Packing List
Your roving writer hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim with nothing but a change of clothing, water, and a travel toothbrush. Since overnighters are not currently possible, you may want to pack a bit more.
Tent/hammock/bedroll: Should you choose to camp out you will need a tent, hammock, and/or bedroll. Weight can be an issue. (Note: Sleeping under the stars sounds romantic but there are snakes in the canyon too.)
Hiking Boots: You should already have a good pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support.
Water Shoes: There’s a chance you’ll be hiking across slippery river bottoms especially if you’re going to be exploring at the falls. Thus, bringing some type of water shoe is a good idea. Even if you keep your feet dry, the last two miles from the village to the campsite is mainly sand and can be a bit difficult to manage in hiking boots.
Clothes: Two pairs of socks per hiking day and an extra pair beyond that. You will also want two clean shirts and a daily change of underwear. While yours truly and his father hiked rim-to-rim without one, a hat will protect you from some of the heat and sun.
Food: While you have options regarding meals, you will want to bring snacks such as dried fruit and trail mix. Electrolytes are important.
Water: By now you should know how much water you require for a 10-mile hike. You can refill at your campsite. While hikers are often advised to bring filters, those who don’t take filters with them generally don’t have issues.
First Aid Kit: It’s a given that you will get a blister or two from hiking. So a first aid kit stocked with band-aids is a good idea.
Flashlight: If you’re going to be hiking prior to sunrise and camping out a flashlight or headlamp will be handy.
Toiletries: What items you bring will be based on your choice of accommodations. Nevertheless, a small travel-size bar of soap and a toothbrush or something similar is a good idea.
Insect Repellent: If you’re choosing to camp out then some type of insect repellent such as BugBands might not be a bad idea.
Bathing Suit: If you choose to go for a dip remember that a wet bathing suit is even heavier than a dry one.
Quick-dry towel: If you’re going to swim then you’ll want this.
Camera: If you want more than mental images, bring your camera/smartphone.
External Battery: You probably won’t have phone service while in the Grand Canyon but if you want photographs and forget to set your phone on airplane mode this won’t hurt.
Trailhead
The Hualapai Hilltop trailhead is located roughly an hour and a half out of Peach Springs, Arizona. (If you can find transportation to and from the trailhead then you won’t have to worry about parking there.)
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