This wouldn't be a hike to start out on in my opinion. It would be like driving a semi truck before learning to drive a car(sortof). That said, you'll probably be fine if you are in good shape. You want to be doing something with a lot of incline/decline. Where do you live? You should do some hikes before going. You'll want to make sure to have plenty of water along the way. Most people like to start early(5:00AM ish)both going down and coming back up.

I would stay for 2 nights if you can at Phantom.

Get several people with cell phones(so you are all in the same room)or borrow some cell phones. Start calling and then one of you will get through(hopefully).

You might consider a rim to rim hike. North Rim opens May 15. This way you could see both sides as the north is different. You would need to have a shuttle service. You would also need reservations on the North, South, and Phantom. You would be dealing with two different concessionaires too. It would most likely be cold to cool and possibly even snow on the north rim.

Hopefully, Bill_h will puts his two cents in as he has hiked it numerous times and can give you lots of pointers. I'm actually debating about going May 2013 myself.

1) The sure thing is to sign up for the over-night mule ride. They hold open rooms for those guys because they are paying so much more. Any excess space is then made available to hikers.

2) If you can't get a cabin then there are dorms with bunk-beds that are much easier to get, but I hear these can be noisy, and you'll be in a different room than your husband.

3) Camping is fine, if you're worried about carrying gear then there's a mule for that (for a small additional fee). You can camp but still take your meals at the dining room (for a big additional fee).

4) Finally, here's a story ... on one of our rafting trips we had a lady who was I think 77 years young and who had signed up for just the first half of the trip, ending at Phantom. Most people doing this would just hike out that same day but she didn't think she could do this since the boats wouldn't get to Phantom until 9 AM or maybe later.

Her plan was to get a cabin and have a grand-daughter hike down and stay over-night with her, then hike out slowly the following day. But initially she couldn't get a cabin (back then they allowed more mule riders than now, so it was very tough to get a cabin).

So every single day she would call the reservation people and chat with them. There were only a few people in the office (I think at the time it was handled in St. George, Utah and not out-sourced) and she became "friends" with them, explaining why she really needed the cabin and playing to their sympathies.

Anyway, with just a couple weeks to go before the rafting trip she got the reservation because the ladies at the office remembered her and "saved" a cabin for her when there was a cancellation. So keep trying ... and if you're really desperate make friends with the reservation clerks ... and if you're REALLY desperate maybe add 25 years to your age?

"We have not done any hiking, are both 54 but are in good physical shape (I workout 4-5 days a week, 1-2 hrs. a day). Should I be concerned about being able to make this trip?"

You're in good enough physical shape to do the hike so long as the heat isn't too high, but you should get in some advance hiking wearing the boots you'll use in the GC or your feet will likely get chopped up pretty bad with blisters.

May is a good time because the temperatures shouldn't be too high (though it was already 99 F at Phantom earlier this week). If the high temp is projected over 95 F then you should plan on starting your hike out as early as possible (I like 5 AM but you'll probably have to wait another hour for breakfast). With light packs it shouldn't be too hard to hike out if you are working out 1-2 hours most days.

> tips on getting a reservation
> Any new suggestions or tips available?

I think the suggestion I found thirty years ago is the best: be flexible. If you're willing to take ANY date that's available, then you should be able to get SOME date. The key is to FIRST get the date of when you'll be at Phantom Ranch, THEN make your other travel plans, like flight reservations.

> We have not done any hiking, are both 54
> but are in good physical shape

The exercise you'll have to start doing, several months before you do this hike, is to strengthen your knees. Specifically, you'll have to walk up and down several flights of stairs, over and over. You're not ready to do The Canyon until you can do exactly that, non-stop, for over an hour. Talk to your doctor or physical trainer to ensure you can work up to this regimen over time -- do NOT try to do this when you start!

If you get your knees in shape, carry LOTS of water when you go down, wear a hat, long sleeved shirts, and lots of sun-screen; then I think you'll be able to do this hike.

If you do the proper preparation, this will be one of the best hikes of your life. If you don't, it will be the worst. It's that simple -- and the choice is entirely YOURS.

