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The park rangers of Grand Canyon are made of tough stuff. Every day, they might be on the rim, or patrolling a trail, working hard to protect the park and educate the public. But there is one phrase that strikes fear deep into their hearts: "I want to hike to the river!" [Thread]
![The park rangers of Grand Canyon are made of tough stuff. Every day, they might be on the rim, or patrolling a trail, working hard to protect the park and educate the public. But there is one phrase that strikes fear deep into their hearts: "I want to hike to the river!" [Thread]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EbY0p66U8AEobtn.jpg "The park rangers of Grand Canyon are made of tough stuff. Every day, they might be on the rim, or patrolling a trail, working hard to protect the park and educate the public. But there is one phrase that strikes fear deep into their hearts: \"I want to hike to the river!\" [Thread]")
It's easy to say from the rim. Looking down from Mather Point, that little speck of the Colorado doesn't seem *that* far. And what's the point of coming to the Canyon if not to hike in and out?
But it's a deadly mistake, one that ensnares veteran hikers and novices alike. 2/
But it's a deadly mistake, one that ensnares veteran hikers and novices alike. 2/
Consider the following:
A hiker begins their journey at the South Kaibab Trailhead. They're a park fanatic, and know from here it's only a little over six miles to the Colorado—by that measure, it's a longer walk from the visitor center @ZionNPS to the start of the Narrows! 3/
A hiker begins their journey at the South Kaibab Trailhead. They're a park fanatic, and know from here it's only a little over six miles to the Colorado—by that measure, it's a longer walk from the visitor center @ZionNPS to the start of the Narrows! 3/
But that’s not considering the descent of nearly five thousand vertical feet. At @RockyNPS, that same elevation change—nearly a mile!—would take you from the top of the tallest peak in the park to the trailhead. Yikes! 4/
Even after arriving at the river (And hiking the extra half mile to fresh water at Bright Angel Campground), the journey is just getting started. Because now our hiker has to go back up, in heat that (As of today's forecast) is only a few degrees shy of @DeathValleyNPS 5/
Walking back up the SK is impossible at this point—it's too steep, and there's no water. So our tiring hiker elects to go up the Bright Angel. But first, there's the 2 mile hike along the river to get to there. Just like a short walk across the bridge @GoldenGateNPS! 6/
From the base of the Bright Angel Trail, it's a full 7.8 miles (12.6km) to get from the river to the rim. If you were a reenactor at @GettysburgNMP, it would be like reenacting Pickett's Charge—and then doing it nine more times for good measure. 7/
But don't forget the elevation! Fortunately, the BA trailhead is *slightly* lower than the top of the SK, by about the height of @StatueEllisNPS (Including the pedestal), which is great! Our hiker can instantly knock off one statue, now he's only got fourteen and a half to go! 8/
Hiking to the river is no ordinary walk in the park. It's a long, arduous journey that can be dangerous and even deadly. So don't be like our imaginary hiker—plan out your trip, avoid the heat, and stay within your capabilities. 9/ https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart.htm
(And if you *really* want to see the river... Well, you can't go wrong with a visit to Hoover Dam and @lakemeadnps, or to Horseshoe Bend at Glen Canyon NRA. You won't regret it.) - BM 10/10
