Location:                 Grand Canyon

Date:                      March 21-30, 2008

Party Members:        Matt, Travis, Laszlo, Kevin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canyon Details:  (40 miles hiking distance)

Day 1 (Monday):  3.0 Easy down miles.  We will park the Escape in the parking lot near the Back Country Office.  The upper portion of the trails may be icy so we will make a last minute go/no-go decision before we leave the Back Country Office based on current conditions.  Provided all looks good, we'll load our packs and make our way to Grandview Point (bus and/or shuttle service).  At 7400' the trail head at Grandview Point is the highest point on the South Rim.  Expect cold (near freezing) temps and wind.  Bring a warm (not too bulky) layer and a wind breaker layer.  As we descend into the canyon, we will gain protection from the wind and the temps will increase with every step.  We'll drop 2600' to Horseshoe Mesa and set up camp.  Explore.

 

Day 2: 7.0  Flat miles.  Hiking from Horseshoe to Grapevine should be relatively flat.

 

Day 3: 12.2 Flat miles.  Hiking from Grapevine to Cremation should be relatively flat.

 

Day 4: We have three options here depending on how we feel. 

  • a)  13.7 miles.  Cremation to Tip-off (2.4 up/down miles) + Tip-off to river (2.0 easy down miles) + river to Rim via Bright Angels (9.3 moderate miles).

  • b) 11.1 miles.  Cremation to Tip-off (2.4 up/down miles) + Tip-off to Indian Garden (4.1 easy miles) + Indian Garden to Rim via Bright Angel (4.6 moderate miles).

  • c) 6.6 miles.    Cremation to Tip-off (2.4 up/down miles) + Tip-off to Rim (4.4 up miles).

 

 

What to bring:

Here's a list of stuff off the top of my head that each of you will need.  I've got extras of everything so if you're having trouble rounding anything up just let me know and I'll see if I can cover you.

 

General
Permission notes signed by parents, include permission for the trip and to provide medical care
Sleeping bag:  light weight, warm and compact  (I have one extra)
Duffel bag
Camera
Small notebook w/ pen/pencil
Advil plus any other medication you may need
Four days worth of Non hiking clothes
Swim suit, Bath towel
Personal hygiene

Car stuff:  Books, games etc.

Hiking Gear
Frame backpack

Earth mat.  I'd discourage the inflatable type, but it's your choice
Headlamp w/ batteries and spare bulb
Mole skin:  Don't get fancy, no shaped or padded stuff.  Just plane flat sheets.
Water bottles:  4 litters.  I like the liter sized Aquafina, but it's your choice.
Pocket knife (optional)
Compass (we may do some orienteering practice if we have time)

Hiking Clothes
Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
Socks:  2 Sets.  Each set includes three pair of varying thickness.  Please no cotton tube socks.
Wind layer: Top and bottom.
Warm layer: Top and bottom + thin cold weather hat and thin gloves.
Light hiking layer (shorts/light baggy pants light shirt)
Sun screen , sun hat, sun glasses

Hiking Food - High quantity, High Calorie, Low weight
3 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

3 Dinners

Lots of trail snack

 

Community Gear (I'll provide all of this):
2 Tents 
2 Stoves
Cook kit
First Aid kit
Maps