Backpacking in the grand canyon?
I am thinking of going backpacking in the grand canyon in April. I am not that experienced as a backpacker. Any suggestions? Do you know where I can find information to help me.
Answers:
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The Grand Canyon is an excellent backpacking trip. If you are in good shape and have done a little backpacking or are an experienced hiker, than you should not have a problem physically. April (especially early April) is good time to go.The most common backpacking trip is to go down the South Kaibab Trail to the Bright Angel campground near Phantom Ranch (about 7 miles) and then back up the Bright Angel trail (about 10 miles) with an overnight stop at Indian Gardens campground which is about half way up on the Tonto Plateau (and has both shade and drinking water). This is an excellent first trip in the canyon.
Permits are required for all overnight camping in the canyon and this is going to be your biggest challenge since the reservation window is 4 months out and April is a popular time that sells out quickly. To get a permit, you mail or fax in a request to the Grand Canyon backcountry office (see link below) and hope for the best. You can also try showing up at the Backcountry office in person when it opens at 8AM (by Maswik lodge) and trying to get a walk-in permit for the next day (get there early).
About the campgrounds: Both Bright Angel and Indian Garden campgrounds are very nice. BA has a real bathroom with flush toilets while IG has very nice composting outhouses (both have toilet paper - as do the outhouses along the trails). Both camps have drinking water and each designated campspot has a picnic table. You are not allowed to have fires anywhere in the canyon, so bring a campstove.
At Phantom Ranch, there is the little canteen where people staying in the cabins eat (you can sometimes reserve meals there to and save some weight). The canteen also serves cold drinks and snacks during the day. Beyond BA and IG, there are other more remote trails and camp areas throughout the canyon, but I would not recommend them for your first visit.
Climate wise, the temperatures in the canyon very quite a bit between top and bottom and the weather can vary quite a bit in April. I have been in snowstorms at the top and then short-sleave shirts at the bottom. Dress and prepare for each of those extremes. If the weather is going to be warm, avoid hiking during the heat of the afternoon.
Always make sure you have plenty of water (3+ liters), salty snacks, and a broadbrimmed hat on the trail. Packing along some electrolytes is not a bad idea either (gookinade, etc). I highly recommend using trekking poles (look like ski poles) when backpacking there as it takes a lot of the strain off your knees.
The Grand Canyon is famous for its geology, as well as its interesting history, plants and animals. You can get the most enjoyment out of your trip by learning about what you will be seeing before hand.
For more information, I would strongly suggestion you contact the canyon backcountry office. I have also listed some other references and websites below.
If you are not experienced then you should find someone that is. The Grand Canyon is no easy hike (well going down it is). I believe there is an average of one death per year from hikers taking on the Grand Canyon and not being prepared for it.
In April the GC will be warm so you will need plenty of water. It only takes about two hours to get to the base but eight to nine hours to get back up. Many don't bring enough water and supplies and end up having to call for help. Also, getting a signal on a cell phone will be next to impossible.
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The Grand Canyon is an EXCELLENT idea. It is loads of fun and even an inexperienced backpacker can do it with minimal preparation and planning. Once you have your plans on how you are getting there and stuff start creating your itinerary. Research which part of the Canyon you are going to hike. Are you in good shape to do a hard trail or would you rather stick to an easier trail? The Bright Angel trail is a good trail that isn't too hard. My sister was only 8 when we backpacked the Grand Canyon as a family. The Bright Angel trail is the one we went on and it is beautiful and not really hard. Somethings you MUST bring are: snack high in energy and some dried fruit, WATER, WATER, WATER, sunscreen, wear layers because the temperature changes as you go down, bring a map, sturdy, broken-in boots, WATER, WATER, WATER, and toilet paper. There aren't always toilets nearby. One other thing I would recommend is moleskin for blisters. I got big blisters on my toes and moleskin helped a lot. Those are just some essentials. You of course, will need to bring much more than that. In preparation for your trip, get in shape for the hike. What me and my family did was fill our backpacks with heavy items, put on our hiking boots, and we hit the stairs. You should practice moving around with your backpack on your back and your boots on. Go up and down and up and down a hill or a big set of stairs for practice. Pack what you are going to bring and make a checklist so you don't forget anything. Preparation is the most important part. For more information, you can go to the sites below. And don't forget, preparation is key.More Questions & Answers...