Michael Cox from Phoenix, United States shares Grand Canyon Experience

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Michael Cox from Phoenix, United States provides insight into a Grand Canyon Trip. Michael shares perspective on the best Grand Canyon attractions and things to do in Grand Canyon. See some incredible photos of Grand Canyon South Rim and surrounding area too!


From Landscapes and wildlife to history and adventure, what’s the one thing about the Grand Canyon that has intrigued you?

From taking multiple classes that had heavy influences on geology and showcases the Grand Canyon a lot I was intrigued to do the Rim to Rim hike with my friends to see all of the many layers the Grand Canyon has to show. There was not a lot of wild life other than seeing some mule deer at the bottom of the canyon.

Full of enthusiasm and energy! different story to tell two days later at the same spot

If this is your first visit to Grand Canyon, what motivated you to visit? If this is a revisit, what’s your reason for wanting to come back?

This was my second time ever going to the Grand Canyon after living in this state my whole life. I was itching to get back out there and hike it rim to rim. my first time coming out was when I was 12 years old and only got to sight see, so coming out there 12 years older than I was when I first visited was an overdue treat.

All six of us just before we hit the trail on the amazingly beautiful North Rim

What are five things your Backpack to the Canyon must contain?

1.WATER!! lots and lots of WATER

2.Vitalyte or electrolytes to throw into your water to replenish your body through the strenuous hike!

3.Plenty of snacks that you have accustomed to enjoy on hikes of any magnitude

4.Sunscreen and longsleeves to protect you from the sun and to keep you cooler

5.Tent and Sleeping Bag because you cant pass up spending a weekend down in the Canyon.

and more water!

Breathtaking views of the North Rim

What is the best way to get to the Grand Canyon – By Air, By Road or By Rail? Why?

I have and always will take a car to the Grand Canyon. There are so many sights your missing out on when you fly and on a train you cant stop to take pictures until you are there.

What is travel to you in one word?

Happiness

What are three tips for an awesome budget trip to the Grand Canyon?

Carpool out there to save gas.

Camp out in tents instead of hotels campsites are either free or almost free

bring your own food and put it in a cooler and enjoy cheaper lunches

What type of camera did you bring? Any tips on shooting the Grand Canyon?

I had no intent on bringing extra weight with me to hike 24 miles with over 8000 feet of elevation change so I brought my newly acquired Iphone 4S which to my surprise took some amazing shots and still does.

What surprised you about the Grand Canyon?

How strenuous the hike was I would have to say surprised me somewhat, but having 40 pounds of gear on your back did not really help.

Great refresher after 8 miles of hiking in the heat only to go 6 more that day to Phantom Ranch

As a travel destination, how would you rank the Grand Canyon from 1 to 10?

10

An amazing sight to see signaling that the end of the trail is almost near! Completely exhausted by this point but cant wait to come back and do it again!

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Michael Cox I am 24 years young and I am an native to the beautiful state of Arizona. Right now I work at a Japanese restaurant in Scottsdale just killing the time until i finish out my last semester at Paradise Valley Community College. After I graduate I plan to move to Flagstaff Arizona to attend Northern Arizona University. I plan on getting my Bachelors degree in Parks and Recreation Management in hopes of someday becoming an Outdoor Adventure Guide like Andrew Skurka. I am a very avid hiker with aspirations to put some miles under these feet just like Andrew Skurka has over the years. My cancelled backpacking trip on the Black River with my Uncle and Cousin led me to join five other friends of mine on a Rim to Rim hike on the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon. It was a trip I will never forget! My influences for hiking so much come from my parents who introduced me to hiking when I still pretty much crawling around. The photos on my instagram page show much more of my Grand Canyon trip as well as all of the other trips I took in the summer and fall of 2012. all taken from my iphone.

Michael Cox
Phoenix
Arizona, United States

http://instagram.com/the_hiker

Please note: Photography on this page is copyright of Michael Cox.

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