Grand Canyon Active Trails Program

The Grand Canyon Active Trails team is sponsoring a series of events on the South Rim of the park during 2012 to encourage trail use and to promote physical exercise.

A grant from the National Park Foundation and the Grand Canyon Association has enabled the team to purchase incentives to encourage widespread participation in these events.

 

Available Fitness Activities: Grand Canyon National Park

• Walking, Hiking, Running, and Jogging

• Family Fitness, Accessible Fitness, and Fitness with Pets

• Biking and River Rafting

 

Active Trails Program 2012:

6.7 Mile (10.8 km) Hermit Rim Trail Walk

Monday, May 21th, arrive 5:30 - 6:00 p.m.

The Grand Canyon Active Trails Team will lead a 6.7-mile walk along the Rim Trail from the Hermits Rest Shuttle Route Transfer Shelter in Grand Canyon Village to Pima Point on May 21, 2012.

The plan is to walk one-way, then return by shuttle bus to the village. Some team members plan to walk as far as Pima Point (6.7 miles / 10.8 km) but others will only walk as far as Powell Point (1.9 miles / 3 km) or Mohave Point (3 miles / 4.8 km) then take the bus back to the village from there. Walkers can choose their destination by the amount of time they have available and their level of fitness.

Those who walk to Pima Point will be transported by an express bus back to the Hermit interchange.

Participants may arrive between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, appropriate clothing and footwear, and a flashlight or headlamp. After this hike, participants will return to the start via shuttle bus. Children are to be accompanied by an adult.

Email the Active Trails Team or call [phone] for information on this event.
You can also friend 'Grand Canyon Active Trails' on Facebook!
 
Hope to see you there!

 

Tentative Schedule of 2012 Active Trails Events
Walks	Bike Rides
May 21
June 4 (Partial Lunar Eclipse)	June 2 (National Trails Day)
June 25	June 9 (National Get Outdoors Day)
July 23	July 9
August 20	August 6
September 17 (Wilderness Month)	September 3 (Wilderness Month)
October 15	September 29 (Public Lands Day)
October 29 (Season Finale)

 

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  (Video) Explore & Exercise on the Rim Trail (03:29)

  Park Ranger Brandon Torres shows how the Rim Trail along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon provides a great way to get out and experience the park. Visitors are able to use the trail to get some exercise while out exploring the 13 miles of multi-use pathway. Whether walking, hiking, running, or strolling, the rim trail is a must during your visit to Grand Canyon -- get out and go Explore!

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  Credit/ Author:

  Brandon Torres

  Date created:

  2011-10-03

  Video Transcript

  Hi, I'm Ranger Brandon Torres, we're here at Grand Canyon National Park. We're about 7,000 feet on the South Rim. Today we're going to talk about some fitness opportunities on the paved pathways system.
  
  If you want to hike down into the Grand Canyon, that's a whole different deal. You should check out some other videos. Over here we have the paved pathways system and it's a great way to get out and see the park.
  
  The recently extended and improved rim trail provides 13 miles of paved pathway along the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  This paved trail provides outstanding opportunity to exercise your body when you come to visit.  You should really plan on spending some time walking, hiking, running, bicycling, walking your dogs, walking with your kids or strollers while contemplating the amazing views.
  
  The convenient free shuttle bus system provides bus stops about every 1.5 miles or less to help vary your adventure and your view.
  
  A great starting place is the Visitor Center at Mather Point where parking and information about the rim trail and shuttle bus stops are available.
  
  At the Visitor Center you can also rent bicycles. Bike rentals and interpretive bike tours are available.  The entire rim trail is not open to bicycles so shuttle drop off or pick up is available.  What most folks do is combine bike riding on the Greenway sections of the rim trail, with the Hermit Road... 
  
  The Hermit Road is nice as it has shuttle bus traffic only during the summer.  Remember, if you wish for a shuttle bus to pass, you must pull over and stop.
  
  Signage is important along the rim trail.  The rim really is right next to the trail, so if it say’s to get off your bike or biking is prohibited; it’s probably a good idea to listen.  Always give pedestrians the right of way and watch out for runners. 
  
  Everyone should use good trail etiquette by giving courteous warnings when coming up from behind.  A nice “on your left" or "on your right” goes a long way to help everyone work together and be friendly along the rim trail. 
  
  The rim trail along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon provides a great way to get out and experience the park.  Use the rim trail to get some exercise while out exploring; 13 miles of paved multi-use pathway.  Whether walking, hiking, running, bicycling, strolling, gaping, picture taking, the rim trail is a must during your visit to Grand Canyon – get out of the car and go Explore!

 

The Grand Canyon Active Trails Team was assembled by long-time community resident, Park Ranger Michael Weaver, and includes Park Rangers Chris Carroll, and Jennifer Onufer.