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Grand Canyon Backpack- North Rim

I am looking for two people to accompany me on this spectacular hike to the Thunder River Spring and Tapeats Canyon.
I have made this hike about 7 times and I'm planning to go again this October. The people I've gone with in the past are unavailable this year.

The trip dates and duration are: Leave Phoenix Tuesday (Oct 15th) mid-afternoon; return Sunday (Oct 20th).
First nite is on the North Rim; next 4 nites are in the Canyon.

I already have the permit for these dates.

The trail is arduous but spectacular. (It is approximately 9 miles to the campsite). It's not for a novice hiker however.
Having said that, I should also make it clear that I am not a 'death march' kind of hiker.
I'm an amateur photographer and fly fisherman, so I like to take my time, look around (smell and photograph the flowers....).
I think of myself as a naturalist: I'm interested in all the flora and fauna I encounter and I love exploring the pristine
nite sky with binoculars. (Did you know you can see the Andromeda galaxy in the clear northern Arizona sky with binoculars?)

The hike includes a stop at the Thunder River Spring; a very impressive waterfall emanating from a sheer cliff face.
It produces the coldest, clearest, best tasting water in the world!

The camp site, in Tapeats Canyon, is not an established campsite but is under a protecting overhang.
It is on Tapeats creek, a permanent stream of pale green water holding wild trout.
The stream is framed by a red rock canyon about 7 miles in length. Tapeats creek is a tributary to the Colorado River.

During the stay, I usually hike down to the mouth of Tapeats, at the Colorado (3 miles), to fish and visit with people on rafting trips who camp there.

I have many pictures of the Canyon available. If you think you might be interested, an will be in fine shape by October, please let me know and we can discuss other logistical details.

PS: My avatar picture is of me standing in Tapeats creek, holding a small trout.

zenphx wrote:Did you know you can see the Andromeda galaxy in the clear northern Arizona sky with binoculars?

Your trip sounds awesome. I didn't even know there was an Andromeda galaxy But it doesn't surprise me that you can see it from there. The night sky is beautiful in northern Arizona.

I've never backpacked and am a bit cautious about jumping right in, but I'm sure with your permit and knowledge of flora & fauna you'll find some takers here.

Would love to see your photos ~ do you have a couple you could post? Especially the waterfall.

Have a great trip.

Kelly

zenphx,
Check your email or PM inbox.

GTG

zenphx wrote:Did you know you can see the Andromeda galaxy in the clear northern Arizona sky with binoculars?

You can actually see it without the binos in a very clear sky. It's about halfway between Cassiopeia and the square of Pegasus. It is a blurry blob and you almost have to look away from it to see it. It is very cool to see and know what it is.

You're right Stan, with good eyesight and a clear sky, you can just make out Andromeda. What I like about binoculars (and I just use some Minolta compacts), is that you can see some spectacular details. For instance, the Seven Sisters reveal many many stars in that cluster. Other clusters like the Orion Nebula get pretty dramatic. Even exploring the moon's surface is pretty impactive. I'd love to have a telescope down in the Canyon; but I'm sure I'd throw it off a cliff on the hike out

Hey Todd,

I tried to send this in email, but it bounced:

Hi Todd,

Sorry about the tardy reply.

You're certainly welcome to join me in October. Sounds like you've had a lot of experience in the Canyon and elsewhere.

The North Rim facilities do close down on October 14th. I called the Backcountry office to ask about that and they said they still grant permits for dates following the 14th. And I do have the permit for the nites of Oct 16th thru the 19th. The only downside I can see with regard to the North Rim facilities closure is that there may be no Rangers patrolling......

And hopefully, there won't be a snowfall on the Rim.....

We should get together as it gets closer to the date.....to talk about logistics; checklists, etc.

Also, the permit is for 3 people, so if you know of someone else who is in shape and would appreciate the trip, feel free to let them know.

Thanks

Steve