outdoors Archives - Distracted Birder

Dog-friendly Adventure in the State Parks: Gulf State Park (AL)

distractedbirder — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 01:52:44 +0000

If you want a beach destination with a fancy lakeside cabin or cottage, you can’t go wrong with Gulf State Park. Gulf State Park provides a fantastic, if pricey, cottage experience. It may not be classic CCC styling, but I think we can forgive them for that. It’s hard to be mad when you’re sitting on your screened porch, petting your dogs and sipping coffee while watching eagles fly over the water. Gulf State Park in Alabama has dog-friendly cabins and cottages. It’s not the cheapest dog-friendly option you’ll find. But if you like the gulf coast, you can’t beat this location. And it would be mighty difficult to beat these cottages. Gulf State Park One of the gems of Alabama’s State Parks, Gulf State Park is located in Gulf Shores and includes stretches of white sand beaches, freshwater lakes, and pine forests. There are multi-use paths throughout the Park, making it easy to explore by foot or bicycle. The Area Gulf State Park is just east of Gulf Shores on Alabama’s coast. It’s not too far from Florida, an easy hour or so from Pensacola’s airport. It’s also an easy drive down from the airport in Mobile, only a bit more than an hour away. Gulf Shores isn’t too far off I-10 to be a road trip destination as part of a Gulf Coast itinerary – and it’s neighbor, Orange Beach, is more advisable for those who like things a little less touristy but still very local. It’s only a few hours from New Orleans or, in the opposite direction, you’ll find many of the Florida panhandle’s beach destinations. But you’ll like Orange Beach more than those Florida places! Local wildlife is likely to include pelicans, bald eagles, American alligators, and lunch-stealing gulls. Watch out. Accommodations Gulf State Park has multiple lodging options – campgrounds, cabins, cottages, and even a Hilton hotel. Camping The budget-friendly option here is camping, of course. The campground here hosts almost 500 sites for a variety of users. There are primitive sites, RV sites, and even a few glamping sites. It has full bathhouses and electric, along with a playground and swimming pool. The campground can be booked through the State Park website. The Lodge Surprisingly, the hotel option at GSP doesn’t have to break a budget. The Lodge (a Hilton property) can have some nice off-peak rates. And since it’s a Hilton property, an award booking with Hilton points is also an option. One great thing about The Lodge is the variety of room types. They’ve got the stand king/double queen options. But for people traveling with families or groups, there are actually rooms with bunk beds. The Lodge also has 4 restaurants, access to GSP trails, and shuttle service to other areas of the Park. And the Gulf Pier is next door, just a short walk from the hotel. This is also the only GSP lodging option that has beach access. Although, to be fair, you can easily reach the beach from any accommodation with a short drive or bike ride. From The Lodge, you can access the beach directly from the property, including a beach access boardwalk directly connected to the restaurants and meeting space. The Lodge can be booked through Hilton. Finding Your Dog-Friendly Cabin The great part about booking a pet-friendly cabin at Gulf State Park is that ALL the cabins and cottages are pet-friendly. It can’t be easier than that! For any booking, you’d pay an additional $175 to bring your dog, and you can bring up to two dogs for any stay. It’s not a small fee, but it feels fair if you’re staying for more than a few days. First, cabins and cottages are managed outside by a concessionaire, so let’s skip the State Parks page and go directly to the source. The Cottages The Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park are pricey but lovely. These are all lakeside, 3bd/3ba cottages. They’re fully furnished, with full kitchens and free breakfasts including each day of your stay. There are also bikes provided to ride on park trails, free parking at other GSP properties, and access to the Gulf State Park Pier. Each cottage has one bedroom with its own enclosed deck, which is a perfect way to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee while watching birds fly over the lake. There’s another enclosed deck available off the living area, so any guest can relax, bug-free. These cottages are really just awesome. If you can afford them (or even a lakeside cabin), then do the thing. Note: Each bedroom has its own private bathroom, so it’s possible for 3 couples (or friends. or coworkers. or just introverts looking for alone time) to stay here with some amount of privacy while keeping costs more reasonable. The Cabins The Cabins at Gulf State Park include some older woodside cabins and some newly constructed lakeside cabins. The Lakeside Cabins are very new – as in they opened for their first visitors in February 2024! I haven’t stayed at these; they were mid-build while I stayed in a cottage in December 2023 and open for business when I returned in October 2024. They look great from the exterior, and the photos on their site show a design similar to the cottages. So if you like new