Guided Tours
There are many types of guided tours of the Canyon. Probably the three most popular are air tours via plane or helicopter, river rafting trips on the Colorado offered by experienced outfitters, and mule trips from either the South Rim or the North Rim. Mule trips from the South Rim can be either one day trips that go part way down or two day trips that go all the way down the bottom. Trips from the North Rim go part way down and last a day and a half. Mule riders must weight less than 200 lbs. and be over 4 ft. 7 inches.
River Trips
Guide trips on the Colorado River are offered by 16 different outfitters. Trips are available in a variety of lengths, from short 3 1/2 day outings in motorized boats to 16 day long adventures in traditional whitewater rafts. The National Park Service restricts traffic on the river, so you are only allowed one trip per person per year.
Several companies also offer 1-day and half-day outings in Grand Canyon.
If you want to run you own raft or kayak through the Canyon on a 12 to 15 day trip, get your name on the list as quickly as possible. The NPS requires an application and a one-time fee, then an annual fee to keep your name on the list. Applications are accepted in February. The list currently has over 6,000 names, and the wait is an estimated 20 years. The permits are awarded through a weighted lottery. The NPS also offers permits for 2 to 5 day trips. Information is located on the NPS website for the Grand Canyon (see Resources section below).
Hiking
There are many different hikes available in the Grand Canyon, from short day trips to multi-day backpacking trips. The terrain in the Canyon is quite varied, and adequate water can be a challenge. It can get exceptionally hot in the Canyon during the spring and summer, and hikers should be prepared to carry up to a gallon of water per day. People used to car camping should know that most of the campsites in the Canyon are more wilderness-oriented, and lack things such as toilets. The NPS has an extensive FAQ available (see Resources section below) for those planning a hike in the Canyon.
