3. Adventure Guidelines
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime. You are embarking on an adventure that will have a special purpose to you FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!
As you prepare for your adventure, here are a few important things that you can do to maximize the experience for yourself and those around you. We invite you to use the same principles we will discuss while training at home.
The trails we have selected and hikes we host are not designed for risk-taking, daredevil extreme athletes bent on setting personal records by seeing how fast or far they can go. Rather, they are an opportunity for you to experience a destination, learn its history, meet its people, experience its culture, absorb its power, and experience its timelessness. You will know that true success lies in the completion of the training program, preparing yourself for a unique adventure, and raising funds to help support the mission of the Spina Bifida Association. You have worked hard to make your life and someone else's better. CONGRATULATIONS!
With all iConquer hikes: There is Something For Everyone!
Many of you may be seasoned walkers, hikers, rollers and outdoor enthusiasts ready for the rigors of the most difficult parts of the trail. Some of you may be "weekend warriors" and these trails will be daunting. Still others may be brand new to outdoor adventures. Regardless of your past experience or current fitness level, the trails you will be hiking will present physical and emotional challenges that should meet and exceed your expectations.
We know that even if you have been diligent in your training and preparation, success can mean different things to different people. Throughout your training and on Hike Day, we will be there to go over the options to make sure you have a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling adventure. Regardless of distance or difficulty, our hikes and rolls are educational and fully guided. We will make ample time for taking pictures and enjoying an interpretive experience at a pace that is comfortable for the entire team.
iConquer WELCOMES each and every adventure participant. You will have the opportunity to form the bonds of new friendship and share in the mutual accomplishment of conquering Grand Canyon with your teammates.
To make your team's experience the best it can possibly be, we have established a short list of guidelines to follow while training on your local trails and while on the Hike Day trail. We thank you in advance for your attention and compliance to these details.
Our Adventures On The Trail.
As a team member, you will want to join your fellow participants and our guides in becoming "stewards" of the trail. The areas where we are hiking are some of the greatest natural and historical wonders of the world. It is up to all of us to protect and respect them. We must become benefactors of these places and our personal legacy must be to leave them better than we found them! Please, take only pictures and fond memories. Leave only footprints!
This is a coordinated and managed team adventure. We can assure you that going with the flow as led by your guides will make your experience the best and safest it can be. Bring your sense of adventure with you, leave any "hurry up" attitude behind.
Your Walking Connection Professional Grand Canyon Guides.
Our Grand Canyon guides are simply the best guides available at Grand Canyon. They have many years of specialized training specific to Grand Canyon and work closely with The Walking Connection, our Guide Leadership Program and The Grand Canyon Field Institute to provide you with the best adventure possible. They are Wilderness First Responders certified in first aid and CPR. While on the trail, they have the final word in EVERYTHING! They are the absolute "captain of the ship," and operate under very strict risk management protocols, emergency response practices and national park rules and regulations. When you agree to hike with them, you are agreeing to hike as a team and abide by their rules and judgment.
They are also informative, creative and a ton of fun to hike with!
While on the trail, you will cross paths with other hikers. Some from our adventure, others on adventures of their own. They are on the trails to enjoy the park in their own personal way. Most are there for the grandeur, peace and serenity.
Please be mindful and respectful of this.
Trail facilities - Depending upon the trail you hike, there may or
may not be toilet facilities on the trail.
If you hike Bright Angel Trail, there are toilets strategically located
on the trail. For those who will walk, hike or roll on the Rim Trail,
toilet facilities are more limited. We will provide specific information
prior to your arrival, so you will know exactly where they are located
and what the accessibility is before you get here.
Trash In/Trash Out - Take what you need in, take everything
(including personal papers) OUT! -- A small zip lock bag is very
handy for this. NO ONE is going to clean up after you! As stewards
of this magnificent place, our goal is to leave it better than we
found it. If you see a piece of trash, please pick it up and take it out with you.
Terminus Points - The Walking Connection, iConquer and Conquer The Canyon have established firm terminus points or destinations on each trail we utilize. Our guides will not exceed these points for any person for any reason. Please do not even ask. When you agree to hike with iConquer and Team Spina Bifida, you are agreeing to abide by these established rules and terminus points.
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Stay on the Trail! - DO NOT cut across or shortcut switchbacks. It is dangerous, disruptive and destructive to the landscape.
Uphill has the right of way. Hikers going uphill have the right of way. They are working harder! You'll appreciate this when it is YOU!
Water/hydration drink requirement:
2 liters of water/electrolyte fluids.
No water, no hike! No excuses! No exceptions!
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