things, now is the time. These new lakeside builds are 2Bd/2Ba Cabins. They’re fully furnished and provide a full kitchen. Although there’s only 2 bedrooms, extra folks could actually sleep here since there’s a third room with twin bunks (but no windows, so it isn’t identified as a bedroom). The cabins are more affordable than the cottages, but they don’t have some amenities included with the cottages. For example, you lose the bikes and the free breakfast. But keep in mind, with a full kitchen, you might not value the breakfast too much – and bikes can be rented nearby the cabins for an affordable price. There are a few Woodside Cabins that are older and provide more cost-effective options for couples or solo travelers. These are smaller cabins, some being studios, but they do include kitchen amenities. There’s actually even one Woodside cabin that’s a 2BD/1BA and offered as an option for a family. Budget Notes Because they’re managed by a separate company, the cottages/cabins operate a bit more like a hotel in that their rates vary through the year based on demand. They do run promotions, so signing up for those discounts and looking for reservations early will probably result in better rates. These properties all have a one-time cleaning fee (kinda steep, around $150). These fees become more cost effective when you’re booking a longer stay or when you’re able to share the costs among multiple guests. People-friendly Side Quests Beaches I suppose some people might go to GSP to enjoy the beach. So I’ll begrudgingly mention the public access to the gorgeous white sand beaches. If you like that sort of thing. There will be sand everywhere, forever. But you do you. Shopping There are nice shopping areas along the Gulf, outlets nearby in Foley, and just standard tacky souvenir/beach shops at every turn. Places like The Wharf and SanRoc Cay provide lots of shopping combined with restaurants and even some adventure/nature tour options. There are local shops and boutiques in the area, so please seek those out. It can be easy to assume that chain stores and souvenir shops are the only option, but they’re just the most obvious. If you’re willing to drive a bit (or are passing through on your way south), there’s nothing wrong with a stop in downtown Fairhope, AL. It’s a easily navigated area with a busy but very locally-driven downtown filled with cute gift shops and nice restaurants. Restaurants Tons to choose from here, so the best options will depend on your preference for budget, atmosphere, or cuisine. You’re on the coast so try seafood somewhere! And since you’re on the GULF coast, don’t shy away from cajun/creole options. It ain’t too shabby down here. Dessert: Try the bread pudding. That’s my best advice. Drinks: you wouldn’t be wrong to go over to the Flora-Bama and have a regional special, the Bushwhacker. It’s kinda like a milkshake. If you want nice cocktails, you’ll have some good choices at many Orange Beach locations. And if you’re staying at The Lodge (or just eat there), the options at FoodCraft are worth a try. Dog-Friendly Side Quests! I did not have my pups with me while I stayed at Gulf State Park. I’d take them, but probably January-February would make me feel a little bit better with fewer biting bugs and less alligator activity. The GSP Dog Park The dog park is split with two fenced areas, separating guests based on size. This dog park does have access to Shelby Lake, which is neat. But for your situational awareness… there are also warning signs, because here there be alligators. Yes, it’s a legit concern. I don’t have a terrier, but if I did, he would not be going to hang out at the GSP Dog Park in July. I do have Aussies, and they also will not be hanging out at this dog park in July. Gulf State Park It seems silly to say it, but the Park is just chock-full of multi-use trails. Take your dog for a walk, or a run, or a bike ride. Go to the beach in the morning for a nice quiet walk. This might seem impossible if you’ve only been to the Gulf Coast in the summer. Go in December and enjoy the sunrise – or the sunset – with your furry best friend. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge For a beach and dune system free from development, head over to Bon Secour. You’ll find long stretches of beach, walk trails to access dune habitats (without trampling sensitive ecosystems), and probably feel pretty alone. Also a place to avoid alligators. Not to be repetitive or redundant but let me excessively restate the obvious… avoid alligators. Or at least ensure your dog avoids them. What you get up to, personally, is not my business. Dauphin Island Ok, it might take a while. But if you’re a birder, this is a prime destination for migratory birding along the Gulf Coast. If it’s April and you bird AT ALL, go to Dauphin Island. You’ll get some glares if your pup is a nuisance, yes. So know your pup’s skill sets and act accordingly… or just try your best and live your life. Go birding. Final Note I loved my stay at Gulf State Park. The cottages are large, comfortable, and scenic. We’d be happy to go back or check out the slightly less expensive Lakeside Cabins. It’s not the most budget-conscious option, but I think I might be willing to splurge on this property to enjoy its serenity again.

