Grand Canyon South Rim question

We are doing the bus tour which can drop you off and one can walk the 2 miles and meet up with the bus or stay on the bus and just go to the other end. I have mobility issues (twisted hips and herniated disc) but i want to walk the 2 miles. I will push myself.

The biggest issue i have right now that gives me anxiety attacks is worrying about being too close to the edge on that trail.

If you have gone to the south rim either by tour or car have you done the walk from mather point to yavapai point? Is there a railing? Is it a narrow path that only one person would fit?

I am stressing about this way more than i should be. I really want to do it and i know hundreds of thousands do it a year but i am terrified. Not a fan of heights, but even less of a fan of situations that i can not control.

 

there is a railing and it's about as wide as a highwaye so you'll be ok.

 

That wide? Wow, reading some reports i expected it to be a foot or 2 across.

Thanks.

 

There are rails along the rim in most places. However, some places there are no rails and I'm amazed that there aren't more people or little kids falling or stumbling over the edge. Last summer my wife and I went out there. I had my back turned to her and heard "Hey hon, take my picture". So I did, then I noticed she was about 10 inches from the edge. Grabbed her hand and pulled her to me. Another guy a several feet away looked at us and said 'well, that was a close one.'

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/album.php?albumid=232&pictureid=1771

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/album.php?albumid=232&pictureid=1770

 

Wow that is close, that is why i am a bit afraid. I have heard of people stepping back to take a picture and falling (not at the GC, elsewhere) .

that one where you are close, that is not right on the path right? Looks like it sticks out? So would be off the path? that would freak me out.

 

Correct, but those are where the best views are. The space between the foot path and the edge can differ from 10 to 30 feet or so. If you do venture off the foot path, which every one does do, watch your step because there are all kinds of exposed tree roots and rocks jutting out of the ground. Natures little trip hazards.

https://www.vegasmessageboard.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=232&pictureid=1772

In that pic my wife actually scooted to the spot on her butt. As you can see the rock isn't the smoothest surface to walk on.

 

The Western Rim doesn't have a rail (or at least, didn't in 2006). The Southern Rim is the federal land full of tons of rules and regulations so I wouldn't worry.

 

i would probably scoot on my rear too rather than step out lol.

 

Dont bite off more than you can chew.

Dont forget youre not on your own ,youre on a bus trip so should you aggravate some physical condition by over doing it that could make for a problem. And if you suffer from anxiety why put youself at risk of a panic attack?
I've been there twice and both times took the bus that drops you off at different vantage points ,no pain,no stress.
Hope you have a fun and safe visit whatever you decide.

 

I've been twice.
Once on a bus tour from Vegas -
the first time....on my own.
*
You have to watch your step no matter
where you walk.
There are rails, in places.
*
One thing I would point out --
You are at 5,000 ft elevation, so ---
depending upon the time of year,
be prepared !
In summer, that sun is penetrating !
In winter, it can be cold !
*
I witnessed two kids running loose around several sights.
I said to my wife "Where are the parents ? These kids are
jumpin' too close to the edges."
About two stops later --
The boy is running over a large rock - trips and rolls right
into the retaining fence !....hard !
People screamed......if that fence wasn't there ?
that kid was gone !
Then, the parents showup.
Good way to get rid of the kids !:evillaugh

 

Guy died last weekend on a fall at the south rim.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/us/arizona-grand-canyon-death/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

 

The only way to get through my injury is to keep on trucking. That or 2k spent on chiro care 3 x a week for up to 2 years till it gets moved back but i don't have that laying around.

I don't suffer from anxiety, i can get through most situations fine. My anxiety comes from fear of the unknown and not knowing how thin the trails are.

I can't imagine parents not watching their kids properly there, wow.