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| Hiking | 21.00 Miles |
6,000 AEG |
| | Hiking | 21.00 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 6,000 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | My first hike in the GC and I think this is a good way to do it.
Without advanced planning reservations at Phantom Ranch are hard to get, but apparently Xanterra releases cancelled rooms on the 1st Monday of the month. I called early on Oct. 1 and was offered spots in the dorm on two dates. I picked Oct. 10 and was also able to get a cabin on the North Rim for Oct. 11. I also reserved meals at Phantom Ranch and was glad I did.
Left Phoenix at 6:15AM and started on the Bright Angel Trail at 11AM. Enjoyed the descent and was impressed by the varied terrain below Indian Garden. Reached Phantom Ranch at 3:30.
Before the 5PM steak dinner there was a nice presentation by Ranger Pam on the CCC and afterwards another one on bats. The dorm was about what I expected...bring ear plugs! I had the 5AM breakfast and with nothing else to do hit the trail at 6AM.
The numbers for the ascent to the North Rim are daunting but it wasn't too bad at all. The only time it dragged (i.e. progress seemed short of expectations) was on the approach to Suppai tunnel which I expected around every corner for about an hour. I finished a little before 2PM. The varied scenery along the way was fantastic. Don't expect to find a shuttle to the North Rim Lodge but the walk is not bad (1.5miles on a bridle trail).
Late season North Rim ambience was great and I caught the shuttle back to the South Rim at 7AM the next morning. Rob, the shuttle driver added a lot to this interesting drive - this important service is worthy of support from hikers.
Total cost was ~$300 which is a lot for a hiking trip but is cheap for a 3 day vacation. |
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Route Editor
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