Short Backpack in the Canyon, South Rim
Description:
Spend four nights in the depths of the Grand Canyon. Anytime you want to camp inside the canyon, you have to plan ahead to obtain permits. You may visit the backcountry office, located in Grand Canyon village in the Park, or fax a request for permit form found on the National Park Website. Either way, the permits go quickly in the spring and fall, so plan early! It can also be difficult to reserve lodging in the Park for the night before and/or after your trip unless you act ahead of time. El Tovar is the finest of the lodges in the park. Bright Angel Lodge has historical charm and the Maswik Lodge is the most down-to-earth. Stay in Yavapai as a last resort. Since the point of your trip is to be outside, you may also want to opt for one of the campgrounds located on the rim. It's best to stay in the park the night before you head down into the canyon so that you can be sure to get an early start. In hot weather, plan to start walking before or at dawn, and plan on a siesta during the heat of the day. You can find shade under one of the cottonwoods planted in the more populated areas or under your tent shell. This trip is challenging and only for the experienced hiker. If you are traveling from sea-level, give yourself a few days to acclimate to the elevation before your start this rigorous hike. There are many easier backpacking trips in the surrounding area, but there is something magical and addictive about this canyon. You just have to see for yourself.
Author: Jennifer
Day 1 - Grand Canyon National Park
Collect your stuff and collect yourself on the rim of the Grand Canyon and let your imagination travel down the canyon wall ahead of you.
1
Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli
Location:
view in google mapsMarket Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
+1 928 638 22622
Yavapai Lodge
Location:
view in google maps499 Linger Lane
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 26312
Bright Angel Point
Location:
view in google mapsAZ State Route 67
(Near Grand Canyon Lodge)
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86022
Phone:
928 638 78883
El Tovar Dining Room
Location:
view in google mapsEl Tovar Lodge
P. O. Box 699
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
+1 928 638 2631Day 2 - Grand Canyon National Park
Today is your descent, seemingly easy since it's all downhill, but it is steep and it is hot and dry, so be sure to take in a lot of water and salt during the day.
1
South Kaibab Trail
Location:
view in google mapsAlong the side road to Yaki Point
(Short distance from East Rim Drive)
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 78882
Phantom Ranch Canteen
Location:
view in google mapsPhantom Ranch
P.O. Box 699
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
+1 928 638 2631Day 3 - Grand Canyon National Park
Now that you're down, you've got a couple days of freedom. I recommend walking down to Clear Creek and finding a nice water hole to camp next to. Set down your packs there and explore.
1
Clear Creek Trail
Location:
view in google mapsP.O. Box 170
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
520-638-7888Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park
Lodging for tonight depends on your schedule for departure. You could drive out of the park tonight or stay a night in one of the lodges inside the park (Yavapai, El Tovar, and Bright Angel). There are chain hotels just outside of the park that are slightly less expensive if all you're looking for is a shower and a bed.
1
Bright Angel Trail
Location:
view in google mapsBetween Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
928 638 78882
Bright Angel Restaurant
Location:
view in google mapsBright Angel Lodge
P. O. Box 699
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 86023
Phone:
(928) 638-2631