Hiking the Grand Canyon

Tents are lined up along Bright Angel Creek at Bright Angel Campground, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, nearly 10 miles from the South Rim and 14 miles from the North Rim.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The writer’s wife, Dot Kane of La Grange Park, makes her way past O’Neill Butte on the South Kaibab trail.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The rim’s crowds, lines and shops are strong motivation to head for the canyon’s backcountry.   (David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The South Kaibab Trail snakes below in an intimidating preview of what’s to come. Hikers should allow twice as much time to go up the steep trail as they spend going down.   (David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

Mules are a popular way for visitors to tour the Grand Canyon.   (David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The view from Ooh Aah Point lives up to its name. A casual day hiker can make it down South Kaibab Trail to this lookout in less than an hour.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

Phantom Ranch cabins at the bottom of the Grand Canyon date to the 1920s.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

Expansive views open beyond Indian Garden Campground, with the ranger station to the right.   (David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

A frequent visitor to the canyon over the years, Bruce Rawlings of Calumet City prepares for his trek down South Kaibab Trail.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The Colorado River cuts its way through the Grand Canyon alongside the Bright Angel Trail.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The writer’s brother-in-law, Dr. Francis “Rocky” Kane of Bettendorf, Iowa, assesses the next set of switchbacks down the South Kaibab Trail.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The writer’s wife and brother-in-law celebrate after their seven-hour hike down to Bright Angel Campground.   ( David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )

The views are expansive from the South Kaibab Trail, which descends 4,860 feet over 6.3 miles from the rim to the Colorado River. The trail follows ridge lines, resulting in impressive, unobstructed views.   (David Roknic/Chicago Tribune )