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Dog-friendly Adventure in the State Parks: Oconee State Park

distractedbirder — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:38:33 +0000

Oconee State Park in South Carolina has reasonably priced dog-friendly cabins with options for folks who want to bring their pets. But the biggest selling point of this park is the location. It’s a perfect jumping-off point for outdoor recreation in the mountains of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. This is the first post in a series about dog-friendly State Parks. Finding Your Dog-Friendly Cabin The great part about booking a cabin at a South Carolina State Park is how easy they make it to search for dog-friendly options. This can be hidden a bit more in other state systems, but South Carolina must see/appreciate the demand from pet owners wanting to bring along the pets. And I appreciate them for making this process so easy. First, cabins and villas can be found from the main state park page with a few clicks to their reservation system, or just go here to see a bit of preliminary information about options. Once you’re on the reservations page, you can click “lodging” on the left, select “Cabins/Villas” and then an option to further select “pet-friendly” appears. Click that if you want to bring your pets along (I assume that’s why you’re here). Now suddenly your SC State Park options are reduced to only those options with Pet-Friendly Cabins! Sure, there are only five, but that’s better than none, and there are some good locations here. And frankly, this presentation is much easier to navigate than most: If you’re interested in Camper Cabins, some of those at Lake Hartwell are also pet-friendly. Campgrounds are also likely to be pet-friendly but you’d need to verify rules for those sites. Alas, I don’t look at those because my dogs and densely-packed campgrounds would not equal a relaxing getaway. High Season Booking Rules Some parks will have minimum stay requirements or special rules during the high season or holidays. If you see 2-3 days of availability but the system isn’t letting you reserve a cabin, there’s probably a minimum stay requirement preventing your reservation. But all hope is not lost. The best thing to do is call that specific park directly and ask if they will reserve the room for you. I did this at Oconee, and they were happy to book me for 3 nights even though the minimum requirement in July is 4 nights. Hate the phone? Yeah, me too, I get it. But this is one time when you should definitely make a call; only the individual state park can accommodate these exceptions. Oconee State Park Oconee State Park is one of South Carolina’s State Parks in the mountain region. It’s not a huge park, but there is a campground, a small lake with swimming areas for people and pets (the pets are separate), a few trails, and a park office. The cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the old barracks are still used by Park staff. There’s even a statue in front of the office, as an homage to the CCC who developed so many of the amazing Park infrastructure and trail systems throughout the U.S. The great thing about Oconee is its location. The park is in the mountains of South Carolina, but it’s also less than an hour from either northern Georgia or western North Carolina. It’s a smaller property, but it’s hard to beat the access it provides to little mountain communities and additional recreation areas, which I describe in a bit more detail below (see: Side Quests). Oconee Cabins There are three cabin areas at Oconee. One group of cabins is set further to the southeast and feels a bit more remote, as it is further from the busier lake and the park office. Cabins 1-6 are on the north side of the lake and have adorable log-cabin exteriors that just scream CCC. The pet-friendly cabins are Cabins 14-20 and are near the lake (many have direct views/access). They all look pretty similar, although cabins at the park might offer 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom options. The cabins are fully furnished, have a full kitchen, and include a shower-only bath. The interior feels very rustic, but they also include wifi and have a smart TV. There are many other awesome features of Oconee’s cabins. The entire front of the cabin shown is a screened deck. The July heat was abysmal but the deck stayed pleasantly cool all morning. The wooded setting was perfect for a morning lakeside walk with the dogs. And until the lake was open for swimming, the park remained quiet even on a holiday (Independence Day) weekend. If keeping a budget in mind, this cabin ran us just over $600 for 3 nights. That being said, the pet fee is very reasonable here (whether you’re comparison is a pet boarding facility or a standard hotel). And since there’s a full kitchen, you have the ability to really budget food costs