It is not surprising that people from all around the world visit the Grand Canyon each year. Its majestic beauty and unspoiled terrain have mesmerized visitors for hundreds of years. The Southern Rim of the Canyon is particularly appealing to experienced hikers, many of whom visit the area each year for such an excursion. Unlike the North Rim, which features a variety of short trails leading to viewpoints along the plateau's edge, virtually all the South Rim trails are strenuous and quite lengthy. Some descend 4,000 feet or more to the Colorado River. These are some of the most popular paths on the Canyon's South Rim:
South Kaibab and Bright Angel
The Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails are the most popular rim to river trails among experienced hikers. Both eventually lead to Phantom Ranch, an establishment where hikers may stay by the Colorado River for one or more nights. However it is important to make reservations in advance if you plan to visit the Ranch.
Next, in order of difficulty, are the Grandview and Tanner trails, which are both fairly well used and not quite as rustic as South Kaibab or Bright Angel. However, both paths can become steep without much warning, a fact of which hikers should be aware prior to beginning their excursion.
Beamer Trail
One of the few hiking paths that follow the river is Beamer Trail, which begins at the lower edge of Tanner Trail and then heads north, parallel to the Colorado River. However, much of this path is not particularly well maintained, and hikers may find themselves exposed to narrow, rugged, single file sections.
The remote, trail-less overlook of Comanche Point can be reached by an easy, but long hike. It begins along a former 4WD trail that starts near Desert View. Its final section follows a shallow ravine, then leads steeply up to one of the best views of the Colorado River that can be see from the South Rim.
Boucher Trail
Boucher is a strenuous, but relatively well maintained path. It begins at Dripping Spring Trail by Hermit's Rest. It is quite level for approximately one mile as it traverses the Esplanade beneath Yuma Point at the edge of Hermit Creek. After this, it follows a steep descent down Boucher Creek, the latter of which is home to a primitive campsite, to the Colorado River. Steepness, exposure to sun and wind, and the sometimes rugged condition of this trail makes it the most difficult route on the South Rim, but experienced hikers typically enjoy this path.
The aforementioned trails are optimum choices for experienced hikers, and most participants are pleased with the outcome of their trip. However, it is essential to make reservations in advance in order to avoid missing out on the dates one prefers. Anyone who chooses to visit this lovely and intriguing part of the world will not be disappointed.
