Hiking Grand Canyon

November 2009 Backcountry Conditions

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:50:06 -0700

Today is November 4, 2009 and signs of winter are everywhere along the rim. As of this date there are no special road or trail closures in effect that require specific discussion.
Drinking water piped into sources in the upper section of the canyon has been turned off for the winter. This shutoff includes Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses on the Bright Angel Trail as well as Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs Picnic Area, and Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. This means the only year-round sources of purified drinking water below the rim are Indian Garden Campground on the Bright Angel Trail, Bright Angel Campground on the canyon floor, and the pumphouse residence between Roaring Springs and Cottonwood Campground on the North Kaibab Trail. Potential problems with the pipeline remain an ongoing possibility so hikers are urged to make a last-minute check to confirm availability of drinking water prior to starting down.
The seasonal intermittent sources such as Lone Tree Canyon or Cottonwood Creek have started to produce water and hikers have recently reported enough water to allow collection emerging from both of these sources. Boulder Creek remains dry or almost dry as of this date, but should start to produce small amounts of water soon. We have received no reports of water in the side canyons between the South Bass and Boucher Trails as so those sources remain suspect at best. Anyone expecting to take water from such sources should make every effort to obtain recent confirmation of availability and become familiar with routes to the river before starting the hike.

PSAR05 - Hiking with Infants and Toddlers

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:27:19 -0700

Heading out into the natural environment with children can be a fantastic experience for both parent and child. Children often bring our attention back to the wonder of small things we may miss while taking in the grandeur of the Canyon. Hiking with children in a place known for extreme temperatures and high cliffs also presents a unique set of safety challenges. In this podcast I will present some suggestions for keeping your infant or small child protected from heat-illness, dehydration, sunburn and falls. I will also give you a checklist of items you might want to bring with you on your hike, and some suggested trail destinations.

PSAR01 - What is Preventive Search and Rescue?

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:41:30 -0700

As a PSAR Ranger, my job is to help visitors avoid needing to be rescued by providing education about the hazards of hiking in the Grand Canyon, and the time and equipment necessary to complete a planned hike.

PSAR02 - 10 Essentials for Grand Canyon Hiking

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:41:41 -0700

Before we can head down the trail we need to pack the equipment and supplies we will need for the hike. Whenever I hike the trails, even if I’m only intending to go a short distance, I always bring the ten essentials. Someone much smarter than me once said "The only constant in life is change." And at the Grand Canyon plans can change quickly due to the weather, illness, injury or fatigue. If you plan for a hike to take longer than you expect, you will be better prepared if things don’t go according to plan.

PSAR03 - Heading down the trail: It’s all about planning

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:41:52 -0700

Before we start down the trail though, there are a few more things to consider. First and foremost, are you in good physical condition? If you have any medical problems talk to your doctor before visiting the Grand Canyon to make sure you are healthy enough to hike steep and difficult trails. You can see beautiful views of the Canyon from the Rim Trail, or you may want to limit your hike to 15-30 minutes down trail. Remember it takes most hikers one and a half to two times the amount of time it took to hike down to hike back up. So a 30 minute hike down the trail may take 1 hour to come back up.

PSAR04 - Self-rescue Tips

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:41:58 -0700

Some of the most common problems I see on the trail are fatigue, nausea and leg cramps. Many times these problems are caused by the early stages of hyponatremia, or too little salt, along with too few calories for a high level of exertion. This hiker has done several things right. When he got tired he sat down in the shade to rest, and he has tried to eat and drink this morning. Although he’s feeling sick right now, many times these problems can be resolved with rest, salty food, water and electrolytes.

Hiking Grand Canyon - Audiocast

Sat, 5 Jan 2008 08:00:00 +0000

This is an audio podcast made from the soundtrack of Hiking Information Video. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon. 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. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

1) Preparation - Hiking Grand Canyon

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:42:35 -0700

Part 1 of the video tells you how to prepare for your hike or backpacking trip. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon. 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. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

2) Your Hike - Hiking Grand Canyon

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:46:13 -0700

Part 2 of the video tells shows an backpacking trip in progress and what to do when faced with a variety of situations during your hike or backpacking trip. A Grand Canyon hike can be one of the most challenging and memorable experiences of a lifetime. But no hike in the canyon is easy: the terrain is steep, dry and rugged. This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

3) Review - Hiking Grand Canyon

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:55:20 -0700

Part 3 of the video provides a brief review of the Grand Canyon Hiking Information from parts 1 and 2 of this video program. If you wish to camp anywhere in the park, other than in developed campgrounds on the North Rim, South Rim, or Tuweep, you must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Information Center. Backcountry travelers must have their permit in their possession while in the backcountry. Once a camp is established, the permit must be attached to a pack, tent, or other equipment in plain view so it can be easily checked by rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, itinerary, number of people, and dates specified on the permit. Permits for all overnight backcountry use must be obtained through the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm