HikeArizona.COM

I have a large group permit for a cross-Tonto adventure Nov 18-21 (Fri - Mon). I've got a small group of die-hards from ABC joining me, but still have a few slots to fill. It could be dry, it could be cold, or it could be nice and wet and just cool and crisp. I guarantee it will be AWESOME, though!

Friday 11/18: Grandview Trailhead to Cottonwood Creek use area: 4.5 mi (-3500')

The Grandview/Horseshoe Mesa Trail is infamous for it's spectacular views, incredible trail construction and steep grade. It's a well used track, but still challenging to even battle-hardened canyon hikers. We hike past the mining camp on Horseshoe Mesa and camp below it along the (usually) flowing Cottonwood Creek.

Saturday 11/19: Cottonwood Creek to Grapevine use area: 5.5 mi (~level)

The Tonto Trail will lead us across the plateau, dodging in and out of side canyons for 5.5 miles. Although the hike is relatively level for the Grand Canyon, it has it's own ups and downs, and the remote nature of the area makes for a real special GC experience. We will camp near the Grapevine drainage where it is likely we will find water.

Sunday 11/20: Grapevine to Cremation use area: ~10-12.5 mi (~more than Saturday)

A long day of hiking, but we can choose to adjust it according to water availability and group energy. However, the more we hike today, the shorter our hike OUT tomorrow...

Monday 11/21: Cremation to South Kaibab Trailhead: 6.5 mi (+3550')

Hike over the Tonto to the South Kaibab Trail, then up and out. I've never hiked out on the SK before, but it is steeper and shorter than the Bright Angel. It also boasts much better scenery and lesser crowds. Weather should be perfect for a hike out of the big hole.

Total distance: 28.7mi

Wendy, I just got back from the Canyon. Needed to test my problematic lower back issue. I have two herniated disks that have pressed on one of my sciatic nerves. Over the past several months I went through extensive decompression and when you posted about this hike it felt wonderful. In fact perhaps too good that was why I was so excited and signed up. Although the Doc felt it was a bit too early to lug a loaded backpack around etc. and suggested I first give it a try before getting into a situation that I may regret.
Took Hubby up to do a nice easy hike up to Ben Williams trail. Carried a standard day pack and no issues. The next day I took my loaded backpack down the Grandview trail and back. Felt OK after that. The next day went down the S. Kaibab trail to the Tonto intersection and back up. The following day I could feel my sciatic nerve giving my signals that not all is well. (I need to get out of denial and face reality)

Therefore I regret having to (using common sense and) back out on this hike. Hopefully someone else can pick up my slot. If not, let me know and I'll send you the money for the permit. I am so sorry about this (now I'll go and cry).

Gabriele

Just back from this section (and beyond) ...
Great flows in: Cottonwood, the spring about 1/2 way back to Grapevine Creek heading westbound, Grapevine Creek at the crossing (remember, too, to hike upstream of the crossing there for a nice, short side-hike), Burro Creek (about 2 min. upstream of the Tonto Crossing) and Lonetree SPRING (15-ish min. downcanyon of the Tonto Crossing, canyon-right.) All will still be flowing in 2 weeks, as well.
With this weekend's expected weather the water situation will just improve, if anything. Potholes in the center arm of Cremation, 5 minutes downcanyon of the Tonto Crossing can also hold water in potholes.
In spite of the necessity of carrying water to do so, if the the wind stays down, I'd suggest camping on the Tonto platform vs. in the canyons, as it gets awfully chilly in them, especially Lonetree. That early morning sun sure is a welcome feeling, and the star-gazing up there on the Tonto is unmatched. Happy Trails!

Sun-Hiker, When your back/sciatic nerve is feeling better, try an external frame pack---it is easier to have the weight over and above the hips and because the pack is away from the body the center of gravity is changed. It is also easier to stand upright as opposed to an internal frame that (for me) can have you leaning forward and placing torque against the lower back leading to compression of the nerve. Hopefully your sciatica pain is caused by a compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve and is related to the way you are carrying your backpack weight and not by a more serious medical situation.

The other suggestion is to make some ultralight choices on what you are carrying in your pack and reduce the weight. Figuring out how to convert our primate frame into an efficient pack animal is a challenge! (Ask for a burro for Christmas).

Canyonram wrote:Sun-Hiker, When your back/sciatic nerve is feeling better, try an external frame pack---it is easier to have the weight over and above the hips and because the pack is away from the body the center of gravity is changed. It is also easier to stand upright as opposed to an internal frame that (for me) can have you leaning forward and placing torque against the lower back leading to compression of the nerve. Hopefully your sciatica pain is caused by a compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve and is related to the way you are carrying your backpack weight and not by a more serious medical situation.

The other suggestion is to make some ultralight choices on what you are carrying in your pack and reduce the weight. Figuring out how to convert our primate frame into an efficient pack animal is a challenge! (Ask for a burro for Christmas).

You know I have always wondered about the external frame packs. They seem so organized and what you say makes sense. As far as ultra light, my gear is really light but the water I can't do without. No matter how you slice it it would be a 35 lb. pack for me and that is something not good right now. I will, however look into the external frame backpack.
Thank you for the suggestion!!! Have fun on the trip, I'll be thinking of you guys

hikeaz wrote:Just back from this section (and beyond) ...
Great flows in: Cottonwood, the spring about 1/2 way back to Grapevine Creek heading westbound, Grapevine Creek at the crossing (remember, too, to hike upstream of the crossing there for a nice, short side-hike), Burro Creek (about 2 min. upstream of the Tonto Crossing) and Lonetree SPRING (15-ish min. downcanyon of the Tonto Crossing, canyon-right.) All will still be flowing in 2 weeks, as well.
With this weekend's expected weather the water situation will just improve, if anything. Potholes in the center arm of Cremation, 5 minutes downcanyon of the Tonto Crossing can also hold water in potholes.
In spite of the necessity of carrying water to do so, if the the wind stays down, I'd suggest camping on the Tonto platform vs. in the canyons, as it gets awfully chilly in them, especially Lonetree. That early morning sun sure is a welcome feeling, and the star-gazing up there on the Tonto is unmatched. Happy Trails!

Fantastic beta - Thanks! With yesterday's storm, I think we're going to be looking pretty good, though we'll definitely need warm gear!

Hi Wendy, I see the permit is full. If you get a cancellation, let me know!

Rob