That's right, we're backpacking in the Grand Canyon...

First time Grand Canyon hikers tend to react to the experience in one of two ways: either they can't wait to get back, or they swear they'll never do it again.
Going on a hike is wonderful way to experience some of the canyon’s rich natural beauty and immense size. However, even if you are an avid hiker, hiking the Grand Canyon is very different from most other hiking experiences.

Mental attitude and adequate water and food consumption are absolutely essential to the success of any Grand Canyon hike, particularly in summer. The day hiker and the overnight backpacker must be equally prepared for the lack of water, extreme heat and cold, and isolation characteristic of the Grand Canyon.

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued.

A hike into the Grand Canyon will test your physical and mental endurance. Know and respect your limitations. Moderation is the key to an enjoyable hike.

Hike Stats: We will hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch (7.8 miles & 4800 feet of elevation loss). After a snack, we'll head up to Indian Gardens (5 miles & 1400 feet of elevation gain. After a restful night at Indian Gardens, we'll head to the Bright Angel Trailhead (5 miles & 3000 feet of elevation gain). Due to the difficulty of this hike, I may ask you questions about previous backpack trips if I'm not sure of your abilities.
South Kaibab Trail Guide
Bright Angel Trail Guide

The Plan: We will leave from the Fiesta Henderson at 6pm on Friday night. It's about a 4 hour drive to get to the South Rim from there. We will camp in the campground and be ready to catch the 6am express shuttle from the Backcountry Office to the South Kaibab Trailhead. That means we need to leave camp at 5:45am local time. No Whining! Since we are leaving so early, we will have breakfast on the trail. We should be back at the cars by 1pm Sunday to head back to Vegas.

Gear: As a rule, you want to pack as light as you can in the Grand Canyon. I did see someone backpacking with a coffee press down there once, but I know I wouldn't want to hike that out.

Trail Conditions: At this time of the year there will most likely be snow/ice at the top if each trail. I will get updates as the trip gets closer, but you will probably want to bring crampons for the first and last mile of the hike.

Tents: Tents are optional in the Grand Canyon unless bad weather is expected. Although we have a permit for a campsite for up to 6 people, they are not large enough to hold 6 two-man tents. When I was there in September, our site only held 3 tents. Due to this constraint, please no 2 man tents for a single person, and preferably no tent or use a solo tent/bivy.

Food: It takes twice as much food to hike out of the canyon as it does to get in. Bring plenty of food, but remember that you have to hike out what you don't eat.

Water: We will be hiking on Corridor trails. There is drinking water at Bright Angel Campground and Indian Gardens Campground. The water at the rim, 1 1/2 and 3 mile rest stops will not be on at this time. Always bring a source of water purification when hiking below the rim in case a pipe breaks.

Restroom Facilities: Cedar Ridge, Bright Angel, Indian Gardens, 3 Mile and 1 1/2 Miles Rest Houses. There is not always toilet paper, so you might want to pack some of your own.

Critters: The critters are very aggressive in the Grand Canyon. We will have 2 ammo cans in our campsite and there is a hook to hang backpacks.

The Fine Print: Because I have to pay for the permit and camping in advance, so do you. Please add yourself to the waiting list and I will get you paypal information. I don't get a refund if you cancel, so neither do you. Be prepared to pitch in for gas if you carpool. There is a $25 entrance fee if you don't have a National Parks Pass.