non-corridor backpack option from south rim...

[jdcollard]

so we decided against hannigan meadow and instead are going to the south rim for walk up permits. We are not interested in the corridor trails...ranger said today we should have no problem getting permits.

We were going to try thunder river but the last 5 miles of the road isn't open yet. Suggestions for south rim loops? We are looking at 3 nights.

Thanks!

[nonot]

stay on the south tonto, the 2000 or so feet should help out with the temps a bit.

[Al_HikesAZ]

Tonto is a good idea. Maybe down Hermit, east on the Tonto to Horn Creek and then up Bright Angel. Some water management issues but not too bad. Some mice issues so make sure you have an OutSack. Once off the Corridor Trails, there are no ammo cans to protect your food or belongings from mice and ravens. The mice will nibble anything that smells like or resembles food. Including GPS antennae, Bladder valves, etc. And they will chew through your pack to get to stuff. One night cowboy camping, a friend woke up to a mouse nibbling his mustache. The ravens can unzip zippers. And they work as a team, a cute raven will divert you and pose for photos while the other ones rifle your pack.

[jdcollard]

Familiar with the ravens from a rafting trip on the Colorado. Absolutely incredible what those little devils can do.

[nonot]

The ravens can unzip zippers. And they work as a team, a cute raven will divert you and pose for photos while the other ones rifle your pack.

Yeah, and I really don't trust the one's dealing 3 card monte either!

[jimmyjam]

You could also hike down the Grand View trail to Horseshoe Mesa and then go down beside the left arm and around and back up to the mesa via Page (Miner's) Spring. The trail down the left arm is fairly steep and mostly scree.There are fantastic views off the left arm of the mesa. If you do this hike be sure and stash some water about halfway to Horseshoe Mesa for the trip out.Grand View is pretty steep, but worth it.