Misc Grand Canyon

Skyy God · 09-29-2010, 12:21 PM

So, after much massaging of my workload, I'm camping in the Grand Canyon next month (10/8-16). We're deciding between the north and south rim. My vote is south, because it looks like the north will be much colder this time of year.

Any advice on base camps, north v. south, destination hikes, etc.?

vailpass · 09-29-2010, 12:30 PM

Over 90% of Grand Canyon visitors travel to the South Rim and its Grand Canyon Village where amenities and lodging comforts are more amiable to family travel adventure. The South Rim is open year-round and offers over 2,000 hotel rooms and in addition to hotels, it bustles with lodging accommodations, restaurants, museums, souvenir shopping and the convenience of park ranger services and programs.

The South Rim is a short scenic drive from both Flagstaff Arizona (78 miles) and Williams Arizona (58 miles) where there is also an abundance of hotels and tour companies offering tours to the Grand Canyon. Williams Arizona is home to the world famous Grand Canyon Railway and Resort which offers a scenic journey to the canyon via historic railway. Flagstaff Az is the thickly forested mountain pine country jewel of Northern Arizona and is nearby Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon which is rated one of the most scenic drives in America by Rand McNally.

For convenience, consider purchasing a prepaid park entry ticket at the ticket vending machine in the IMAX Theatre in Tusayan off Route 64. This way you can zip through the prepaid ticket line. This strategy will help avoid peak traffic permitting quicker parking at your hotel, the South Rim Visitor Center or the Maswik Transportation Center where you can catch the park's shuttle bus which conveniently explores the Grand Canyon South Rim, the historic Grand Canyon Village and the scenic eight mile excursion along West Rim Drive. Or take your car and also enjoy the 26 mile visual tour down the East Rim Drive.

If you're into mild family style hikes, consider the spectacularly scenic West and South Rim trails which begin at the South Rim Visitor Center. For a more adventurous hike down into the Grand Canyon, the most popular is the Bright Angel Trail which offers water stations, shade rest areas and rest rooms. The Hermit Trail overlooks the Hermit Rapids at the Colorado River with majestic views of nature's most pristine panoramas.

Your entire family will thoroughly enjoy the thrill of an overnight trip on sure-footed mules along cliff edges to the bottom of the canyon floor to the historic Phantom Ranch. To ride the mules, riders must be at least 4'7" tall and must not weigh over 200 pounds. If you have fear of heights or animals, this is not the tour for you.

Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim offers superb views from a different canyon perspective. Hiking trails are more rugged than those at the South Rim, more remote and have few concessions. This side of Grand Canyon is definitely for the more adventurous type where hiking mandates a greater degree of physical fitness. Although the views of the canyon walls are spectacular, there are few sights of the Colorado River which is much further away versus the South Rim.

From mid-October to mid-May visitor services at the North rim of the Grand Canyon are closed without park ranger convenience and security. Never the less, the scenes are breathtaking and if you're an experienced hiker that likes tranquil solitude without the crowds, the North Rim may be for you. The driving distance between the South Rim and North Rim is over 200 miles, so if you plan to travel to both canyon sides, plan a several day trip.

http://www.arizona-leisure.com/grand...n-arizona.html

MIAdragon · 09-29-2010, 12:54 PM

Where ever you go make sure you stop and see the Sky Walk, its a must do IMO.

Hydrae · 09-29-2010, 12:55 PM

There is probably a good chance you could see snow on the north rim by mid-October. I would stick with the south rim.

One note, when the signs warn you not to go from the top to the bottom and back up in one day (Bright Angel trailhead), believe it. It didn't kill my brother and I when we did that but it was days before my legs stopped hurting! Great time though, but damn it was a long walk back out of there.

Skyy God · 09-29-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

Where ever you go make sure you stop and see the Sky Walk, its a must do IMO.

Guy who cuts my hair mentioned it. Will squeeze it in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hydrae

There is probably a good chance you could see snow on the north rim by mid-October. I would stick with the south rim.

One note, when the signs warn you not to go from the top to the bottom and back up in one day (Bright Angel trailhead), believe it. It didn't kill my brother and I when we did that but it was days before my legs stopped hurting! Great time though, but damn it was a long walk back out of there.

I'm sure that would be murder on the quads, etc. We're spending 5+ days in the canyon, so no chance of that happening.

