First GC backpack

[PA Hiker]

My wife and I are planning our first backpack in the Grand Canyon. I know that the conventional wisdom is to do the Corridor first, but we dislike crowds and equines so we would rather avoid that. We dayhiked the canyon a couple of years ago; longest hike was Grandview out to the end of Horseshoe Mesa with a stop at Cave of the Domes on the way back. It took us all day but that was mostly because I kept stopping on the way down to indulge my photography obsession; it took twice as long to go down as it took to come back up. Anyway, we've lightened up our backpacking weights a lot since then (now about 15 lb + water for a warm weekend) and we really want to get down to the river. I was originally thinking Hermit for two nights (a day down, a day poking around in the inner gorge, and a day climbing back out) but now I'm thinking about adding another day at the bottom. We live at pretty low elevation but we will be spending a few days hiking at intermediate and higher elevations immediately before the GC to acclimate. The trip will be at the end of November so we need to commit to an itinerary in the next week. I'd really appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Will

[hikeaz]

The 'Hermit Loop' may be a good trip for you. Night 1 @ Hermit Creek camp, day hike to the river down Hermit on day 2 (3-4 mi. R/T) and later over to Monument for the night (3-4 miles). Then across the Tonto, camping at, say, Horn Creek on night 3 (8-9 miles) and then up the Bright Angel the next morning. Depending on your exact date you'd need to watch for when the shuttle to Hermit's Rest stops running for the winter. Call the BCO between 1-5 PM local time @ 928 638 7875; they may be able to tell you. (The # is often busy, just redial a few times, it'll go through)
You are wiser than some to be heading down in November (with April, my favorite month to go), avoiding the heat. Wise, too, to go as light as possible. The Hermit Trail down to Hermit Creek camp is only about 8 miles +/-, but do not underestimate it; even without the heat some folks feel that it can be pretty arduous.

[azbackpackr]

For an out-and-back Hermit hike, I am pretty sure the BCO will still let you park at Hermit's Rest. They used to always routinely give the gate lock combination to backpackers with permits. On the other hand if you were doing that particular Tonto loop, Hermit to BA, then you would want to know how to get out there to the West Rim. Don't they still open West Rim Drive to cars, in the winter-time, or did they stop that, too?

[hikeaz]

For an out-and-back Hermit hike, I am pretty sure the BCO will still let you park at Hermit's Rest. They used to always routinely give the gate lock combination to backpackers with permits. On the other hand if you were doing that particular Tonto loop, Hermit to BA, then you would want to know how to get out there to the West Rim. Don't they still open West Rim Drive to cars, in the winter-time, or did they stop that, too?

After the shuttle stops for the season they DO allow private vehicles out there.

[writelots]

I prefer to do the Hermit Loop as the rest to Hermit Creek, then over to Granite Rapids (best camping in the canyon IMHO), checking out Monument on the way out and over to Horn Creek, then out the Bright Angel Trail. If you hit the BA on a weekday (monday for example), especially that time of year, I think you'll be surprised how few people you'll see.

However, there are many other options. I believe that South Kaibab is still mule free at the moment... You could hike down there to BACG for a night, then head out to Clear Creek. It'll be nice and quiet out there, and it's spectacular!

[joebartels]

I believe that South Kaibab is still mule free at the moment

Yeah, we only passed one mule train on S Kaibab last month as opposed to six on B.A.

[dysfunction]

Clear Creek is an amazing hike, I can certainly vouch for that.

[hikeaz]

Update on the Hermit Road shuttle:
The Hermit Shuttle between South Rim Village and Hermit Rest and the Hermit trailhead is operational Mar. 1 to Nov. 30.
The bus runs every 30 minutes between 4:30am and 9:30am, every 15 minutes between 9:30am and sunset, and every 30 minutes between sunset and one hour after sunset.
No additional cost for the shuttle - it is included in your $25 park entry fee.

[PA Hiker]

Thanks, all, for the advice. The Hermit Loop sounds great. We'll probably leave our car at the BC office and take the shuttle to the trailhead.

I'll start a new thread in Looking for a Hike, but any suggested acclimation hikes? We'll be flying in to PHX 11/13 and if we're going to spend 3 nights in the Canyon they will be Sat 11/20 - Tues 11/23 (leaving Wednesday as a travel day to get down to Green Valley for Thanksgiving with my parents). I was thinking of Sedona and/or the Pine area. The trails will need to be accessible by a rented sedan in late November, with elevations tailored to get us ready for the GC (we live 600' above sea level). Short backpacks or dayhikes are equally good, but water at campsites would be a definite plus.

Will

[hikeaz]

There is a Hermit's Rest shuttle P/U adjacent to the top of the B.A. Trail (with nearby parking) - you may want to leave your vehicle there.

Prescott and Pine are both nice higher elevation destinations. Sedona has some nice hikes but is 'touristy', even on most trails. Also, if there is anything left of Flagstaff after the current fires, that may be another option.
There is a feature on this site called 'traildex' - it comes in handy for what you are doing. Enter your hike parameters, push a button and wallah, there's your list!

[chumley]

The trails will need to be accessible by a rented sedan in late November

That's not a limitation at all. Just get the damage waiver. You'd be amazed at the capabilities of a Honda Civic that you don't own!

