Grand Canyon Backpack Trip

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Things to know before going!

If you hike into the canyon and stay overnight you will need a backcountry permit; there is a fee. Permits should be obtained in advance. Permits may be obtained by mail, in person, or by faxing a completed application. Day hikes or a stay at Phantom Ranch Lodge do not require a permit. You must have advance reservations to stay at Phantom Ranch. Make sure that you carry and drink at least two quarts of water per person per day. Wear a hat. Remember that it usually takes twice as long to hike out as to hike in.
For camping at Bright Angel Campground, the safest route is the Bright Angel Trail. Many hikers prefer to hike down the South Kaibab Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail. The South Kaibab is steeper and does not have water or shade. The Bright Angel Trail has water available at several points along the way.
Trail & campground descriptions


South Kaibab Trail: 6,7mi (10,3km) total distance; 4860ft (1433m) elevation change.

• The trailhead is at Yaki Point. Park at the Backcountry Office and use the shuttle to get to the trailhead. Hikers will come out of the canyon close to their automobile.
• Drinking water is available at the trailhead between May and September.
• The Hike typically takes 4-6 hours.
• Take at least 4 quarts/liters water per person. There is no water available on the trail!
• Toilets are at Cedar Ridge.
• There are also toilets and an emergency phone at the Tipoff (5 miles from trailhead).
• Cross black bridge to access the campground.

Bright Angel Trail: 9,6mi (14,6km) total distance; 4460ft (1359m) elevation change.

• Preferred trail for hiking to South Rim from Bright Angel Campground/Phantom Ranch.
• The trailhead is located near Kolb Studio.
• Emergency phone, toilets and drinking water (seasonally in a seperate building uphill from toilets) are available at the 1-1/2-mile Resthouse.
• Emergency phone and drinking water (seasonally) are at the 3-mile Resthouse.

Bright Angel Trail - Indian Garden Campground: Drinking water, toilets and ranger station with emergency medical facility and phone are located here.

• Plateau Point: Day hiking opportunity with a fantastic view of the Colorado River; drinking water is available between May and September; 1,5mi (2,4km) from campground.
• No snacks available.

Bright Angel Trail cont'd:

• There is only an emergency phone and a shelter at the Pipe Creek Resthouse. No water or toilets!
• Cross the river on silver suspension bridge.

Bright Angel Campground: Drinking water, flush toilets, ranger station with emergency medical facility and emergency phone, Phantom Ranch Lodge and pay phone are located here.

• Day hiking opportunities.
• Ranger programs (seasonally).
• DANGER! Do not swim in the Colorado River! Use Bright Angel Creek to cool off.
• Meals at Phantom Ranch must be reserved well in advance!
• Snack items are available at Phantom Ranch Lodge.
• There are no showers.
• River Trail: Day-hiking trail which follows the Colorado River 1,7mi (2,7km) between the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails without crossing the river to the Bright Angel Campground.

North Kaibab Trail: 14,5mi(23,3km) total distance; 5481ft (1481m) elevation change. The Trail runs between the North Rim and Bright Angel Campground.

• REMINDER: The North Rim is open only from May 15 - October 15.
• The Supai Tunnel has intermittent seasonal drinking water. This is not reliable!
• Drinking water is available at Roaring Springs between May and September.
• Water and phone are available at the ranger residence and the pumphouse.

North Kaibab Trail - Cottonwood Campground: Drinking water (between May and mid October), toilets, ranger station with emergency medical facility and phone are located here.

• The Bright Angel Creek flows year-round; water should be treated before drinking.

North Kaibab cont'd:

• Ribbon Falls (day use only).
• Bright Angel Campground.

REMINDER!

• Uphill hikers have the right-of-way!
• Stop for mule trains!
• Stay on trail; cutting switchbacks causes erosion and rockfall hazards!
• Do not throw rocks! People are walking below you!
• Leave it as you find it! If you carry it in, carry it out!
• Use toilets where provided!
• Graffiti spoils the scenery, and it is illegal!
• Do not feed the wildlife. It weakens the animals' survival instincts and can be dangerous.
• All resources are protected in National Parks. Leave behind what you find.

Helpful tips for summer hiking: The inner canyon temperatures frequently exceed 110°F (40°C) during the day and 75°F (24°C) at night.

• Replace 1/2-1 quart of water and electrolytes every hour of hiking in heat.
• Eat twice as much as normal intake.
• Wait for the shade to hike; avoid hinking between 10am and 4pm, especially uphill.
• Whenever you are near water, soak yourself to cool down.
• If you can talk while you are walking, you are walking the perfect speed.
• Do not exceed your normal level of physical activity or training.
• Sit down and prop up your legs for 5 minutes every hour.
• Travel light when camping overnight.
• Avoid and treat blisters. Wear boots that fit well, bring moleskin, bandages and a change of socks.

Helpful tips for winter hiking: The inner canyon temperatures average 58°F (14°C) during the day and 38°F (3°C) at night. The upper parts of the trails are usually snow-packed and icy.

• Take instep crampons.
• Take wet-weather gear.
• Take warm layers and wear a hat; wear wicking layers next to skin (no cotton!).
• Eat more than your usual intake.
• Drink plenty of water.

Let's go backpacking!