Chiefs Pantalones · 09-29-2010, 01:15 PM

Grand Canyon is ok the first time you see it. After that it's just a big hole in the ground. Hiking it is fun though, particularly the south. I've done both, the north and south. It gets old though, JMO.

**fan4ever** · 09-29-2010, 01:27 PM

Obviously you're not boycotting Arizona. Good for you...and us.

Skyy God · 09-29-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

Grand Canyon is ok the first time you see it. After that it's just a big hole in the ground. Hiking it is fun though, particularly the south. I've done both, the north and south. It gets old though, JMO.

Yeah, we're headed to Zion also. If we get bored, might add more time there. Anything else notable in the area other than Bryce?

Any hikes you recommend?

Quote:

Originally Posted by fan4ever

Obviously you're not boycotting Arizona. Good for you...and us.

Keep this out of the Lounge, dipshit. I may hire an illegal Mexican porter to spite you.

vailpass · 09-29-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fan4ever

Obviously you're not boycotting Arizona. Good for you...and us.

Have you noticed any significant boycott activity? Seems like a meeting here or there has been cancelled and just as many have come to AZ in support of 1070.
They are trying hard to get the AllStar game moved form PHX but it doesn't sound like that has any traction.

Bweb · 09-29-2010, 01:33 PM

Go South Rim with Mather Campground at the top. Mather is inside the national park and is the closest to the South lookout area and to most of the trail heads.

I would recommend Bright Angel, Hermit, and South Kaibab trails for hiking. You can camp at campsites under the rim (inside the canyon) but these are considered "back country" and do require permits to camp at. The "back county" permits go very fast but you may check to see if any are left if you would like to camp in the canyon. Otherwise all your hikes will need to be "Day" hikes where you hike in and out in the same day.

Be careful with day hikes in that you do not over estimate the distance. For example, turn around and head back up the trail BEFORE you are tired. The hike back up is much more difficult!

I have been an instructor for our college's field biology class which we take out to the Grand Canyon each May for a week. We stay at Mather the first night and then hike into the canyon and spend 2-3 nights camping and hiking inside the canyon. I have logged over a hundred miles of hiking in the canyon Great, Great experience.

You may also note that the Skywalk is rather long distance (200-250 miles I believe) from the South Rim area and would need a complete day unto itself to visit from mather campground.

Be glad to answer any other questions you may have.....

Skyy God · 09-29-2010, 01:52 PM

Thanks for the info, Bweb. The plan, assuming there are any permits left, was to do backcountry. Any rec'd campsites?

Delano · 09-29-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

Yeah, we're headed to Zion also. If we get bored, might add more time there. Anything else notable in the area other than Bryce?

Any hikes you recommend?

Do Angel's Landing; reward yourself with the following view:

NewChief · 09-29-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

Yeah, we're headed to Zion also. If we get bored, might add more time there. Anything else notable in the area other than Bryce?

Any hikes you recommend?

Keep this out of the Lounge, dipshit. I may hire an illegal Mexican porter to spite you.

Check out Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch for sure while you're in the bottom.

If you're doing Zion, be sure to do Angel's Landing. Don't just stick to the valley floor. If you want to get off the beaten path, the Kolob Arch area is pretty cool there as well (though not as spectacular as the Narrows or Angel's Landing).

Have fun. I'm jealous.

Delano · 09-29-2010, 02:02 PM

I see occasional death notices from Angel's Landing so if you decide to make the five mile hike, do not let your guard down.

edit: From Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, 2010 the Angels Landing route from Scout Lookout to the summit and climbing routes on the cliff faces will be closed Monday through Thursday. The Angels Landing route and climbing routes will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The West Rim Trail from the Grotto trailhead will be open at all times for those hikers wishing to visit Scout Lookout or the West Rim of Zion Canyon. Rangers at any of the park visitor contact stations can help with alternate trip planning.

Bweb · 09-29-2010, 02:08 PM

Hikes I would recommend if available;

1) Hermit trail to Hermit rapids (camp code for site = BL8) up to Hermit creek (camp = BM7) and up Hermit trail out. Did this one last year and Hermit rapids is a great campsite right along the river rapids. Just Great! I would say this would be an intermediate level of hike.

