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Widforss Trail Hike At The North Rim Grand Canyon: Tips For Survival

Karen · 5 Comments

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One day every two weeks I have a “project day” on my schedule. Yesterday was my first project day. I chose to go on the Widforss Trail hike, to familiarize myself with it so I can tell guests about it. Now, my supervisor told me I did not have to go the entire way, that I could turn back at any time. But, no, I chose to go the entire 5 miles out to Widforss Point, which meant it was a 10-mile hike there and back.
hiking the widforss trail
The first incline on the Widforss Trail
 

For one thing, not many people get a chance to take this hike. Not many people get to see the view from Widforss Point. And I wanted to be one of those people. But, I have a confession to make. It was one of the most stupid things I have ever done. I put myself in danger, because I am not in good enough shape to take that hike.

First glimpse of the Transept Trail
First glimpse of the Transept Trail

The Widforss Trail is a 5 miles one way, 10 mile round trip, trail that takes you from meadow through forest and along the edge of the Transept Canyon, up and down hills, ending at Widforss Point with a panoramic view of Bright Angel Canyon and Oza Butte.

I learned a lot from my project day, about hiking in general and about myself. Here are a few of the things I learned:

A view of the forest from the Widforss Trail
A view of the forest from the Widforss Trail

 

  1. Take more water than you think you will need. I did not take enough water, and that fact became apparent on the trip back. It was very embarrassing for me, to be in my uniform out on the trail, and have to ask other hikers if they had extra water. I will repeat this point, both for your sake and for mine: Take more water than you think you will need.
A real balancing act on the Widforss Trail
A real balancing act on the Widforss Trail

  1. Take more food than you think you will need. You use an awful lot of energy when you hike 10 miles, no matter what shape you are in. I had an apple, some applesauce, some cookies, some beef jerky, and some Fritos. I ate every bit of it, and needed more. I should have had at least twice what I took.

 

  1. Know when to turn back. I should have listened to my legs, to my entire body. I should not have let my heart and pride be in charge. They could well have killed me. Yes, that does sound rather dramatic, but it is very true.

 

  1. Walk slower, and rest more often. Don’t go out there trying to prove a point. I wanted to succeed, and in my desire to succeed, took on more than I should have for the shape I am in. Twice I had to lie down on the ground and sleep for half an hour because my feet would just not go another step. And in those times, I was terrified that I wouldn’t make it.
Deer on the Widforss Trail
Deer on the Widforss Trail

  1. I learned that I can walk 10 miles in one day, but that I should not have, and that it was a terribly stupid thing for me to do.
The end of Transept Canyon on the Widforss Trail
The end of Transept Canyon on the Widforss Trail

Now that all that was said, I have to say that I was greatly rewarded for my efforts. I saw some really awesome views. I met some very nice people on the trail. I ate my meager lunch with a hiker from Alaska. I saw a flock of western tanagers, swooping down into the canyon, and perching in the trees to put on a fabulous bird fashion show of yellow and red just for me.

Western Tanager
Western Tanager

I had my picture taken by a stately ponderosa pine that is more than 13 feet in circumference.

Huge Pine tree over 13 feet in diameter.
Huge Pine tree over 13 feet in diameter.

And I sat on a rock and soaked in the view from the end of the trail.

View from the end of the trail.
View from the end of the trail.

Most of all, I made it back out, much the wiser for the experience.

 

Cactus flower along the trail.
Cactus flower along the trail.

Today, on my day off, I am taking it pretty easy. My feet hurt, and I have a blister on the bottom of one of them. My legs hurt, all the way up to my hips. I am unusually thirsty, so I am drinking more water than usual. And I am hungry. I have already eaten breakfast, but I am still hungry. And, I am very thankful that I was able to make it out of the Widforss Trail.

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Filed Under: Grand Canyon, Hiking, Life on the road

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Comments

  1. Marilyn says

    June 1, 2008 at 11:50 am

    I must say you amaze me. I do however agree with you about the danger of a hike that long especially at that altitude. I can also empathize as I did a hike similar when we were at Rocky Mountain National Park last year. I also learned from that hike to listen to your body. The pictures are wonderful and Thank You for sharing your story. Hope your feet are well by your next work day.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    June 2, 2008 at 10:42 am

    I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for a few entries. I can’t seem to follow one for long, but finding a new one that’s interesting is always a good thing.

    You are a few years ahead of us right now. House is currently for sale and the price has been seriously slashed to get it moving. I’ve been in sales for 30 years and I know price sells in any market. What the market was a year or two ago is irrelevant. It could be much worse next year. I’m ready to move on with life.

    We bought our first RV (fifth wheel) back in November. We’ve learned a lot that can’t be understood without doing it, so now we’re ready to sell that and tweak the rig a bit. Same thing, slash the price and move on.

    Anyway, thanks for the good writing, I really enjoyed “The Hike To Long”.

    Reply
  3. Jackie says

    June 3, 2008 at 11:30 am

    Wow – read every word in fascination. That was quite a trek you took on! It’s more difficult than many believe, I think. I hope you’ve fully recovered now. And those pictures; looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    Reply
  4. Lynn Barry says

    June 3, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Oh my goodness this is breathtaking! Love it! HUGS

    Reply

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