Grand Canyon Backcountry Updates

Hiking Podcast Updated - date posted Jul 9, 2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:24:50 GMT

The Backcountry Information Center has updated the Hiking Podcast with a July 2009 update. Visit the Grand Canyon Podcast Directory (www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/podcasts.htm) for more information or to subscribe. Additionally the update can be heard on the Backcountry Audiocast page (www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/bc_audiocasts.htm). A transcript of the update is posted on the Backcountry Audiocast page.

Trail Conditions - date posted Jul 1, 2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:21:18 GMT

CROSS-CANYON CORRIDOR

All three Corridor trails (the Bright Angel Trail, the South Kaibab Trail, and North Kaibab Trail) are open and in reasonable condition, but, as always, caution is certainly indicated. Steep rocky descents and big step downs at the water bars mean constant attention to your footing is required. If you want to admire the view, stop walking. Trying to walk and look at the same time is a sure way to a nasty fall as there are about a million things you could trip over.

Trekking poles increase security significantly. Purified drinking water is currently available at the following locations along the cross-canyon corridor: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, Three-Mile Resthouse, Indian Garden Campground Bright Angel Campground, Cottonwood Campground, Roaring Springs picnic area, and Supai Tunnel. The South Kaibab Trail is, as always, bone dry - no water of any kind along the South Kaibab Trail.

Even with the availability of piped-in drinking water hikers still need to carry extra water and during hot weather we recommend one gallon per person. This should be adequate to get you between the water sources and allow a little extra against the unforeseen. Hikers are encouraged to carry some form of water purification as a back-up system against the possibility of water pipeline problems or in case the natural water from the creek between Cottonwood and Bright Angel campgrounds or below Indian Garden is needed to supplement the supply in your pack.

Hikers camping at Indian Garden, Bright Angel, or Cottonwood campgrounds should be sure to use the provided food storage boxes. Each campsite will have a couple of these boxes and it’s essential that campers use them. Nylon poses no barrier at all to the local animal population so use the boxes or incur damage to your gear and the loss of your food.

The South Kaibab Trail is currently closed to stock use to allow much needed trail maintenance work. All horse and mule traffic in and out of the canyon is being routed along the Bright Angel Trail. Hikers using the Bright Angel Trail should be prepared to yield the right of way when mule operations are encountered.

NON-CORRIDOR TRAILS

As of this date all wilderness trails are open and passable. Backcountry roads to remote trailheads are currently passable for competent backcountry vehicles. For more information see Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads elsewhere on this page.

Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads - date posted Jul 1, 2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:21:12 GMT

On the South Rim, Forest Road 328 and Pasture Wash Road to the South Bass trailhead is currently dry but requires a high-clearance vehicle.

On the North Rim, all roads to remote trailheads are open. Forest Road 22 and 425 to the Monument Point and Indian Hollow trailheads for the Thunder River/Deer Creek and Forest Road 8910 and Forest Road 610 to the Nankoweap trailheads are all passable. The Swamp Ridge Road to Swamp Point and the road to Point Sublime are open as well. These conditions could easily change for the worst as the summer monsoon develops. If we receive significant precipitation dry dirt roads could change to a sea of impassible mud so feel free to contact the North Kaibab Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest at 928 643 7395 or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.

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It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?

Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.

Drinking Water outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor - date posted Jul 1, 2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:21:05 GMT

As we slide into the summer months the ephemeral seasonal springs become more and more suspect and eventually many will dry up completely. Water flows permanently in Boucher Creek, Hermit Creek, Monument Creek, Pipe Creek, Grapevine Creek, and Hance Creek and Clear Creek.

Recent reports indicate water is still flowing in Lone Tree Canyon and Cottonwood Creek as of this date, but these sources will soon become unreliable so make a last minute check before starting.

Recent reports indicate a chance for water above the Tonto crossing in Slate, well below the Tonto crossing in Turquoise and possibly at the Tonto crossing in Ruby and Serpentine. These sources will almost certainly dry up sometime within the next few weeks so hikers expecting to take water from these remote sources should confirm availability through the Backcountry Information Center before starting and become familiar with potential routes from the Tonto Platform to the Colorado River.

Arrival of Summer in the Canyon - date posted Jul 1, 2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:20:27 GMT

Summer has arrived on the canyon floor, bringing with it triple digit temperatures and the dangers of heat-related injury. Forecast daytime highs for the next few days are hovering around 110F and as we move into July the heat situation will only intensify. Daytime highs could potentially top 120F. These temperatures are beyond unpleasant or uncomfortable-they are, in fact, dangerous and if you fail to factor the heat into your plan the results could be tragic.

When confronted with such hostility hikers must take active steps to prevent heat stroke and other heat-related injuries. There are several things hikers can do to help mitigate the damage the heat will inflict on the human body. Most important among these is to take full advantage of the hours between 4am and 9am. Set up an itinerary that will allow you to start your hike in the cool of the pre-dawn darkness and arrive at your destination by 9am. Avoid hiking completely between 10am and 4pm.