rather than spending a ton at restaurants. This is not as budget-friendly as a campsite by any stretch, but it’s definitely a lot less anxiety for all of us – and for that, we are willing to pay a bit extra. Note: Our stay was over a holiday weekend. Weekdays are more affordable, as are stays outside of the summer. Another dog-friendly benefit of Oconee? Fireworks are not allowed. Of course, you can’t force the thunderstorms to stay away, but at least one source of anxiety is abated for noise-sensitive dogs. On Independence Day weekend this was a huge, if unexpected, win for our pups. And a family-friendly note, too: Our two-bedroom cabin could actually sleep up to six! Each bedroom only had one double bed, but there was actually a loft. It’s accessed via a ladder, and it has two twin beds. This might not be a dog-friendly feature, but I’m guessing most kids would love this space. Dog-Friendly Side Quests! So where did we spend our time when staying at Oconee State Park? Well, mostly North Carolina! Stumphouse Tunnel (SC) The Stumphouse Tunnel is a neat stop, just 6 miles south of Oconee State Park. The tunnel was started prior to the Civil War but was never completed. About a quarter mile of the tunnel is accessible to people (and this is also dog-friendly). It’s dark and damp, and the ground is a little uneven… but it’s neat to experience, and the temperature is cool inside even when the rest of the Southeast is miserably hot and humid. There’s a $5 fee (per vehicle) to access the Stumphouse Tunnel. There are a few other little hikes and a view of waterfalls, as well. Panthertown Valley (NC) A part of the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers, NC, the Panthertown Valley provides tons of outdoor recreation opportunities. Our route took us down to Frolictown Falls, up Little Green Mountain, and back around to Panthertown Valley Trail to exit, which was about 6 miles in total. We saw a number of waterfalls, took in some nice mountain views, and ate a few blueberries along the way. And our dogs swam like they might never see a stream again (don’t tell Aussies they’re not water dogs, they won’t believe you). Despite being here on a Saturday over the Independence Day weekend, the crowds were not too bad. There are tons of falls and swimming holes, which were certainly the most popular spots for people to gather. Even so, the actual trail experience was generally quiet and pleasant*. The Panthertown Valley has a few access roads. We made it to the Salt Rock Gap trailhead easily without AWD, although it’s a slow approach at the end. There’s no day use fee. Volunteers were greeting visitors in the morning and were able to answer questions about trails. We also picked up a map of the area, which is recommended instead of reliance on AllTrails. The recommended map can be purchased in Cashiers, NC at the Highland Hiker. *Note for Reactive Dogs: There’s not a firm leash law here – dogs should always be under control of their owner, but this may be vocal command if the dog is well-trained. We only ran into a couple dogs that were unleashed, but most folks were very quick to bring their dogs to heel (or leash them) once we indicated our need to maintain space. Gorges State Park (NC) A small State Park in North Carolina, Gorges has a remarkably large visitor center that probably speaks to how busy the place can be on a bad day. However, we drove down to the main parking lot and found plenty of space, so we headed down the main trail to the star attraction here: Rainbow Falls. The waterfalls here are pretty, but if you have dogs that love to swim, they might be disappointed. It’s terribly difficult to find easily accessible swimming holes for the pups due to all the boulders. That’s true of the entire trail – you’re near water most of the time, but rarely can you access it easily for a leashed swim. If you dogs are good on a leash and not reactive*, this will be a great stroll. Gorges State Park is near Sapphire, NC and access to the park is free. *Note for Reactive Dogs: Our experience was that this trail could be a bit narrow approaching the falls, with quite a bit of foot traffic later in the day. This is a popular trail for leashed dogs, so be prepared to see many other dogs along the way. Given our particular dog parameters (i.e., excitement reactivity for one; excited leash pulling from both), this hike was a bit more stressful than anticipated. Final Note We really enjoyed our stay at Oconee State Park. The cabin was quiet, comfortable, and provided all the amenities we needed. Plus, Panthertown Valley is a great hiking area and would warrant a return visit on its own. We’d be happy to go back or check out other cabin options in South Carolina State Parks. I’m hoping to check out Devil’s Fork sometime soon, as many folks from South Carolina recommend it first as a pet-friendly option (with nicely updated cabins).

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The Inexperienced Hiker’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

distractedbirder — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:30:00 +0000

What is a long day hike into the Grand Canyon really like? How should someone prepare for the rim to river hike? What should my fitness level be? These are legitimate questions that should be considered if someone is about to attempt an arduous hike into the Grand Canyon. If you’re an experienced hiker with plenty of challenging hikes under your belt, I might not have much insight to offer you. But if you’re new to the desert southwest and/or long, grueling day hikes? I’m your girl! I have already made the ill-advised missteps, and I’m happy to share them with you. Whether this is “for your information” or just for your entertainment is entirely up to you, of course. The National Park Grand Canyon National Park is always one of the most visited sites in the National Park System, with about 6 million visitors annually. There are actually two entrances – the North Rim and the South Rim – but these access completely different areas. This hike is from the South Rim, which is the most popular and most developed area of the park. It’s not too far from Flagstaff and offers lodging and other facilities both inside and just outside of the Park. There’s an entrance fee of $35 to access this park, which does include being able to access the trailheads. Once you pay the fee, it covers your entire vehicle for seven days. And the entry covers both the South and North Rims. The Park operates the Hikers’ Express, a shuttle providing service as early as 6am. It will ferry you directly to the South Kaibab Trailhead to start your hike! Shuttles start running from very early until late, connecting trailheads to parking areas. Pay attention to where you parked so you’ll know which (if any) bus you should use to get back to your vehicle after the hike. Note: This hike is NOT dog-friendly. Leashed pets are only allowed in developed areas and on above-rim trails at Grand Canyon National Park. However, there is a kennel at the South Rim if you need pup care while on a day hike! A Word of Warning The Park provides subtle signage and gentle warnings on trail guides to dissuade people from attempting the Rim-to-River as a Grand Canyon day hike. Actual verbiage is something like: “DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially May to September.” Although I survived the hike, I would argue that the NPS makes a valid point. The Trails Grand Canyon National Park maintains a significant number of trails as well as an immense network of backcountry options. It is the corridor trails that are very well maintained and frequently traveled. The most recommended Rim to River hike includes these trails: South Kaibab Trail (Length: 7.0mi, Change in Elevation: 4,780’): Diving into the Canyon along a ridge, this trail doesn’t have water access and provides one restroom along the way to the Colorado River. This trail doesn’t provide much shade, but it has some great viewpoints. For a day hike, Grand Canyon National Park recommends only going down to Skeleton Point, a great view about 3 miles from the rim. This trail meets the North Kaibab Trail (the corridor trail that leads to the North Rim) past the river. Bright Angel Trail (Length: 9.5mi, Change in Elevation: 4,380’): Providing a bit more shade than the South Kaibab, this trail is also slightly less steep. Unlike South Kaibab, there is water available on this trail, which makes it the preferred uphill choice. Water is always available at Indian Garden, about halfway up the trail. The 1.5-mile and 3-mile rest houses also provide water in the warmer months, around early May until early October. River Trail (Length: 1.7mi): Bordering the Colorado River, this trail connects the South Kaibab Trail to the Bright Angel Trail. This isn’t part of the route I used, nor is it entirely recommended. Crossing over the foot bridges to the Bright Angel Campground provides your first chance to refresh your water after the hike down South Kaibab. Fitness First To satisfy my undeniable impulses to reference fantasy literature whenever possible, I’ll make the first rule simple: Don’t Panic! But do realistically assess your fitness level. Know your limits and what you need to do to be ready for the hike. This is the first thing you should consider, period. If you’re not physically ready for the trek, you’ll enjoy it less and might even be miserable. However, with preparation, you can give yourself the best chance of not just completing your hike but having fun while you’re at it. Physical Preparation: Think about where you are now, where you’re going, and what you need to do to maximize your chances of a great hike. Gear and such will follow. Despite my terrible indecisiveness, it is still a much easier thing to buy shoes and pants than to spend months training! And you might need to do just that. Can you easily hike/walk many continuous miles? Do you normally hike at higher altitude? Are you able to hike long, demanding uphill trails? The Grand Canyon will required these things of you, and the uphill hike will be on tired legs after more than 8 miles of knee-jarring descent. How can you make sure your hike is a good one? Go on local hikes. Try to increase distance regularly. If you don’t have options for long hikes, double the hike or combine some short ones. You want to increase your endurance. Don’t forget the incline. The Grand Canyon has a lot of downhill followed by lots of uphill. If you live in a flatter area, this might be difficult but there are creative solutions. Do stairs. Find a challenging hill and do repeats. Use a treadmill at the maximum incline. Give yourself time. If