I forgot to mention: here's some audio tips from the people who have to rescue the people who don't plan and prepare well.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/hike_smart-00.htm

Search youtube. I always look at a hike before going. You can see Bright Angel Trail, Kaibab, Rim to Rim, Mules, Etc.

Thanks, great advice! I wanted to do the mule trip but my husband said no way, he would rather hike, so hike it will be. I have heard that stair training before hand was the best way to prepare and one place said even a mini-tramp to strengthen knees. I would definitely get some good hiking boots months ahead of time and break them in well and do several hikes. We live in Missouri so we can find some good hiking trails around. We are totally flexible on times in May, 2 dates that we can't do it because of daughter's graduations from college but otherwise totally open so I'm hoping that will help. Thanks again!!

No new suggestions, just be prepared to apply for a permit to camp if you can't get a dorm or cabin reservation. You can apply for the permit 4 months in advance so you'll have plenty of time between May 1 2012 and January 1 2013 to check for cancellations on the dorms/cabins.

You have plenty of time to read up on the hike and get in shape for it. For sure use the duffel service to lighten your load, your knees will thank you for it.

That hike was the first time I'd ever gone backpacking - I had done plenty of camping and hiking before but never backpacked, so don't be scared off because you've never done it before. But I would suggest trying to do some hikes in the desert/mountains beforehand to get more of a feel for what you're in for, although nothing really prepares you for the Grand Canyon like the Grand Canyon. Just read up and heed the advice of those who have done it many times and you will be fine.

Not sure where you live at in Missouri. Since you haven't hiked before there are some GREAT hikes in and around The Buffalo River. I can suggest many. One that is somewhat tough is Hemmed in Hollow. Consider it a mild warmup for the GC. Go just after a rain to see the waterfall really flowing at its best. It is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and Rockys. And assuming that you have never backpacked, then I would surely do that a few times before attempting that in the GC. Maybe try the 27 mile Eagle Rock Loop.

Hiking and walking on stairs or a treadmill are totally different. Actually go hiking.

No way should you hike down with camping gear if you are not an avid hiker and you are doing this during a warm/hot time of year (a better time to hike is during the colder times of year). My sister has done that and even as an athlete and avid hiker she said she would never camp again and has not, even though she has hiked the canyon several times since.

When you call, be ready to make decisions about your stay on the rim the day before going down and the day you come back up.

Also, they will take your meal reservations. For dinner you have a choice between Hiker's Stew, steak and a vegetarian meal. I thought I wanted a steak after that long hike but I didn't have the stomach for it and was wishing for the stew. You will also order your breakfast and a bag lunch that you will pick up before you leave. Be ready--it's all pretty pricy but what else are you going to do. The food is good and plenty of it.

You will make all these reservations with one phone call.

I was told the only way you could get a cabin was to take the mules down but you could ask.

The dorm was fine. They have around 6 bunk beds in each dorm with a bathroom with a shower. I found that people made a point to be very quiet.

A great website with lots of great info on hiking the canyon:
www.hitthetrail.com

We did South Kaibab down and Bright Angel back up. South Kaibab is steeper so you have to get your knees/legs ready for that but it gives you the best views of the canyon of the two by far.

Read up on tricks to keep your toes from hitting the end of your boots. People do bad damage to their toes if they don't keep this from happening.

I was worried about getting back up after getting to the bottom because my knees were really sore but we were told by the ranger that it is actually easier on your body coming back up. Take ibuprofen before going to bed and with breakfast before you start back up.

Hiking sticks are a must, IMO.

A lot of people do say going up is easier. One of those people wouldn't be me. I prefer going down.

Spirobulldog-thanks for the tips of good hiking here in MO, we'll have to give them a try. We are in the KC area.

Connie-we would probably use the mules to pack our camping gear if we have to do that, I'm still holding out hope for a cabin or dorm at Phantom Ranch tho! I figure if and when I get the reservation then I'll start asking all of the questions about what gear we need, how best to prepare and start reading up on that stuff. First things first tho, figure out where we are staying and when we are going! Can't wait for May 1st to start calling bright and early!