Everyone knows you need to consume water to stay hydrated, but food intake supplemented by salty snacks is every bit as important to the maintenance of proper electrolyte balance. Avoid synthetic clothing. Wear cotton and take advantage of any water you encounter to wet yourself, your hat and your clothing as well as a towel or bandana to place around your neck. A spray bottle to mist your face is invaluable. Other hot weather essentials include proper pacing of the walk, protective clothing and a brimmed hat. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

As we work through July and August the seasonal winds shift to the south to bring increased moisture from the tropics, kicking off the summer monsoon throughout the desert southwest - thunderstorm and flash flood time at the canyon. The season brings two obvious hazards: lightning on the high points and flooding in the drainages. Hikers will need to consult the weather forecast before starting and monitor developing storms as the day progresses. If clouds build into towering thunderheads, if lightning can be seen in the distance, or if you can hear thunder extra vigilance will be required. Avoid high points or ridgelines and if there is any chance whatsoever of heavy rain higher in the canyon avoid narrow confined drainage bottoms. If confronted with rapidly rising water climb the slopes to safety. Never attempt to outrun a flash flood down the drainage bottom.

During the volatile summer season we encourage hikers to contact the Backcountry Information Center to check on current trail and weather conditions prior to starting down canyon trails.

South Kaibab Trail Reconstruction - date posted Jun 11, 2009

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:11:05 GMT

On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the National Park Service began a project to reconstruct the South Kaibab Trail. The reconstruction project will take approximately two to four years. The National Park Service made a decision to temporarily divert commercial and private stock traffic to the Bright Angel Trail during construction activities for the safety of stock users and hikers alike, as well as to save costs by reducing the time it will take to reconstruct the trail. The South Kaibab Trail will remain open to hikers during trail reconstruction; however, occasional short delays may occur - hikers will be advised to follow instructions provided by trail crew members, or through signing and other advisories.

The reconstruction project will significantly improve the condition of the trail for both hikers and stock users alike. The reconstruction effort will include resurfacing of the trail; rebuilding steps; stabilization and preventative maintenance to existing retaining walls; replacing retaining walls that have been lost to floods, slides, or erosion; repairing and aligning existing water features; and more.

2009 Summer / Fall Backpacking Season - date posted Jun 8, 2009

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:07:04 GMT

Visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm for information regarding the availability of permits for Summer / Fall 2009.

Havasu Canyon Open to Visitors - date posted Jun 8, 2009

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:06:36 GMT

The Havasupai Tribe reopened their land and trails on June 1, 2009 after a 10 month closure due to a major flood event in August 2008. Please inquire about trail and campground conditions from the tribe prior to making a reservation. To contact the Havasupai Tribe please call: Lodging (928) 448-2111 or (928) 448-2201; Tourist Office and Campground:(928) 448-2121 or (928) 448-2141 or visit www.havasupai-nsn.gov

North Rim Open for the Season - date posted May 15, 2009

Fri, 15 May 2009 21:43:09 GMT

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park opened for the season on May 15, 2009. All National Park Service visitor facilities and services are open. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, a Forever Resorts property and Grand Canyon Trail Rides also commenced their season operations on May 15.

At noon on October 16, 2009 Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will close for the season. The National Park Service will continue its operations including the North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore, as well as the North Rim Backcountry Information Center through November 30, unless snow closes Highway 67 leading into the park prior to that date. From October 16 until closure, these facilities will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Starting October 16, campsites with limited services, such as portable toilets, will be available for a $12 fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Forever Resorts will also keep their gift shop and gas station open during the shoulder season. Gift shop hours are expected to be from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and the gas pumps will be available seven days a week, 24-hours a day.

Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor - date posted May 15, 2009

Fri, 15 May 2009 21:43:00 GMT

Purified drinking water is available at Bright Angel Campground and Indian Garden Campground. As always, the South Kaibab Trail is dry - no water of any kind. The list below reflects seasonal changes and will be updated when water is turned on or off.

North Kaibab Trailhead: water turned on
Supai Tunnel: water turned on
Roaring Springs Day Use Area: water turned on
Cottonwood Campground: water turned on
Bright Angel Campground: on year round (except when being repaired)
Indian Garden: on year round (except when being repaired)
Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water turned on
Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water turned on
Bright Angel Trailhead: water turned on
South Kaibab Trailhead: water turned on

Water available on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. Water available on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Office. Plan Ahead and Prepare: A backup method to treat water, should the pipeline break, must always be included as part of your first aid kit.

Hermit Trailhead Access - date posted Apr 20, 2009

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:53:05 GMT

From March 1 to November 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. A numerical code is required to open the gate giving access to Hermit Road. Hikers with a valid backcountry permit who are beginning or ending their hike via the Hermit Trail will be permitted to park at the Hermit trailhead. The Backcountry Information Center will provide the gate access code when the backcountry permit is issued.

Weather dependent, Hermit Road is open to all private vehicles Dec 1 to Feb 28. Be aware that in wintertime inclement weather can cause Hermit Road to close with little notice as storms move through the area. Always check with the Backcountry Information Center regarding the wintertime status of Hermit Road.

South Kaibab Trailhead Access - date posted Apr 20, 2009

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:51:32 GMT

Hikers must access the South Kaibab Trailhead by shuttle bus. There are two options.

A special early morning "hiker's express" shuttle leaves the Bright Angel Lodge and then picks up passengers at the Backcountry Information Center before going directly to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center.
The Kaibab Trail Route shuttle leaves Canyon View Information Plaza and the first stop is South Kaibab Trailhead.

Visit the Shuttle Buses page for schedules and more info.