[PA Hiker]

Got my permit!

I got my first choice: A day down to Hermit Creek, a day to visit the river and then on to Monument Creek, a day across the Tonto to Indian Garden, and then a day climbing out.

I figure I'll get an Ursack Minor (lined with Opsack) to keep the critters out of our food. I was considering saving a pound or so by leaving the tent body behind and going with the fast fly option (BA Fly Creek 2) but frankly we're a bit creeped out at the thought of sharing with mice and scorpions. Cooking with a Caldera Cone; I'll pick up a bottle of Everclear for fuel in Phoenix and carry it in a small water bottle. Water purification by Steripen backed up with Aqua Mira tablets; do we need a bucket to settle silt if we aren't dipping out of the Colorado?

Any other things I should keep in mind while I'm planning?

Thanks,
Will

[sirena]

Yay! That's always such a great feeling- and your first choice too!

I use an Ursack in the Canyon and never have had any problems.

I have not been to Monument Creek, but I read something recently that piqued my interest on the Grand Canyon Hikers Yahoo Group that there is a really beautiful slot canyon to explore:

I've been down many schist slots including quite a few that required ropes. Monument really stood out to me as having outstanding beauty. It's certainly in the top ten of all schist slots in GC. I could even make a subjective case for #5 or #6. I've often wondered how many people have hiked the trail between the camp area and "the Monument" only to completely miss the slot. They're missing something very special.

Anyone here been to this spot and have more info?

Tent vs. no tent- the question is- is the weight you are going to save by leaving the tent body at home worth the sleep you'll lose being worried about critters? I don't use a tent when in the GC (or anywhere else unless it's raining or mosquito infested), but it is something that takes a little getting used to.

[hikeaz]

Hopefully the everclear will be for DRINKING, o/w why not use alcohol or spirits($)?
I'd be suprised if you saw a scorpion on this trip but there are mice. There is a metal hanging pole @ Hermit Creek camp and rocket boxes and hanging poles @ I.G., so you need not be concerned with your food at those places. @ Monument if you hang your food bag from weedwacker line (or salt water fishing line) you'll be fine.
Hermit Creek and Monument Creek have wonderfully clear water, IG has treated piped water. You should/will not need a bucket for settling. Avoid drinking the Colorado River water if at all possible.

Yay! That's always such a great feeling- and your first choice too!

I have not been to Monument Creek, but I read something recently that piqued my interest on the Grand Canyon Hikers Yahoo Group that there is a really beautiful slot canyon to explore:

I've been down many schist slots including quite a few that required ropes. Monument really stood out to me as having outstanding beauty. It's certainly in the top ten of all schist slots in GC. I could even make a subjective case for #5 or #6. I've often wondered how many people have hiked the trail between the camp area and "the Monument" only to completely miss the slot. They're missing something very special.

Anyone here been to this spot and have more info?

I have been down the Monument narrows more times than I can count - it's fun and beautiful (the pink is granite in the schist). The narrows are only about 1/4 mile long, if that. Kind of fun stemming or 'Jackie Chaning' and such to get around the 12" deep pools (so, no exposure or anything - good practice).igallery/image.php?pic_id=4294

If you have more of a hike in mind hike up the bed of Monument from the camp for about an hour to beautiful Monument Falls. The creekbed will be dry for a large part of the hike, do not let this disuade you. igallery/image_page.php?id=4293

Also, just downstream of the camp you will see a rare site. 'The great unconformity' - I was fortunate enough to be part of a Prescott College river trip; we hiked up Monument Creek from the River & this was pointed out to me by one of the professors. This is just one of the few places in the Canyon where this is evident up close. http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/treiman ... index.html

BTW - What part of Pa. are you from?

[PA Hiker]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Sounds like we'd be better off hiking from Hermit to Monument early, and doing our dayhiking there.

Kurt, I live in Harrisburg.

[PA Hiker]

Hopefully the everclear will be for DRINKING, o/w why not use alcohol or spirits($)?

Well, I try to keep the toxins out of my pack as much as possible, and most denatured alcohol has some pretty scary stuff in it. Also, from my reading ethanol has a lot higher heat content than methanol, so the water boils faster with less fuel.

I do believe in multi-use gear, so if my fuel is also a sanitizer and evening beverage ingredient that's a plus.

Funny thing: Here in PA the legislature protects us from using Everclear to remove ourselves from the gene pool, but I was able to get a permit to buy it as a fuel. I had to sign a pledge not to drink or share the stuff. It is still taxed at the beverage rate, though.

[azbackpackr]

It is still taxed at the beverage rate, though.

State governments--don't they just beat all?

So, glad to hear you got your permit! I have one for October, will be doing Boucher to Hermit.

Planning that layover day at Hermit was a good idea, since that way you don't have to rush your side trip to the river.

[Thoreau]

As someone who used to live in Colonial Park (God do I miss Utz potato chips and Tastykakes,) I can see why you would wanna visit the canyon. Quite a difference from Harrisburg eh? =)

Anywho, do enjoy your trip, and just be sure to always have more water than ya think you'll need. Worst case, you just get a bit more exercise, hehe.