Permits. Is it ridiculous that I have to explain to a group of people, who think they know me and my limits better than I do, how I plan on tackling one of the best hikes on the planet? Yes. There is a good reason for the permit process. Stupidity. People, by and large, are idiots. Some people think it's a good idea to just show up and attempt one of the most difficult hikes on the planet without planning anything. Like I said, IDIOTS. I digress.
Grand Canyon's Backcountry permit process is pretty easy. You can submit it up to four months in advance and it must be mailed or faxed, because even though the rest of humanity has learned to use web forms, the U.S. government still hasn't quite figured it out.
Things to remember:
Use common sense and make sure you are adhering to what they consider "best practices". Don't try to hike too far in one day. Don't stay at any campsite longer than two nights. Remember that campgrounds below the rim are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Getting there early ensures you get a better spot.
Acronyms:
MC = Mather Campground
SK = South Kaibab Trail
NK = North Kaibab Trail
BA = Bright Angel Trail
BAC = Bright Angel Campground
CWC = Cottonwood Campground
NRC = North Rim Campground
Here it is.
Day 1: Arrive at Grand Canyon and stay overnight in MC
Day 2: SK from Trailhead to BAC (7mi)
Day 3: NK from BAC to CWC (7.1mi) *Detour to Ribbon Falls*
Day 4: NK from CWC to NRC (6.9mi)
Day 5: NK from NRC to CWC (6.9mi)
Day 6: NK from CWC to BAC (7.1mi)
Day 7: BA from BAC to South Rim Lodge (9.4mi)
Day 8: Drive home
As a reward for nearly 50 miles of hiking, the last night will be spent drinking beer and eating all the carbs we can get our hands on and sleeping in an actual bed at the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim.
Grand Canyon's Backcountry permit process is pretty easy. You can submit it up to four months in advance and it must be mailed or faxed, because even though the rest of humanity has learned to use web forms, the U.S. government still hasn't quite figured it out.
Things to remember:
Use common sense and make sure you are adhering to what they consider "best practices". Don't try to hike too far in one day. Don't stay at any campsite longer than two nights. Remember that campgrounds below the rim are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Getting there early ensures you get a better spot.
Acronyms:
MC = Mather Campground
SK = South Kaibab Trail
NK = North Kaibab Trail
BA = Bright Angel Trail
BAC = Bright Angel Campground
CWC = Cottonwood Campground
NRC = North Rim Campground
Here it is.
Day 1: Arrive at Grand Canyon and stay overnight in MC
Day 2: SK from Trailhead to BAC (7mi)
Day 3: NK from BAC to CWC (7.1mi) *Detour to Ribbon Falls*
Day 4: NK from CWC to NRC (6.9mi)
Day 5: NK from NRC to CWC (6.9mi)
Day 6: NK from CWC to BAC (7.1mi)
Day 7: BA from BAC to South Rim Lodge (9.4mi)
Day 8: Drive home
As a reward for nearly 50 miles of hiking, the last night will be spent drinking beer and eating all the carbs we can get our hands on and sleeping in an actual bed at the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim.