2) Bright Angel trail to Bright Angel Campground (camp CBG) back up bright angel trail to Indian Garden (camp CIG) and hike out bright angel. Done this one a couple of times and would consider it the easiest of the hikes. (remember when I say easy...it is still relative to the other canyon hikes.

) Bright Angel campground is along the river and is nice. Mules with riders are also on this trail.

3) South Kaibob trail to Bright Angel Campground (camp) up Bright Angel to Indian Garden (camp) and then out Bright Angel. Also a good Hike

If you feel confident in your groups hiking ability I would highly recommend #1 otherwise you should probably go with #2 or #3.

Back country permit info can be found at the following link;

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...try-permit.htm

Hope this helps!

09-29-2010, 12:21 PM
Skyy God 11-5, baby Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livin the dream Casino cash: $2191557	Grand Canyon So, after much massaging of my workload, I'm camping in the Grand Canyon next month (10/8-16). We're deciding between the north and south rim. My vote is south, because it looks like the north will be much colder this time of year. Any advice on base camps, north v. south, destination hikes, etc.?
Posts: 22,416

09-29-2010, 12:30 PM	#2
vailpass Psycho Bag Of Squanch Join Date: Sep 2001 Casino cash: $9594244	Over 90% of Grand Canyon visitors travel to the South Rim and its Grand Canyon Village where amenities and lodging comforts are more amiable to family travel adventure. The South Rim is open year-round and offers over 2,000 hotel rooms and in addition to hotels, it bustles with lodging accommodations, restaurants, museums, souvenir shopping and the convenience of park ranger services and programs. The South Rim is a short scenic drive from both Flagstaff Arizona (78 miles) and Williams Arizona (58 miles) where there is also an abundance of hotels and tour companies offering tours to the Grand Canyon. Williams Arizona is home to the world famous Grand Canyon Railway and Resort which offers a scenic journey to the canyon via historic railway. Flagstaff Az is the thickly forested mountain pine country jewel of Northern Arizona and is nearby Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon which is rated one of the most scenic drives in America by Rand McNally. For convenience, consider purchasing a prepaid park entry ticket at the ticket vending machine in the IMAX Theatre in Tusayan off Route 64. This way you can zip through the prepaid ticket line. This strategy will help avoid peak traffic permitting quicker parking at your hotel, the South Rim Visitor Center or the Maswik Transportation Center where you can catch the park's shuttle bus which conveniently explores the Grand Canyon South Rim, the historic Grand Canyon Village and the scenic eight mile excursion along West Rim Drive. Or take your car and also enjoy the 26 mile visual tour down the East Rim Drive. If you're into mild family style hikes, consider the spectacularly scenic West and South Rim trails which begin at the South Rim Visitor Center. For a more adventurous hike down into the Grand Canyon, the most popular is the Bright Angel Trail which offers water stations, shade rest areas and rest rooms. The Hermit Trail overlooks the Hermit Rapids at the Colorado River with majestic views of nature's most pristine panoramas. Your entire family will thoroughly enjoy the thrill of an overnight trip on sure-footed mules along cliff edges to the bottom of the canyon floor to the historic Phantom Ranch. To ride the mules, riders must be at least 4'7" tall and must not weigh over 200 pounds. If you have fear of heights or animals, this is not the tour for you. Grand Canyon North Rim The North Rim offers superb views from a different canyon perspective. Hiking trails are more rugged than those at the South Rim, more remote and have few concessions. This side of Grand Canyon is definitely for the more adventurous type where hiking mandates a greater degree of physical fitness. Although the views of the canyon walls are spectacular, there are few sights of the Colorado River which is much further away versus the South Rim. From mid-October to mid-May visitor services at the North rim of the Grand Canyon are closed without park ranger convenience and security. Never the less, the scenes are breathtaking and if you're an experienced hiker that likes tranquil solitude without the crowds, the North Rim may be for you. The driving distance between the South Rim and North Rim is over 200 miles, so if you plan to travel to both canyon sides, plan a several day trip. http://www.arizona-leisure.com/grand...n-arizona.html Last edited by vailpass; 09-29-2010 at 12:37 PM..
Posts: 69,591

09-29-2010, 12:55 PM	#4
Hydrae Sandbox: Leander Lasercats Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Austin, Tx Casino cash: $1987000	There is probably a good chance you could see snow on the north rim by mid-October. I would stick with the south rim. One note, when the signs warn you not to go from the top to the bottom and back up in one day (Bright Angel trailhead), believe it. It didn't kill my brother and I when we did that but it was days before my legs stopped hurting! Great time though, but damn it was a long walk back out of there.
Posts: 14,698

