Dear Folks,
We have a few days in early OCt after a wedding in Phoenix and were hoping to hike the GC , but are discouraged by lack of openings at Phantom ranch and when considering the North Rim, the possibility of bad weather .
A couple of questions:
1. Has anyone camped for one night at the bottom of GC ? faciliites? do you need a tent?
2. Are there enough day hikes in and around the GC south rim, to warrant staying in the Village for 3 days?
3 .How far are the other great natural hiking sites- eg. Canyon de chelly from Phoenix?
Thanks for your help!
Catherine

Check out all the day hikes there are to do at the Grand Canyon.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/trip_planner/dayhike/day_s_rim.htm

If you only have 3 days you might not want to spend the time driving to other places like Bryce or Zion.

Canyon de Chelly only has one 2.5-mile hike to White House Ruins Trail that you can do without hiring a Navajo guide.

You might want to spend a day doing the short hikes around Wupatki National Mounment south of Cameron, AZ and Montezuma's Castle National Monument just above Camp Verde. There's always Sedona too.

Utahtea

Catherine -

I spent two days at the canyon with one of my best friends a few years ago. It was fabulous. You may want to just take in sites the first day; hike the second; then on the third day drive over to Hoover Dam and also go swimming at the lake there (get an early start). The water is very clear and warm.

A few IMPORTANT pointers on hiking in the canyon: The southern rim is actually about 7,000 ft altitude, so be prepared for the effects of the higher altitude if you're not used to it. Start your hike very early in the a.m. To hike a few miles into the canyon will take less than an hour, but will take several hours to get back out (I think at least 4 if I remember correctly, and we were both in good athletic condition). Be sure to carry a backpack with plenty of water, some fruit, cheese, water, toilet paper, and water. Did I mention water? Seriously, the trails don't have any ammenities to speak of, such as water stations or toilets (you may find one of each depending on the trail you use). We saw at least one tourist suffering from heat stroke (temps in the canyon during the mid-day become very, very hot). Last, be sure to wear very comfortable hiking boots - get them now and break them in. Hope this helps; have fun!!

About camping below the Rim.

You can't just hike below the Rim and spread your sleeping bag. You MUST have a permit to do so. The link for info on getting such a permit is

www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/permit_procedures.htm

Basically, you'll be lucky to get one at this late a date, but October isn't out of the question. Also, you MIGHT get a last second cancellation if you just show up at the Back Country Office right at 8 am.

Thanks All , for the tips- the website for day hikes is very helpful!
Heard that the snakes and scorpions will curl up with us without a tent so,I guess I'll look for a tent!
Still hoping for acancelation at the Phantom ranch-wish me luck!
Catherine

We've hiked 4 times to the bottom.
It has been from 100 to 115 degrees.
Phantom Ranch is usually sold out 2 years in advance. You need to be in VERY GOOD physical shape to enjoy hiking down and out. Best is to just hike halfway down and back and do the rim hikes. Some Day do the river trip - - 6 days, it is a wonderful way to see the canyon. We did it last year and we're 65!!! Three days doesn't even begin to enjoy the canyon that's why we have been back 7 times and we're headed to the North Rim in Sept. (our favorite). Slow down, take it easy and enjoy each time of the day.

In reference to hiking the Grand Canyon - we spent one day on the trail at the top of the South Rim. I'm not sure how long the trail is but we easily walk 2 to 3 miles one way. Once you get 100 yards away from the lodges and buses ;-) the trail was mostly empty. The views were great and the only problem for me was the small kids (4 to 5 years old) on the trail with parents who were enjoying the view more than watching their children. The walls and fences near the lodge were helpful in preventing disaster but further done the trail, there was no protection - scary!

Mike Honeycutt

Thanks for the tips,
still checking for a Phantom Ranch cancellation. Also sent a fax to the NPS for a camping permit. No reply-does anyone know the lag time for a response?Getting mixed signals re the dificulty of the hike-we are in better than average shape-50somethings-really too hard for one day in, one out?
Also can we reserve a bag lunch from the Phantom ranch to take out?
Catherine

My wife and I walked down one day, spent the night at the dorms at Phantom Ranch, and walked out the next day. Do-able, but I don't recommend it unless you are in GREAT shape.

You can reserve a pack lunch from Phantom Ranch (or breakfast, or dinner) with 24 hour notice. They're expensive because all food has to be taken down by pack mule.

Catherine - do you have your heart set on staying at Phantom Ranch? We rented a cabin on the south rim, and you are literally just feet from the edge. (About $90.00 per night in '97). We then hiked halfway down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail and back out, and did other hikes around the south canyon rom, all the while within walking distance to the beautiful El Tovar Hotel (great place for a glass of wine on the veranda!) and restaurants.

Also, the nights get downright cold in October, although days should still be pleasant. Enjoy your trip!

Still no luck with cancellation at Phantom but have reservations at El Tovar for 3 days-
Option:found a group that leads hikes into Havasu Canyon-3 days, all meals, gear, carried by horses-pick up and drop off in Flagstaff-"Discovery Trek" sounds neat but expensive at $700 pp.
Anyone know them or Havasu Cnayon vs staying and dayhiking in the GC?
Thanks,
Catherine