Preparation for Grand Canyon Hike 2016

So, the idea of hiking Grand Canyon started when a couple of colleagues asked if I would join them for a hike. As usual, I was lazy and did not confirm until 6 weeks before the D-day (Weekend before May long weekend).

The preparation included hiking some medium to strenuous hikes in Tucson. First we started with Mt. Wrightson (Figure 1) which is about 11 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 4200 feet. The hike was hectic, but the views from the top were amazing. We also saw some ice on the mountain on our way up (yes in April).

That followed by a hike on Mt. Lemmon's Wilderness of the Rocks (Figure 2). This hike is similar to that of Grand Canyon as we first go down and then come back up.

The third weekend we hiked Finger Rock trail. The trail at the top was not great. We had to leave our hiking poles and do rock climbing to reach the top. The views were great from the top. The summit of the trail is always visible when leaving our home for groceries, etc. So, after doing this hike, I started bothering others showing the peak and telling them we did it. :). Below (Figure 3) is a view of Tucson from the Finger rock trail.

Later, on 5th weekend (missed 4th weekend) we again did the Wilderness of the Rocks trail on Mt. Lemmon to prepare for the hike. 

The overall experience was tiring and fun. Every time I climb on a hike I always feel "Why am I doing it?" But, by the end of the day it is not that bad. So, with all this preparation we started to our Grand Canyon hike.