hike across the Grand Canyon

Four Seasons Outfitters is definitely a great resource if you are thinking of doing this. They have a 4 day trek and provide tents, sleeping bags, pads, treking poles and packs fitted to your needs. The groups are of four people with one guide. The guide we had, Brian, was great. He carried and prepped all the good food we ate and pretty much set up camp himself. They even provide trips on training. Definitely train – it makes all of the difference.

So I am up to carrying 30lb packs when I hike. This week, I got in about 4 hours of hiking plus addditional time at the gym. Easter snow made it messy and is keeping me off of more mountainous areas. Slipping and sliding sounds too good a way to get injured to risk it. Today, a pair of coyotes crossed the path during a hike. They looked at me but took off when I yelled and clapped my hands.

Getting gear together. A bunch of stuff came in from Campmor this week. There is still the need to start a list of things to bring and work on paring it down and seeing what it all weighs.

So the outfitter recommends 5 hours per week of exercise, preferably hiking. Last week, the weather was in the 60s and all our snow melted, so you would figure finally some hiking out on dry (or at least muddy) ground. Friday afternoon to Saturday, a foot of snow fell. After clearing the drives, walks and flat section of roof, I went out snowshoeing on Saturday. So I was tired to begin, but in powder with ice on top, this was one tough hike. Almost had a close encounter with a porcupine and fell spraining a finger. But a bit of pain now means a better hike in Arizona. It is ironic to hike in cold and snow to train for a desert like climate. On the plus side, I was the first person on many of the trails. The best part of my hike was along a stream.

So after spending lots of time on the web looking at outfitters for Grand Canyon trips, I selected Four Season Guides. They do tons of trips and had the best options. They recommend 5 hours of hiking per week, which I managed last week, but have been slacking since. Need to get on it. Also need to get some backpacking boots. My light dayhikers won’t cut it.