We have been down there three times, once at Phantom and twice camping. We prefer the campground over the dorms at Phantom; the campground is very clean and you have more privacy and a very scenic setting right on the creek. But if you can get a cabin at Phantom that is the beat. And now that they have cut back on the jumper of mules, there are one or two cabins for hikers.

If you do wish to camp, you can pay to send most of your gear down on the mules and that is money well spent, especially if you are mot experienced backpackers.

We prefer the stew dinner over the steak, both for the food and the time for dinner. 5:00 is too early for us to have dinner.

So sad, we had 3 phones going and called for 1 hr 45 min. straight before I finally got through and they were already completely booked for May 2013. Now we are contemplating camping or maybe trying a winter month (November maybe??). Not sure we can even get accommodations then either. Feb. only had room for me in the dorm, no men's spots available so didn't check any further on earlier months. Any thoughts on going in the winter, is the hiking really treacherous then? Other question is if we try getting a camping permit for April or May do you try to book meals at the Phantom Ranch first and then get the permit to match the meal availability or get the permit first and then see if meals are available? Not sure what to do now, I was so hoping to get a reservation today

hey, I share your pain; we also tried for hours and couldn't get reservation...

It is rumered that Phantom is one of the hardest places in the US to get reservations.

You can call back from time to time and see if there are cancellations. Every time we have been down there, we have met people who lucked into a cancellation a few weeks before.

As for hiking in the winter, it is beautiful at the bottom of the canyon, and temperatures are moderate. The top part of the trail can be snowy or worse yet, icy. But people do hike it pretty much every day. Hiking poles and traction devices on your boots (like StabilIcers) help a lot. The trail is wide and well-graded, and the mules punch holes that rough it up a lot. You are not in danger of going over the edge, just slipping and falling on your bum.

As for camping at Bright Angel, as I mentioned above we prefer that over staying in the dorms at Phantom. The campground is very nice. If you try to book meals at Phantom first, then you are limiting your dates for getting a permit. You are much more likely to get a permit if you are flexible on dates, especially in April and May, which are popular times. So I suggest getting the permit first, and then looking for meals at Phantom. We have always been able to score 5 dinners; not one th efirst call but with persistence. We take our own breakfast and get coffee at the kitchen window.

If you would rather not carry full packs with camping gear, you can send a 30-p[ound duffel down on the mules for around $60 (each way). It is worth it in terms of comfort and making the hike more enjoyable, especially if you have creaky old knees like I do. They only take gear down to Phantom with no intermediate drop point, so if you want to do this you cannot include a night at Indian Garden on the way back up. Some people like to break up the hike out of the canyon that way to make it easier, but I would take an extra night at Bright Angel over a night at Indian Garden any day.

for camping any time in April you would send your application (by fax) on Dec. 1. For May, on Jan. 1.

I also tried for almost 2 hours non-stop this morning with no luck. Bummer...time to start preparing Plan B.

Thanks enzian, we may try the camping route and we would probably send our gear by mule, don't think we want to try carrying that. Good to know that it is better to get the camping permit first, I wasn't sure which route to go there.

I was interested to hear if you got a reservation. I came across this forum while on the phone trying to get a reservation. I have the same story... 2hours of trying but no luck!!

Sherry---I think lots of people do it the other way round---book Phantom meals first and then try to get a permit for their dates. Then they don't get a permit because they had no flexibility, and then they have to cancel their meals. But they might not do it right away.

So If you get the permit and call right away for meals, they will probably be sold out. Just keep calling back. Once it took me 5 tries, but I was booking 5 dinners each night for 2 nights, so just kept adding them.

The Wave, Phantom Ranch, Half Dome--you might hit the lotterey before getting one of those.

I've never tried Phantom yet, I have tried twice each on the wave and half dome. Didn't score on any of those tries.

