Travel Forum / Destinations / USA and Canada / August 2005

You really don't need a car to get around once you are set up in your
campsite -- unless you want to drive to the North Rim or someplace
like that. Shuttle busses go everywhere you likely would probably want
to go, and will take  you to places you can't drive your car (Hermit's
Rest, Yaki Point). From Mather Campground, you can walk to the rim and
there are paved trails along the rim itself.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/south-rim/transportation.htm

Whatever you want to eat. There is the General Store not far from
Mather, but you'd be better off buying your supplies in Flagstaff,
Williams, or Tusayan. Things are more expensive at the Canyon. If you
get things that require refrigeration, get a cheap foam cooler and buy
some ice.

You don't say when in September you'll be there, but probably not. But
if you need that stuff you can buy it there at the Store.

If you mean bring with you in the car in order to camp, warm sleeping
gear (it gets cold at night) and clothing, a flashlight, matches,
etc.. Also desirable would also be pad of some kind under your
sleeping bag, a fire or stove to heat water and meals (you can buy
firewood as well as hot food there), and some way to eat the food you
prepare (paper plates, foam cups, plastic spoons, etc.). There are
lots of other things that would make camping nicer, but you may not
wish to deal with all that stuff. There is water at the campground.

If you are asking what you should carry while walking around on the
rim, you just need extra clothing (including rain gear if you have
it), snacks, water, and a map (provided at the entrance station).

Going on a dayhike below the rim down the Bright Angel Trail should
only be done with sturdy footwear. There are water stations along the
upper part of the Trail (to Indian Garden), but be sure to ask if they
are running OK before you go. Read everything on the link provided
here as it pertains to your interests, and observe all the cautions
about the ease of going down, the difficulty of climbing back out, and
the effects of heat and altitude on the unprepared.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/south-rim/index.htm

Not likely. You could run into a snake on the inner canyon trails, but
just walk around it. Most all of the problems there are caused by
people.

Caveat