answers.com overview (very good introduction)
National Park Service - Grand Canyon
http://www.nps.gov/grca/
- smart hiking
http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/smart.htm
- hiking tips
http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/tips.htm
The heaviest items in your pack should be your food and water.
Hiking sticks can take some of the stress off your legs. Wear well-fitting and
broken-in lightweight hiking boots. Bring a small lightweight flashlight and a
change of batteries and bulb. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a
map, compass, signal mirror, moleskin, and water purification tablets (as a
backup). Stay on the trail and never shortcut switchbacks. Human fecal
waste should be buried under 6"-8" of mineral soil and the toilet paper carried
out of the canyon in plastic bags. All trash (including biodegradable) needs to
be carried out of the canyon. ... As a courtesy, give uphill hikers the right of
way.
-
http://www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=2733
has map and links to
Additional Information
Grand Canyon National Park Web Site
Grand Canyon National Park Map
Purchase National Parks Pass Online
Link to Grand Canyon National Park reservations
Arizona Tourism Site
WikiTravel --- Grand Canyon
http://wikitravel.org/en/Grand_Canyon
(very good - has lodging, etc)
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/e/ec/Grand_Canyon_area_map.png
is
http://grandcanyontreks.org/trails.htm --
Developed Trails in the Grand
Canyon! says...
South Kaibab Trail --
The trail begins on the South Rim near Yaki
Point, and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation change from rim to river is
4620 ft, along a 6 mile trail. There is no water available and little shade on
this trail. Most people hike down the Kaibab and up the Bright Angel.
Bright Angel Trail -- First constructed in 1891, the trail begins on the South Rim just west of Kolb Studio, behind the Bright Angel Lodge and descends to the Colorado River via Indian Garden. Elevation change from rim to river is 4420 ft, along the 9.5 mile trail to Bright Angel Campground at the River. Usually there is water at the 1.5 Mile Rest House and the 3 Mile Rest House. There is a campground and water at Indian Garden.
Don't forget your ten essentials!
Take plenty of water, snacks, and fruit. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes.
Don't forget the sunscreen, flashlight, map and compass, matches, first aid kit,
signal mirror and knife. Always allow twice as much time to get out of the
canyon as you needed to descend