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A
Prerequisite
"Deserts
are charming to those who know how to see them." - John Muir
The single
most important factor in planning a hike along the Grand Enchantment
Trail is desire. With a genuine interest in the landscapes, plants,
animals, and human culture of the Southwest, hikers will be much
more likely to deal successfully with challenges along the way,
to succeed in their endeavor, and to benefit from this unique
and diverse hiking experience.
Please note
that the Grand Enchantment Trail is a route - a loose assemblage
of trails, tracks, canyons, and cross-country travel - and as
such does not resemble a manicured, linear footpath like the Appalachian
or Pacific Crest trails. It does not offer shelters for camping
or many official campgrounds. Trail angels do not descend upon
the route to alleviate discomfort or to cache water. The trail
community is small and its social network virtually nonexistant.
In short, the Grand Enchantment Trail is not for those in search
of an encore to their last long hike on a well-established National
Scenic Trail. In terms of character and challenges, the route
most resembles New Mexico's Continental Divide Trail or the Arizona
Trail - trails which the G.E.T. itself uses in part - but it is
also a distinct experience from these, and by some estimates more
interesting and diverse than either.
Those who
have hiked the G.E.T., in part or in whole, often highlight the
feeling of independence it instills, of wonder and anticipation,
of involvement in nature and the day-to-day hiking experience.
They note how the route allowed them to be an active participant,
rather than a spectator as on previous trails, as it encouraged
them to think for themselves, and to seek their own experiences
both on and off the suggested route. These have certainly been
my experiences in several long scouting walks of the route. And
the Grand Enchantment Trail can offer the same advantages to you,
whether you're interested in hiking it for the weekend, a week,
or on an end-to-end trek from Phoenix to Albuquerque. Desire is
the key. If you're genuinely interested in the things this route
has to offer, your chances of having a successful and rewarding
hike are likely to be good.
- Brett
Tucker, G.E.T. founder
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