Unless you are an experienced hiker or have experience in the Grand Canyon, I would recommend hiring an experienced guide. I can't recommend Wildlandtrekking and our guide Steve Klefstad enough. Steve's expertise and knowledge made our trip a wonderful experience. As a family of 5 that has done some hiking, but never at the Grand Canyon, we felt a guide would be the right way to go and make us more comfortable. The entire pre-trip process was fantastic. Steve shared great planning advice on how to prepare for the trip. Proper gear, water and layers of clothes as the temperature varies as you descend and climb. The day of our hike, Steve was early and prepared. We had a quick review of gear, safety and best practices. Then we got underway. All along the way, Steve shared tons of knowledge of the canyon, geology, wildlife and history. He went at our pace and provided lots of time to stop and admire the views and sites! If you are visiting the Grand Canyon and want an expert to guide you through the trails and fill you with knowledge of the magical canyon, then Wildland and Steve is your choice!!!