Cedar Mountain, Grand Canyon South Rim

When vacationing in the Grand Canyon National Park, many are drawn to it south rim and the extensive views and activities surrounding Cedar Mountain. Its pure scale can be rather overpowering at first. However, it has come to be one of the many destination points that hikers and climbers have chosen to explore.

Delving into the slopes of Cedar Mountain, in the Grand Canyon, has intrigued climbers and hikers for many years. It is such an awe-inspiring site, that most cannot resist the prospect of reaching its summit, and declaring their climb victorious, as many other have done before them.

One of the benefits of challenging this mountain is the chance to see not only the entire canyon's south rim, but to see much further afield, even beyond the borders of Phoenix. No respectable climber would be caught without a camera as the photographic opportunity is beyond compare.

The best way to reach the mountain is to take the long trails that intertwine across the canyon, ascending high into the sparsely populated Ponderosa forest and up steep slopes. The majority of the main trail is easy enough for even the beginner. However, the climb takes much more skill, and the final stretch towards the summit requires extra specialized training, as well as professional climbing equipment.

The other challenge posed by the mountain is the thin air, due in part to the high altitudes. It is not recommended for anyone with lung or heart problems, and permits to travel this far into the backcountry require proof of physical and mental fitness.