09-29-2010, 01:15 PM	#6
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7888717	Grand Canyon is ok the first time you see it. After that it's just a big hole in the ground. Hiking it is fun though, particularly the south. I've done both, the north and south. It gets old though, JMO. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,630

09-29-2010, 01:27 PM	#7
fan4ever Supporter Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Casino cash: $5704389	Obviously you're not boycotting Arizona. Good for you...and us.
Posts: 9,337

09-29-2010, 12:54 PM	#3
MIAdragon Someone pass the antifreeze Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Miami (North Cuba) Casino cash: $1247819	Where ever you go make sure you stop and see the Sky Walk, its a must do IMO.
Posts: 15,777

09-29-2010, 01:33 PM	#10
Bweb Dyin ain't much of a livin.. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Land of Red Dirt Casino cash: $9734755	Go South Rim with Mather Campground at the top. Mather is inside the national park and is the closest to the South lookout area and to most of the trail heads. I would recommend Bright Angel, Hermit, and South Kaibab trails for hiking. You can camp at campsites under the rim (inside the canyon) but these are considered "back country" and do require permits to camp at. The "back county" permits go very fast but you may check to see if any are left if you would like to camp in the canyon. Otherwise all your hikes will need to be "Day" hikes where you hike in and out in the same day. Be careful with day hikes in that you do not over estimate the distance. For example, turn around and head back up the trail BEFORE you are tired. The hike back up is much more difficult! I have been an instructor for our college's field biology class which we take out to the Grand Canyon each May for a week. We stay at Mather the first night and then hike into the canyon and spend 2-3 nights camping and hiking inside the canyon. I have logged over a hundred miles of hiking in the canyon Great, Great experience. You may also note that the Skywalk is rather long distance (200-250 miles I believe) from the South Rim area and would need a complete day unto itself to visit from mather campground. Be glad to answer any other questions you may have.....
Posts: 264

09-29-2010, 01:52 PM	#11
Skyy God 11-5, baby Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livin the dream Casino cash: $2191557	Thanks for the info, Bweb. The plan, assuming there are any permits left, was to do backcountry. Any rec'd campsites?
Posts: 22,416

09-29-2010, 02:02 PM	#14
Delano [b]Supporter[/b] Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A Hypnagogic Landscape Casino cash: $9025015	I see occasional death notices from Angel's Landing so if you decide to make the five mile hike, do not let your guard down. edit: From Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, 2010 the Angels Landing route from Scout Lookout to the summit and climbing routes on the cliff faces will be closed Monday through Thursday. The Angels Landing route and climbing routes will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The West Rim Trail from the Grotto trailhead will be open at all times for those hikers wishing to visit Scout Lookout or the West Rim of Zion Canyon. Rangers at any of the park visitor contact stations can help with alternate trip planning. __________________ A million CPilgrims face Mecca. Think of the power behind that fact. All logging in now. And bending. And praying. ChiefsPlanet is the angle at which realities meet. - Don DeLillo
Posts: 12,332

09-29-2010, 02:08 PM	#15
Bweb Dyin ain't much of a livin.. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Land of Red Dirt Casino cash: $9734755	Hikes I would recommend if available; 1) Hermit trail to Hermit rapids (camp code for site = BL8) up to Hermit creek (camp = BM7) and up Hermit trail out. Did this one last year and Hermit rapids is a great campsite right along the river rapids. Just Great! I would say this would be an intermediate level of hike. 2) Bright Angel trail to Bright Angel Campground (camp CBG) back up bright angel trail to Indian Garden (camp CIG) and hike out bright angel. Done this one a couple of times and would consider it the easiest of the hikes. (remember when I say easy...it is still relative to the other canyon hikes. ) Bright Angel campground is along the river and is nice. Mules with riders are also on this trail. 3) South Kaibob trail to Bright Angel Campground (camp) up Bright Angel to Indian Garden (camp) and then out Bright Angel. Also a good Hike If you feel confident in your groups hiking ability I would highly recommend #1 otherwise you should probably go with #2 or #3. Back country permit info can be found at the following link; http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...try-permit.htm Hope this helps!
Posts: 264