the canyon all the way to the Glen Canyon Dam, then toured Antelope Canyon. From there we rafted down the Colorado, stopping for a picnic lunch and viewing petroglyphs and wildlife.
I ***just ***made it at 199.99999 lbs. Today, I’d have to amputate something.
I will add that if you are prone to motion sickness, do NOT fly anywhere near the Grand Canyon. We did the Grand Canyon Airways flight and I threw up everything but my kneecaps. I have never been so sick and miserable in my life. The flight is about a hour long; I spent 58 minutes of it praying for the plane to crash and put me out of my misery.
I don’t believe you can get down to the river by vehicle or helicopter anywhere in the National Park itself.
I know you can get helicopter rides down to Supai (Havasu Falls area) and Grand Canyon West (on the Hualapai Reservation, home of the Skywalk). Neither of those is actually on the river.
The two places I know of with Car/SUV access are Lee’s Ferry and Pierce Ferry–where Grand Canyon Rafting trips begin and end. Lee’s Ferry is definitely worth a short side trip if you’re in the vicinity.
Not true at all. Lots of other reasons to go.
I have a fear of heights, but I have hiked down Bright Angel Trail twice with nary a flutter. OTOH I would never bring myself to go on the Skywalk. Bright Angel is the only trail I have hiked down, and is probably considered a beginner’s trail. Near the top I see people in flip-flops and no water, lots of casual hikers. The first time I went, I spent 6 hours on the trail. I think I got near Indian Gardens.
I highly recommend walks around the rim and a walk down Bright Angel, only to whatever point you feel comfortable. You’ll need to carry water if you’re out for more than about 1/2 hour. The dry climate means that dehydration sneaks up on you very quickly; your sweat evaporates faster so you don’t notice the water loss as obviously.
Clarification: Bright Angel is NOT a “beginner’s trail.” Those people in flip-flops and no water (unless they happen to be locals who do the hike in their sleep) are in for rude awakenings ! And MANY people start down the trail unprepared and pay the consequences. Because of this, during the summer months, they have actually started posting a ranger about 1/4 mile down the trail just to stop and turn unprepared hikers around ! (It is sad that they have to resort to this because all the signs glaring warnings weren’t effective enough).
Bright Angel is the most accessible trail to descend into the canyon because the trailhead is located right at the south rim village. This explains its popularity. But it is by no means a “beginner trail”. Though not as steep as Kaibab, it is still some 6 miles of descent/incline to get to Indian Gardens. And going back up, in the heat, can be VERY rough.
Ooh, I can attest to this. I was wearing my hiking shoes rather than flip-flops, but I took the availability of water at the station as a given (it was on the calendar as having water that time of the year!). Nope, no water. So, decide to head back up. I think this was only a 5 km round trip to the first or second way-station. On the trip back up, I got slower, and slower, and slower. I know the signs of heat exhaustion, but didn’t recognize them in myself. I fellow hiker offered me water once or twice, which I refused. Eventually, I was so bad, he offered again (we’d kept passing him, but I had to keep resting!), and I accepted the water. What a difference a half-liter makes. I was able to go full speed to the top, got a huge frickin’ sport drink at the snack bar, refilled it in line, and didn’t have to even take a leak for several hours afterward.
I make light of it now, but really, truly and honestly, I was in a dangerous situation.
Well, I agree with your point, but Bright Angel is well-worn, and requires no map-reading skills to stay on trail, and despite the descent is not rugged. That’s what I meant. But to hike down and back up for any distance you have to be in shape and prepared.
At least as far as the first or second way-station, I can attest to that, too. The only real challenge was avoiding all of the sub 200-pounders on their mules! This is also the main mule trail.