Seriously though, you could try somewhere else in Utah. Maybe go to the north rim, then hike something in Zion or Bryce. Really can't go to wrong with any of them. I do know though, that when you have your heart set on something, that's whay you want to do. I think you should consider camping and just letting the mules tote everything for you. Might be a better experience anyway. My friend that has hiked down says she thinks Oct and May are best months. I don't know for sure, but I doubt in November you would have to much weather to worry about. It might be really comfortable then anyway.

Depending on which route you take, do determine where water is available at, so you will know when to fill up you bottles, camelbacks, or whatever you have.

After some discussion my husband decided he would do the mule trip down so we booked a 2 night mule trip the very end of February (all that was available except for Dec./Jan for 2 night trip). I'm so excited. Now we can take the 2nd day at Phantom Ranch and hike some and then maybe even hike part of the way down Bright Angel Trail on the day we get back from the mule trip (we get back around 1:00) so we'll still have half a day. We have our rooms on the rim the day before and after the trip so I think we're set. Now I need to start researching the mule trip a little more so I know what to take!

Glad you are able to make the trip down. I'd love to do it but DH is very negative and also probably wouldn't make the weight limit.

That was part of my husband's reluctance, he will have to lose about 5 pounds. He has plenty of time to do it in. If he doesn't make the weight he's prepared to hike down, we still have the cabin and meals reserved.

We went in mid March. There was still lots of snow and ice on the trails about 1/4 of the way down. It really scared me but Yak Trax made me feel secure and none of us had any problems. After the snow you end up in mud and then powdery dirt with lots of steps up/down. I found I much preferred the snow/ice.

My sister has done the canyon 4 times--always in winter. Temps are much better for hiking in that part of the country. We started with heavy layers and peeled off layers as we went down because it gets warmer and warmer--but pleasantly warm. I just can't imagine doing that hike in the summer months.

I thought they had a very lenient cancellation policy--48 hours I think. Since people have to book it so far in advance, I think both those factors create lots of cancellations. Keep trying.

We have the mule trip booked which gets us the cabin for 2 nights and the meals the whole time so I asked on the phone if we should get there and he didn't make the weight could he walk down and still stay in the cabin and eat his meals we had already paid for and they said yes. I was surprised. Their cancellation policy is very lenient, 48 hours in advance for a full refund. Of course they probably have no problem filling every cancellation. We will have to figure out what to wear as it will be cold at the rim and much nicer at the bottom.

You will definitely need to dress in layers. Our 4 previous mule trips have been in December (cold and snowy on a couple of trips).
Definitely wear long underwear (we always wear silk, it is warm and lightweight), over that jeans. On top we had the silk, then either a t-shirt or turtleneck, fleece jacket and rain/wind jacket. They will give you a yellow rain slicker too. Very chic !!
Footwear - silk sock liners, and wool socks. Wore Keen Voyager shoes. Good for riding and good for hiking at PR. Don't forget wool / fleece hat and gloves.

Giddyup

I wouldn't wear anything cotton, if I wanted to keep warm or cool. However, if riding a mule, not sure what I would wear.

Sherry:

On the one hand, I have seen people ranging from 6 yo-mid 80s hiking into and out of Phantom. Those at the end of the age spectrum all hired mules to take their gear for them. Initially, I was going to write that you could easily do the hike down into the canyon--with only a day pack it really isn't that bad. (this is coming from someone who has backpacked from rim to river and back 4x from both the north and south rim. It was a stretch to call some of them trails. The North Kaibab and Bright Angel are AWESOME trails!!!)

BUT when you wrote that your husband would have to lose weight to ride the mules--he'll need to be that weight to successfully hike into the canyon (unless he is really super tall and thus is height and weight proportional ). So good for you for getting the mule ride.

The one thing none has mentioned here (that i have seen) is hiking/trekking poles. Do not go into the Canyon without them!!! Just collapse them and put them in your gear bag and then you can use them for day hikes once you get into the canyon. Practice with them before you go. The other secret for doing big downhills is to tie your boots correctly-- ask at your local outdoors store or google something like tying knots for hiking downhill. And, lastly, go to a dance store and buy the gel pads they put in toe shoes! Get the pink kind--they are thicker. They fit over the toes of your socked foot and then you slip your foot into your boots. It helps absorb the force of going downhill. On my last trip off the North Rim, I only lost 3 toenails using these methods!

