5. Hiking & Rolling Safety
There ARE NO Easy Trails into or out of Grand Canyon and Hiking Safety Is Not Optional!
Rolling ahead of your guides or assistants on the downhill portion of the Rim Trail is NOT SAFE!
Get A Healthy Start. Check with your healthcare
professional to be sure you are healthy from the
start of your training. Note any current injuries,
soreness or changes in how you feel once you
begin your training. See a healthcare
professional for attention and advice.
Your success in hiking the Grand Canyon
depends on you doing several key things.
First, (and we will be repeating this often)
there are no easy trails! Put that in your
mind from the start and use the
information wisely as you develop your
goals and plan.
Second, train and prepare yourself
according to our guide and schedule.
Note how your body feels as you begin and whether or not you are feeling improvement as you progress.
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Third, communicate. During the course of your training we will survey you several times to help you measure your progress and to gather information so we can help put you in the correct team for your hike. Not too fast, not to slow!
Walking Connection Guides – Your hikes will be led by our professional guides. All told, The Walking Connection has an unblemished record in leading more than 5300 + hikers through Conquer The Canyon. As key to your training and preparedness is the leadership of your guide. They are experts at their jobs and keeping you safe is their highest priority. Listen to and follow the them at all times.
Small group hike – On Hike Day we will walk in teams of 8 - 10 people each. There will be approximately 1 guide for each small group of hikers, so you will have ample time to talk with each guide. Make them aware of any conditions you have prior to hiking so they can adjust accordingly.
Proper Equipment – We have prepared an extensive list of the proper equipment you should have including boots. During Hike Day, you must wear deep treaded hiking boots. No Boots, no hike. No excuses! No exceptions!
Rim and Bright Angel Trails – The trails that the iConquer team have selected are challenging and demand your full attention while hiking. The paths are quite prominent and you cannot easily stray off them. Some do link to other trails in the system. If you come to a fork in the trail STOP and look all around – front, back and both sides. Note your surroundings from every angle, including the one you just walked from. Though the team and individuals will spread out a bit during the hikes, you must stay in the line of site of the guides at all times. Keep in mind that if you can't see them, they can't see you. If you need to step off the trail to relieve yourself, tell someone and have them wait on the trail until you return. NEVER HIKE ALONE!
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Safe Wheelchair Roll - Guides, caregivers, and staff will all be participating in the Wheelchair Rim Roll. The Rim Trail is entirely paved, so we will make the assumption that participants are able to control and navigate through the park system, either independently or with the help of an assistant. Please be mindful that there are not remote areas along the rim and the park and trails will likely be quite crowded. Go SLOW! ALWAYS Stay In CONTROL! iConquer trail guides will assist you and provide an interpretive experience during your adventure. It is up to you to stay close to them so that you can hear, see and experience Grand Canyon to the fullest. Please navigate carefully. Please communicate to your guide if you are uncomfortable about any aspect of your roll!
Hike and Roll Day Weather – During our hikes we do not anticipate inclement weather, but we will hike rain, shine or wind. Be prepared for all.
In case of rain...which is highly unlikely and if anything a brief late afternoon shower, all hikes will proceed as planned. Keep in mind that rocky surfaces become slick and that trails can become slippery and muddy. Proper boots and attention to where you are stepping become much more important.
Medical emergencies – The vast majority of trail injuries involve lower leg injuries and dehydration. During your training we will tell you how to prevent and avoid these injuries. However, air medical transport is available but is very costly. Therefore any individual who requires medical transport will be responsible for this cost. Please purchase travel insurance if you are not covered by your personal policy.
There is a very simple formula to avoid injury while hiking. Much of what is interesting to see are the wide panoramic views in front of you. When you're looking at them, stop moving. The rocks and uneven surfaces are at your feet. When you are moving, look down.
Finally, getting on and off a bus, van or train is more dangerous than one would think. So use care and look where you are going as you step down. Be mindful that the person in front of you may have extended hiking poles.
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