Hiking the Grand Canyon

[RC Vikings]

The wife is talking about hiking in the Grand Canyon next summer. Has anybody here done it and what are the some of the problems or things to watch for. Are permits for campgrounds hard to come by?

[BigPiney]

The wife is talking about hiking in the Grand Canyon next summer. Has anybody here done it and what are the some of the problems or things to watch for. Are permits for campgrounds hard to come by?

I have done it from the north rim - down and up, and from the south rim- down and up. Way easier from the south. I wouldn't recommend doing the north rim down to the river and back up in one day, it is something like 29 miles and difficult.

Just be careful because it is easy to go down, but everything you go down you have to go back up and that is a lot of elevation. I don't remember if there were many places to get water along the hike, but that is an issue. Also we did it Memorial Day weekend, and it snow on us camping, but it was still way hot when we were hiking that day, so beware of going too late in the season. It is a tough hike.

[TripletDaddy]

Does havasupai count? I've done that. lots of fun.

[Surfah]

Does havasupai count? I've done that. lots of fun.

:bsflag:

[TripletDaddy]

I've been to havasupai!

[ERCougar]

I've been to havasupai!

You realize you can't drive there...

We're only skeptical because of your previous comments on detesting anything you can't see out of an air-conditioned window.

[CJF]

Probably the greatest outdoor event I've ever done. I did it when I was 17 and in great Highland High rugby shape so it wasn't difficult at all. One of the most peaceful feelings I've ever had was at the bottom looking up at the stars before falling asleep.

We did the south and used Angel Bright trail if I remember correctly. We got our camp permits about a year in advance. We went in late July so we had to deal with monsoon season. The top few miles of that trail has/had a mule tour. That was the worst part. Really muddy in late July with a lot of mule crap. Incredibly beautiful scenery after the rain, but the trail was a mess.

I wish I was in shape to do it again. It really is a wonderful experience. You'll love it.

[Pheidippides]

You realize you can't drive there...

We're only skeptical because of your previous comments on detesting anything you can't see out of an air-conditioned window.

DDD doesn't go anywhere that isn't pre-approved by the DOT.

[ERCougar]

I have a couple of friends that have done the Rim-to-Rim run. Usually takes them about 7 hours, I think. Water access is a huge issue.

[ERCougar]

DDD doesn't go anywhere that isn't pre-approved by the DOT.

Maybe he drove to the trailhead sign that says "Havasupai". That would be lots of fun! And no worries about water.

[TripletDaddy]

You realize you can't drive there...

We're only skeptical because of your previous comments on detesting anything you can't see out of an air-conditioned window.

This was while I was still in college. I didn't mind as much then.

We even hiked it (helicopter was too expensive).

[Green Monstah]

I don't remember if there were many places to get water along the hike

It's been fifteen years, but going down the Kaibab trail on the south rim, I don't remember water being an issue (downhill hike, etc.).

Being the good boy scout I was, I brought an extra water bottle and filled it out prior to hiking out (on the Bright Angel? (maybe) trail), and I used about 1/2 my water on the last half of the hike out for other people. On the way out I remember there were some spiggots about 1/2 way, but can't remember the details.

It's a good experience, and I'm sure you'll have a blast.