Good advice StantonHyde! My husband is 6'2" and about 205 so he is proportionate and in fairly good shape. I know we will do some hiking while we are in the canyon so hopefully we'll both have a great time. I don't think they will let you take trekking poles on the mules unless they collapse really small and I haven't seen any that get that small. My understanding is it is a pretty small plastic bag they give you for your overnight stuff. I'm sure I'll find out more when I get the info in the mail. Thanks again.

Unless the hiking poles fit in the plastic bags, you will not be allowed to take them along. I don't think I've ever seen hiking poles that can collapse to that small a size. The bag size is about 10" x 20" (and you must be able to roll the top of the bag to secure the contents)
We have always seen "hiking sticks" around PR that people have used and left there.
If you are hiking to Ribbon Falls on your extra day, you really don't need hiking poles, except for the last mile or so before the falls, the hike is pretty much flat (with only slight elevation gain) all the way.
When you husband goes to weigh in, tell him to remove everything but the bare necessities ie: watch, belt, wallet, phone, keys. They are really strict about the 200lb weight limit.
Giddyup

So if you go in on the mules, they restrict you to what seems like a very small bag. But if you pay the money for the mules to haul your gear you must get a lot more space--people send their tents and food down. hmm. Oh well, that's the system and you have to go with it! I will say that I don't use poles for usual day hiking--its the weight of a full pack and the severe down hill that make me reach for my poles.

Forgot to add--I can see why the weight limit is 200 lbs but that does leave out people/men who are tall. It's not too hard to be 200 lbs if you are over 6 feet.

I agree, 200 lbs is tough for a tall guy but I also see why they have it. It is quite a trip for the mules. I'm sure my husband will do whatever he can to make the weight and we'll make sure he doesn't have anything extra on his body. I figure I will carry the camera, and anything extra because I won't have any trouble with the weight part.

Good to know that hiking poles won't be needed for Ribbon Falls because that is the one place we want to go to while we're at Phantom Ranch. Any other suggestions of what to do on our day at PH?

PS - You will have 2 plastic bags to carry your stuff down with you.
If you were only spending 1 night at Phantom Ranch you would only get 1 bag.
They won't weigh you with the camera. My husband even wore his "light" clothes to weigh in.
Giddyup

PS - What else to do on your free day at PR?
Depending on what time you start your hike to Ribbon Falls and how fast you hike and how long you spend there, it may take up much of the day.
Another great little hike is up the Clear Creek Trail - there is a great view overlooking PR and just a little bit around the corner are some great views of the Colorado River.
You could also walk down to the Colorado River.
And you could also visit your mules !!
After hiking all the way to Ribbon Falls and back, you might not feel much like doing anything other than having a lemonade in the canteen.
Giddyup

That helps to know he can wear his "light clothes", maybe a windsuit??? I figured they would weigh him just before he got on the mule. Learning more all the time thanks to you guys!

You should check in at the Bright Angel transportation desk the day before your ride. They will weigh you both, and then get you to read and sign a waiver form. They will give you 2 plastic bags each and your yellow rain slickers.
Then you can go to Bright Angel Lodge or El Tovar and pig out at the restaurant !!!!
If for some reason your DH doesn't make the weight, (maybe 1 or 2lbs over, they will ask him to come back on the morning of the ride to try again. If that's the case, then it's no dinner and no breakfast for him to try and make the 200lb weight limit. But if that happens, he needs to put some granola bars or candy or whatever in his coat pockets so he can get some food into him before the ride.
For a trip in February 2013, he has plenty of time to lose 5 to 10 lbs.
On our first trip my DH lost over 25 lbs.
If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Giddyup

Right now he is around 201 so I think we should be good. I'm impressed that yours lost 25 pounds, that's quite an accomplishment. I'm hoping for the good dinner the night before we leave!

Gilbert--I loved your advice on weight management