Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon

The view from the South Rim is stunning, but walking down into the Grand Canyon is unforgettable: you descend through layer after layer of rock up to two billion years old, and through several climate zones. The Bright Angel Trail starts at Grand Canyon Village and drops about 1,300 m to the Colorado River, 15 km away.

Do not try to hike to the river and back in one day: the National Park Service warns against it, and every year people are rescued. Day hikers should turn around at the 1.5-mile or 3-mile resthouses, or at Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden). Remember that going up takes twice as long as going down. To camp at Bright Angel Campground by the river you need a backcountry permit, applied for months ahead, and Phantom Ranch's cabins are allocated by lottery.

Spring and autumn are best. In summer the inner canyon can top 40°C, so hike early and carry plenty of water and salty snacks. The South Rim is about 1.5 hours' drive north of Flagstaff, or take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams.