While seeing the Grand Canyon from the safety of the Rim while standing next to your car is plenty for most people, there are those who need a more close-up look and for them there are plenty of Grand Canyon trails will that will get them down into the canyon for a close-up look of this geological wonder of the world.

The Grand Canyon has two Rims from which you would hike, the South Rim and the North Rim. Each of these has several trails that range and difficulty.

South Rim Trails:

The Rim Trail is a fairly easy hike and part of it is even paved. The trail goes from Master Point to Hermits Rest and offers leisurely views of the canyon.

Bright Angel Trail is rather steep and can be somewhat of a strenuous hike. It starts at Bright Angel Lodge and meanders through to the Indian Garden campground offering day hikes that can be 12 miles long. Constructed back in 1891 to gain access to mining claims it can be a bit treacherous but does offer a bit of shade and even water when there are no water line breakages.

South Kaibab Trail is another steep Grand Canyon trail on the south Rim that offers day hikes. Here you can find a hike that is about 6 miles round trip but it is at a steep incline. This trail follows ridgelines and offers spectacular views. Hiking the entire trail can take two days.

Hermit Trail is quite strenuous and offers a 5 mile round trip on an unmaintained trail. This is for the experienced only.

Grandview Trail is another very steep hike that only experienced hikers should tackle.

North Rim Grand Canyon Trails:

Bright Angel Point Trail is a pretty easy and short hike of about a half hour on a paved trail that offers a spectacular view.

Transept Trail is a three-mile hike along the canyon round that goes from Grand Canyon Lodge to the campground.

Uncle Jim Trail winds through the forest in a three hour long hike to a point overlooking the canyon. This is also one of the trails that the mules travel on.

North Kaibab Trail is the only North rim trail that is maintained but if you want to make a full trip to roaring Springs it can be rather strenuous.

Widforss Trail is 10 miles long and takes about six hours to hike through this blend of forest in canyon scenery.

Grand Canyon trails can be a great way to get out into nature and see the beauty of the Grand Canyon but you must be careful not to tackle something that is out of your league. There are many rescue operations launched at the Grand Canyon every year to rescue hikers who attempted hiking trails that they were not equipped for - you don't want to be one of them!