The Grand Canyon One-Percenter’s Club: Exploring Below the Rim

Is this the year you join the ranks of the one-percenters – the one percent of the annual 4.53 million visitors to the Grand Canyon that explore below the rim? The first thing newcomers to the canyon (the adventurous ones anyway) think after they recover from their awe and amazement is, “Wouldn’t it be cool to hike the Grand Canyon from rim to rim?” Yes it would!

The cold hard numbers

It is 24 trail miles from one side to the other, descending 6000 feet and ascending nearly 5000 feet when you tackle it from North to South. That is the equivalent of some of the toughest mountain climbs in the United States. Many hikers fear the uphill climb out of the canyon but for most backpackers, it is the downhill trek that presents the more physically challenging part of the journey.

If that all sounds intimidating, it certainly can be. However, the National Park Service has done its best to make this once-in-a-lifetime experience accessible to hikers of all levels. The canyon interior is carved with many zig-zagging switchbacks that tame the knee-jarring descents and spirit-sapping ascents. Many Grand Canyon guided tours will rate this hike only as “Intermediate.” That is largely due to the well-maintained condition of the trails and regular access to water.

This doesn’t mean you can simply jump out of the car and onto the trail. Even good hiking shape is not the equal of Grand Canyon hiking shape. Common sense workouts for your knees, quads, calves and cardio are the requisite prep for the Grand Canyon and will get you ready for this challenge.

So, how many people visit the Grand Canyon each year? While it varies slightly, Grand Canyon annual visitors hover around 4.53 million in numbers. The figure remains staggering. These Grand Canyon statistics continue to rise as more and more travelers from around the world discover the magic of this vast landscape.

The sights

Below the Grand Canyon rim is a world unseen from above: mystical waterfalls spewing from the canyon wall, billowy cottonwoods, sandy beaches, rock formations that will humble you and historical suspension bridges across the Colorado River. The earth’s story of two billion years is written in the rocks all around you. Hiking inside the canyon, you come to realize that millions of people journey to the Grand Canyon and never really experience the canyon.

Whether you're planning a solo trek or looking for expert-led hikes, you’ll find that each step inside the canyon tells a story. It’s no wonder how many tourists visit the Grand Canyon is a topic of fascination—how many visitors does the Grand Canyon get per year, and why do tourists visit the Grand Canyon? It’s more than the view—it's the immersion into something ancient and humbling.

A group of people in Grand Canyon are hiking down a trail, drawn in by both the beauty and the challenge. This level of engagement, well beyond the scenic overlooks, is what draws the attention of the 1% who make the journey below the rim.

Living Below the Rim

A Grand Canyon Rim to Rim adventure is not a single day affair. The park service operates the Phantom Ranch stopover and Bright Angel Campground by the Colorado River. What’s it like to “live” at the bottom of the world’s most famous canyon? Not the lap of luxury but not really that primitive either. For those seeking a supportive group environment while exploring the backcountry, consider our remote all-women's Grand Canyon trip an unforgettable way to experience this incredible terrain.

These oases require permits and reservations, which is a critical part of planning to cross the Grand Canyon on foot. Requests need to be made months in advance. And, of course, some provision to get back to your starting point must be made. With all the logistical considerations involved, it’s no wonder many visitors book their Rim to Rim trips through companies that organize Grand Canyon guided tours. It’s well worth doing your research early, months in advance if possible. Are you ready to join the one percent?

Grand Canyon Tourism by the Numbers

The population of the Grand Canyon area remains small, but the influx of travelers—how many people go to the Grand Canyon every year—is nothing short of enormous. Grand Canyon National Park visitors per year have stayed consistently high, showing the park’s lasting popularity. You're likely to come across similar data points: between 4 and 5 million annual guests.

Still not sure if you’re ready to be one of them? Our expertly guided hikes remove the stress of logistics and let you focus on the adventure.

Join the 1% Who Go Beyond

Are you ready to join the one percent? Not just people at the Grand Canyon, but the true explorers who go below the rim and experience the canyon from within. Let FS Guides help you become part of the one percent who see the Grand Canyon the way it was meant to be seen: from within, on foot, and with awe in every step. Join our hikes and create memories that last a lifetime.

From the trail to your heart—see what adventurers are saying about FS Guides. Our Google Business Profile Reviews are filled with stories of connection, challenge, and unforgettable moments.