A multiday hiking trip is recommended only for those in excellent health and in good physical condition. Access to the canyon is strictly controlled by permits, which are required for everything except day hikes . Write first for a Backcountry Trip Planner , and do so well before your trip. Requests for permits can be made four months prior to the date of the outing and should be sent in as soon as possible. There are 15 trails that lead to the inner canyon from both the South and North Rims, and they vary in their length, difficulty and in the number of hikers using them.
Preparation is crucial.
Each person will need a gallon of water per day , and you ll need to locate and purify whatever water you can t carry with you. Every year there are hundreds of cases of dehydration, heat stroke, injury and exhaustion, many requiring rescue. The safest way to undertake a multiday hike is to hire an experienced guide . The Grand Canyon Field Institute also conducts organized outings, many of them focusing on special topics such as natural history or photography. Those who want a less extreme outing can make day hikes below the rim.