hike across the Grand Canyon

Had every intention of completing the rim to rim hike over 2 days (had a night booked at Phantom Ranch) in September 2005. Upon arriving at the South Rim Visitor Center we were greeted by a number of signs stating that due to a number of forest fires burning round the rim, it was highly recommended that asthmatics (one of which I unfortunately am) don’t attempt the hike as breathing would prove difficult upon reaching the inner canyon. Since I’d rather not die trying to complete one of my 43 things, we took the frustrating decision not to do the rim to rim.

We did hike about 3 miles down the Bright Angel trail however, which was fantastic – a taster of what’s to come when we return for a 2nd attempt. We’d done a considerable amount of training which made it all the more annoying, as after doing the 3 miles down and 3 back up again, we felt absolutely fine – so I’m pretty confident we would’ve coped ok if not for the fires (I know it would’ve got harder a few miles on though).

Seeing as we now had a couple of unplanned spare days, we also did a helicopter flight over the canyon and drove to the far less touristy North rim. We took in a v. interesting Ranger walk there and went and saw the end of the trail we should’ve come up had things gone differently… Oh well, hopefully next time.

We did intend to have another crack at it this year, but unfortunately left it too late and everything was booked up – so it’s been pushed back again to next year! But we’ll certainly check the forest fire situation nearer the time!

... And it wasn’t filled for the month of October. I guess we’ll have to wait and request permits for May (when the North Rim reopens) in a few months. I’m completely bummed and I need to think of a new non-dissertation-related goal for the summer.

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.