Help planning 3 nights at Grand Canyon - Dec/Jan

[sscalzo]

Hello...
I haven't backpacked much at the Grand Canyon. I've gone to Havasupai falls a couple times but that's it. I have a couple friends coming into town over the xmas holiday and would like to plan a trip out for 3 nights.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good 3 night backpacking trip? Since my friends have never been to the Grand Canyon, I have narrowed down my destination to that park.

On backpacker.com, I found a write up on this hike but no pics...
"...This 31.5-mile trip, connecting the Tanner and Beamer Trails to the Little Colorado River, is for seasoned, fit hikers with solid navigation skills. If that's you, read on..."

I would think about 30 miles would be the max.

If you have experience backpacking the grand canyon, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Steve

[azbackpackr]

Darned knees!

I once hiked Grand Gulch with someone who had artificial knees. He whined a lot, but he made it.

I dunno, Al, I just don't like BA that much. It's just too dang touristy. For a short, quick, easy hike I would rather do Horseshoe Mesa. Of course, getting your water supply from Miner's Spring is always fun! ;) I'm not saying I won't do BA again, just mentioning a preference.

My first bp in the Canyon, age 40, was to Thunder River/Tapeats Creek. Second trip the following year, was New Hance-Tonto-Grandview. Neither of those is a recommended first trip, but went fine for me.

I think we're just talking to each other here, I don't think this guy is coming back.

[scorpion scus]

i think hike azs suggestion is excellant. hermits rest to bright angel loop. hoffmaster, pickletree and i did it as an over nighter, in jan. was very good. 3 days will give you more time to really enjoy. if trails are snowy dont use yak tracs they suck on the steep canyon trails. also the water in horn creek should not be drunk except in a dire dehydration emergency. only 2 easy miles from horn creek to indian gardens where you can get good water. i would probably skip hermit camp and go right to monument creek which is spectacular.

[Al_HikesAZ]

if trails are snowy dont use yak tracs they suck on the steep canyon trails.

I agree. They just don't seem "Industrial Strength". Might be good for getting the morning paper on an icy driveway in Flagstaff, but I am skeptical for the Canyon. Hiking poles help and I've used in-step crampons before. I have the Kahtoola Microspikes and I hope to try them out on an easy trail with ice before I decide to use them on an icy GC trail.

My other issue has been gloves. I haven't found a great cold weather hiking glove. Ski gloves are too bulky and lighter gloves aren't "Industrial Strength". My hands sweat and then get cold. I might need to carry a couple of pairs of gloves so I always have dry ones. Or carry some hand warmers. I haven't quite solved this issue yet.

[big_load]

I have the Kahtoola Microspikes and I hope to try them out on an easy trail with ice before I decide to use them on an icy GC trail.

I don't know if I mentioned it above, but I have the Microspikes and heartily recommend them for such conditions. Between us, Mrs. big_load and I have wrecked about 5 pairs of YakTrax over the years. They can't take much more than driveway and parking lot use, and not even too much of that. I also have Stablicers, which are more durable but tend to come off at innoportune moments. The Microspikes haven't let me down yet.

[azbackpackr]

I think we're just talking to each other here, I don't think this guy is coming back.

Still waiting!