SOBO North Rim but realized it's closed...

[Vesper]

I'd love some advice. Can anyone help?

I'm planning to hike AZT SOBO from Utah to Flag in the first weeks of May '22. I did AZT NOBO years ago but left the North Rim/Utah section to finish later. Everything was all set for my return until....I remembered that facilities are closed until May 15. Two Q's...

1. Advice on determining whether passages 39/40 are passable due to snow levels in 2 weeks? I have seen it dry in the past sometimes by then but...
2. Advice on getting an overnight inner gorge site if no north rim office is open? I was planning to simply waitlist like last time but now that no office...

First time posting so lmk if more appropriate forums. I've also done R2R without camping in past but would prefer to have 1-2 nights (either is fine) in the inner gorge if possible.

[xsproutx]

There's definitely still snow and postholing in sections there; people who have finished their NOBO in the last few days are typically roadwalking for a bit to avoid the worst it seems. In two weeks, there should be a lot less I would expect but, either way, you'll have options and the knowledge in FarOut from all the NOBO hikers.

For the permit, probably best to call/email the ranger office to figure that one out.

[Vesper]

@xsproutx
Thanks - exactly what I wanted (and appreciated). What is FarOut?

[trekkin_gecko]

an app formerly know as guthooks