overwhelmed

We will have a week at the Grand Canyon, and will probably rent a car. There are so many different things to do and see it is overwhelming! Any suggestions of must see and do would be greatly appreciated. Also affordable lodging recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks!

Dandalee

Overwhelmed,

You simply MUST hike down to the bottom, at least to the Tonto Trail which connects from the South Kaibab Trail to the Bright Angel trail. The most beautiful hike I have ever done, departing at 5am down the South Kaibab Trail as the sun started to rise, meeting lots of different people along the way, and then discovering the truest definition of pure silence at the bottom (not even any wind noise).

Do not be one of the multitudes of tourists that stay up top and do not experience the true soul of the canyon! Get down to the bottom (but be prepared and bring plenty of salty food, water, sun protection, etc.)!

USNR

Well, to each his own. A week at the GC would seem to be a bit much. Three days would be plenty, IMHO. Why not take off to Lake Powell? Or take in Bryce Canyon? Or drive over to Canyon de Chelly? Unless you are accustomed to altitudes (the south rim of the GC is at about 7,000 ft.) and in fine physical condition, hiking into the GC all the way to the bottom and back out is far more than you should attempt. Yes, hike into the canyon -- but do take it easy. Too many hikers go beyond their physical limits and live to regret it. Others have to be lifted out by helicopter -- and that will cost mega-bucks.

PaulRabe

While I have stated innumerable times that hiking into the Canyon is essential to the experience, do *NOT* go down the South Kaibab unless you have a LOT of experience in desert canyon hiking. The problem with the Kaibab is that it is very steep and there is no shade or water anywhere on it. Once you start down the Kaibab, you're pretty much committed to getting to the Bright Angel to go up, even if you're completely lacking in the strength to do so. You have made no indication of your hiking abilities or experience, so it QUITE inappropriate to suggest the South Kaibab.

The advantages of the Bright Angel is that it is less steep, with water and shade much more available. You can go down that trail for five minutes or five hours, with substantially less danger of not being able to safely get back up. The key is being humble enough to admit that you are STARTING to get tired or sore, and then turn back right then.

Even though I'd return to the Canyon for a seventh visit tomorrow if I could, I agree that a week is too much time unless you are a SERIOUS canyon hiker. Plan on visiting nearby sites, or spend two full days at the Canyon as part of your seven days.

If there are two of you AND you don't mind sharing a bath, the Bright Angel Lodge can't be beat for its ratio of price to location. For the cost of a Motel Six, you can wake up to within 30 seconds of a Canyon overlook.

All lodging within the Canyon is handled by www.Xanterra.Com

enzian

Paul---I have a question for you, if you don't mind. We have permits to spend 2 nights at Bright Angel campground in April. We are experienced backpackers and have done 4,000 feet of gain (WITH a backpack) with no problems, but no desert hiking. It won't be as hot in April as June, and we will carry plenty of water, as well as a filter. My concern is actually about the downhill part---is the Bright Angel trail significantly less steep? It looks from the trail stats that both have a grade of less than 1000 feet per mile. Our knees would thank us if it were even less steep than that for the downhill (we do use poles, for what that's worth). We were thinking of returning via South Kaibab with an early morning start. But it sounds like you recommend against that trail. Would your comments about shade, steepness, etc. apply to an April hike as well? Thanks.

TheWeasel

enzian

Take a look at this thread for a good description of the S. Kaibab descent with a Bright Angel ascent.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34707226

From everything I've seen, it's recommended to descend on SK because it's much harder to go up that route than BA.

TheWeasel

And to answer the OP, I agree with the others that a week long stay at the GC is too much unless you're a hardcore hiker, or just really like to look at the canyon. I'd say 2 days is fine. Hike down Bright Angel a ways, but remember that it takes twice as long to come up as it does to go down. Consult with a ranger before starting any hike into the canyon, especially if you're inexperienced. They can assess your skill and fitness level and give you good advice on how far to go and what to expect.

4TRAVELER2

There are a lot of hotels just outside of the park. Go to the National Parks Service web site for good info and www.amfac.com for hotel info or hotel chains. I agree with most of the replies that a week might be a long time. You might consider a drive to Vegas. Do not start hiking down the canyon without being used to the HEAT and ALTITUDE and bring PLENTY of water. MOST TRAILS have very little shade or water. Good luck I know many people who have made the hike and realy enjoyed it.(schedule a massage shortly after returning home)
According to the Grand Canyon National Park Guide Bright Angel Trail is listed as Steep,Aprrox Round trip time 8-12 hours, 3195 feet. South Kaibab Trial VERY STEEP, Roud trip 6 hours, 2040 feet. Once inside the park you won't need the car only park buses are allowed on many of the roads and the drivers can tell you about the best places for sunrise or sunset so bring a camera.

dusty56438

ttt

Jed

This is copied from second post:


Author: overwhelmed
Date: 03/09/2006, 02:31 pm
Wow! Thanks for all the responses. Maybe I should have been more specific. We also want to visit some the the surrounding areas of the Grand Canyon. Friends have recommended Petrified Forest, Navaho reservations, what else? We will have a car and also my parents, who may be up for hike, maybe a day hike or just a few hours not sure. Better to go on a tour of the canyon or do it our self? All xantera logdges are booked solid for june, any other recommendations? We may stay in Flagstaff? Worth a trip to the North Rim? Any sites that are a must see that aren't the typical tourist traps? Will all this in mind is 5-6 days still too much?

Thanks again.
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Author: Psychonurse
Date: 03/09/2006, 03:53 pm
OK - you have got to stay in Sedona and do Oak Creek Canyon. We spent 2 weeks and did all Az. and Vegas - Oak Creek Canyon was the best part of the entire trip. Stay at the Bell Rock Inn - amazing, clean, inexpensive. The food is even good there. Hike Bell Rock - even good for non hikers and elders. On drive from Sedona to Flagstaff/Gc - ride the natural waterslide for a thrill like no other!

Tour the GC with the crazy marvin guy he was excellent and we had no crowds, traffic jams, etc. (plus he was funny and informative) Best part of Flagstaff was the Lowell Observatory which was worth the trip if your into that stuff.

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Author: overwhelmed
Date: 03/10/2006, 12:58 pm
Psychonurse, could you be a little more specific about this "crazy marvin guy"?
What kind of tour is it and what is the cost? Thanks