you know that you’re going well in advance, a lack of fitness can be overcome. But it’s probably not be something you can overcome in a month or two. Slow and steady is fine. But, more accurately, slow and steady and consistent. Keep at it, stay on your feet, and keep increasing your efforts. Hiking Logistics Ok, so you’re ready to go. You’ve trained for this. You’re fit enough that the trek won’t be insufferable, and you’ve decided to be a maniac and hike down to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Let’s do this! What else do you need to be ready? Well, not much, really. You need basic hiking gear and good ole common sense. First, please be kind to your fellow hikers. Follow trail etiquette. Most importantly: Give right-of-way to uphill hikers. You will appreciate this when you’re the one hiking up! Actually, it’s the Grand Canyon. It might be more important to note that mules have the right-of-way, period. Don’t mess with them, be quiet around them, and let them pass. Second, be kind to your knees. You are going up, and also down, a whole lot of elevation here. And yes, the descent might be easier than the ascent. But your knees will probably agree to disagree with you on this point. My biggest recommendation for any significant hike is to take trekking poles. These are collapsible and can be tied onto a pack when unneeded, but just having a single pole can save your knees from a world of hurt. Next, be kind to your skin. Wear sunscreen. Wear a ridiculous (but super effective, protective) wide-brimmed hat. There’s little to no shade on the South Kaibab Trail. There are occasional bits of shade along the Bright Angel Trail, but the vast majority of your time with be spent in the sun. And finally, be kind to your feet. Dang, you’re asking a lot of your poor tootsies here, and they deserve your recognition and support in the endeavor! Get them some nice shoes. Comfortable hiking shoes that you know fit well because you’ve worn them already. Hiking the corridor trails means you’re avoiding wet conditions, so don’t worry about waterproof features. A day hike means you’re not toting a terribly heavy pack, making a tall boot completely unnecessary. So hiking shoes, like my favorite Oboz, are completely appropriate for this endeavor. Get them some appropriate socks. Make sure you’re wearing nice, comfy wicking socks to prevent/reduce blisters. I like smartwool, Darn Tough, and even these trail toe socks from Injinji. Yes, toe socks. They’re great if your toes tend to rub together too much! Be ready to take care of them. Take some leukotape, because no one enjoys blisters. Apply it to any spots that seem to be rubbing as soon as the discomfort starts. It’s pretty great stuff. General Trail Precautions Always check the weather before attempting this hike – both for rain and temperature. Don’t do this hike during summer! It’s far better to time it around April/May or October/November – nicer weather, less ridiculous heat, and less crowds. But the extreme heat is the real bugger to avoid. It will always be much warmer by the river! We left a chilly South Rim to encounter a temperature of >90℉ by the river. Be prepared for an endurance hike. This is not a sprint. Mentally prepare to hike all day, even if you might accomplish it much more quickly. The descent goes quickly, but the ascent will seem to take ages. The first set up switchbacks didn’t feel terrible. The second set, to reach the rim, lasts four miles. Literally 4 MILES of ascending switchbacks. But, again, don’t panic: Take your time. Take breaks. Rest as needed. You’ll probably be faster than I was and take fewer breaks than I did. Planning is important. Some water stops are seasonal. Know when and where you can get water. Bright Angel Campground and Indian Garden should be year-round sources. Pack a light/lamp, in case you have a slow friend who shouldn’t be doing this type of thing in the first place. Maximize daylight – The Hiker Express (shuttle) begins service to the trailhead before sunrise. Don’t carry too much, you’ll feel extra weight when you’re packing it uphill! Do carry a lunch and/or snacks. It’s a long hike, and Bright Angel Campground provides a nice shady spot to have an early lunch after your descent. And the most important thing to remember is to only do what you’re comfortable doing. This is your hike, these are your goals. There are many day hikes options at Grand Canyon National Park, including some that NPS actually recommends as day hikes. One I could recommend is to head down to Ooh Aah Point on the South Kaibab Trail and watch the first rays of the sun light up the canyon. And if you want to experience this hike over days, there is a campground and a rustic lodging option, the Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the canyon. If this is an option, you’d need to pack more – although you can actually pay for a service to have mules pack in your gear for you! Reservations should be made in advance – probably the year before. Personal Insights In my case, I realized I had an opportunity to do the Rim to River hike in February. The date for the hike was April. April is a fantastic time to do the hike, and I’m much more likely to hike with friends. I jumped at the chance. That doesn’t mean I should have. I’d been recovering from an autoimmune flare that had devastated my muscles and joints, was still medicated to reduce inflammation, and generally was in the early stages of regaining fitness. I hadn’t walked more than a few miles in ages. I only did a couple preparation hikes once I committed myself to the canyon hike, too. One was about 5 miles. I have awesome memories of this hike, make no mistake. But the ascent on tired legs was not something...

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