Question on Southwest/Grand Canyon Trip Hikes

[mcgrawfamily]

Hi: We are going on the SWS ABD trip this June. We have a nine year old boy and I am trying to gauge how difficult the hike is in Monument Valley to the Arch. For anyone who has hiked this part of the trip, vs the bus ride, is it too difficult/scary for children? Any places that are too dangerous (too narrow and could fall or too slick and could fall)?

Thanks!

 

[kristilew]

Hi: We are going on the SWS ABD trip this June. We have a nine year old boy and I am trying to gauge how difficult the hike is in Monument Valley to the Arch. For anyone who has hiked this part of the trip, vs the bus ride, is it too difficult/scary for children? Any places that are too dangerous (too narrow and could fall or too slick and could fall)?

Thanks!

Hi, we did this two years ago. There were a lot of little boys on our trip, and also some in the 9 year old range. They were all bouncing all over the place and running up the trail. It was really not that difficult a hike at all (even in the heat of June) and for a typical energetic boy, it was easy-peasy. Our DD who was 11 at the time, found it very easy, bordering on boring. (the trail, not the views)

Having said that, at the arch itself, there is a steep grade, and if one had a very active child who was not good about listening/obeying authority, I can see this spot being dangerous. Also, if the child is not in good shape, there might be an issue on this hike.

For your average active 9 year old, I would think the bus ride would be soooo much less fun than the hike.

hope that helps!

 

[Bobo912]

I asked the same question several weeks ago. Here's the thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38633601#post38633601

I still don't know whether we'll do the hike or the bus tour. If the temp is around 100 degrees in July, I have a strong suspicion that DS isn't going to be up for a hike, and I may not be either.

 

[airbear]

I did this hike this past July and all the kids in our group went. They had a blast even thought it was extremely hot. I agree with a previous reply that the only dangerous spot is at the arch itself. We had no problems at all. There is no shade on this hike so everyone took breaks to drink water and rest.

 

[mcgrawfamily]

Thank you everyone for the comments. You say it is a little tricky at the arch. Is that the last part if you want to go right under the Arch? Can you opt out at that point and just take a picture with the Arch in the background or is this last part really not too bad for a son who listens?

 

[sayhello]

Thank you everyone for the comments. You say it is a little tricky at the arch. Is that the last part if you want to go right under the Arch? Can you opt out at that point and just take a picture with the Arch in the background or is this last part really not too bad for a son who listens?

I would suggest you hike up to the Arch, and then take a look & evaluate for yourself. I was on an Adults Only trip, so I can't comment on the kid aspect, but some of the Adults didn't want to try to go to the base of the Arch, and some of us did. As long as you were careful, it was totally doable.

But you can get fabulous pictures without going all the way to the Arch.

Up to the Arch:

At the base of the Arch: (unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the actual route from the spot above to the base of the Arch).

Sayhello