
The National Parks offer a wealth of hiking opportunities. The Southwest region has many parks to enjoy within driving distance of Colorado Springs. One of the most visited and famous parks in this region is the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona.
October is a good time to visit this park as the temperatures are cooler and there are fewer visitors than in the summer. It is also an easy time to find a free campsite in the nearby Kaibab National Forest . There are many National Forest roads that allow camping a quarter of a mile off the main highway. While it is generally warm during the day, be prepared for cold nights.
Even though there are many great hiking opportunities in the park, the signs are strongly discouraging. Don't be intimidated by them. Be prepared, bring water, snacks and clothes for being warm and cool. Talk with a ranger in the visitor centers about which hikes you can handle, what your skill level is and how far you should attempt to go. While the signs and warnings give the impression that no one can survive a hike in the Grand Canyon, people of all skill levels are able to find a trail, as long as you are prepared.
There are also helpful trail guides that can be found in the Grand Canyon Association Bookstores. If your time is limited, skip shopping in the concession owned gift shops and go to the bookstores. The information found here is useful and there are a variety of different postcards and souvenirs. The profits from these stores will go directly to the Grand Canyon Association.