This class is designed to examine the cultural significance of the Grand Canyon through the prism of several South Rim trails, most of which were purposefully constructed by pioneer prospectors, miners and tourism operators between 1880 and 1920. To lay a foundation for this topic, participants will learn about the canyon’s two-billion-year-old geologic history and the many diverse ecosystems sustained by its often harsh terrain. This natural history overview will begin to explain why the region’s first inhabitants chose the forested rims, sheer cliffs, and fertile riparian drainages of the canyon as a place to call home, and why more recent European Americans intent on mining found a better life in the fledgling tourism industry. Impromptu lectures will also describe how early pioneers branched off from the nation’s coast-to-coast arterial railroads, wagon roads and automotive roads to develop a more complete transportation infrastructure in the Grand Canyon region—one that would eventually prompt the federal government to include Grand Canyon in the growing network of protected federal lands.

Daily hikes during this class will not exceed five miles roundtrip and will become progressively more challenging as the class moves from the trails beginning in or near the Historic Village District to the more remote trails in the Desert View area (Grandview, New Hance, Tanner). Participants will carpool to the various trailheads on paved roads.