Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Backcountry Camping Permits

Permits are requested at the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park.

The Backcountry Information Center does not make reservations for river trips, mule trips, Phantom Ranch lodging, and visits to the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Phantom Ranch Lodging
Xanterra Parks and Resorts (303) 297-2757 or (888) 297-2757
http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com

Havasupai Indian Reservation
(928) 448-2141 or (928)-448-2111
http://www.havasupaitribe.com

The Backcountry non-refundable permit fee is $10 plus $5 per person per night camped below the rim and $5 per group per night camped above the rim. Frequent hiker membership for $25 waives the initial $10 fee for each permit obtained by the trip leader for one year. Permit requests may be made with credit card, check or money order. Checks or money orders must be for the exact correct amount or the permits may not be issued. Please allow enough time for your visit. Campers may require several more days than expected due to the awesome size of the Grand Canyon area. Permit holders are required to pay Park entrance fees upon arrival. Hikers along the South Bass Trail and the Pasture Wash Trail may be charged an additonal fee for crossing the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

The earliest application date for a Backcountry Permit is 4 months before arrival. Make your reservations as early as possible. Please allow three weeks for processing. Permits will be mailed by U.S. mail, never by fax or e-mail. Walk-in Permits are available at the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center. Expect a one to three day or longer wait. Campers on the waiting list must be at the Center everyday at 8 A.M. to remain on the list.

The Backcountry is divided into use areas. Each Use Area has an overnight capacity based upon the size of the area, the number of suitable and available campsites, ecology, management zoning and use. Trips may be limited to a maximum of 7 days in Use Areas such as the Bright Angel Trail. More permits are available for small groups than for large groups. Therefore, you might be more successful in obtaining two permits for a group of 10 or more. However, the group might be required to camp in different areas.

All commercial organizations must obtain an Incidental Use Permit.

The Winter season is late October through mid-May. Backcountry permits is required for overnight use of the North Rim to Bright Angel Point. Winter access is allowed only for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

All Backcountry campers are asked to follow the Leave No Trace Principles.


1. Be well prepared. Know the route and area in which you are planning to hike.
2. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is prohibited.
3. Stay on main trails; do not shortcut switchbacks.
4. Pack out what you bring in. This includes used toilet paper and all trash.
5. Fires are prohibited below the rim. Do not burn toilet paper -pack it out!
6. Bury solid human waste at least 200' from water in a shallow cat hole 4-6" deep and 4-6" in diameter.
7. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200' away from creeks and potholes. Scatter strained dish water.
8. Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum.
9. Leave what you find. This is particularly important when it comes to cultural resources of any kind, including artifacts and archaeological remains. Leave them as you find them.




A backcountry camping permit is required for overnight hiking, overnight horseback riding, overnight cross-country ski trips, off river overnight hikes by river trip members, overnight camping at Rim sights outside of developed campgrounds, Winter overnight camping on the North Rim.

A backcountry camping permit is not required for day hiking, day horseback riding, overnight camping at Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and the North Rim during the summer and Tuweep Campground, overnight stays at the dormitories and cabins at Phantom Ranch. Advanced reservations with Xanterra Parks and Resorts is required.

Backcountry campers must have their permit with them. The permit must be attached to a backpack, tent or other equipment in plain view for inspection by Park Rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, number of people in the group, itinerary of areas to visit, and the dates.

The Grand Canyon Association sells maps and books about hiking.
http://www.grandcanyon.org

Camping - North Rim Outside Park

The DeMotte campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service is 16 miles/28 km North of the Canyon Rim. There are no hookups. Reservations are not accepted as this campground is a first-come, first-served basis.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/recreation/campgrounds/demotte.shtml

Jacob Lake Campground, operated by the U.S Forest Service is 45 miles/75 km North of the North Rim. The campground is open only during the summer. There are no hookups or reservations. $14 per vehicle per night. There may be free evening programs.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/recreation/campgrounds/jacob_lake.shtml

Dispersed camping is allowed in the National Forest outside the Park. Inquire
at the North Rim Visitor Center or the Kaibob Plateau Visitor Center at Jacob Lake (928) 643-7298. In Winter, contact the North Kaibob Ranger District, Kaibob National Forest, PO Box 248, Fredonia, AZ 86022. (928) 643-7395.

Kaibob Camper Village at Jacob Lake is 1/4 mile, 0.5 km south of Jacob Lake on Arizona Hwy 67. Full hookups are available.
May 15 - October 15 (928) 643-7804 Winter (928) 526-0924
Outside Arizona 1-800-525-0924

Tuweep Campground is known as Tuweep and Toroweep. This area is located in the remote Northwest rim of the Canyon. The National Park Service manages this area as a natural primitive environment. There are eleven sites near the Rim including one group site. (928) 638-7870. Picnic tables, fire grates and composting toilets are available. No electricity or water is available. Campers must bring their own firewood, food, and water.

Campgrounds - North Rim

Camping in the Park on the North Rim allows vehicles. Daily camping fees are in addition to entrance fees. Reservations may be made through the National Recreation Service by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov/ Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance. The National Park Service operates the North Rim campground which is open from mid-May through mid-October. There are no hookups except for a dumpstation at the campground. Pets are allowed, must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended. Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in the Park's campsite grills. Wood gathering is not permitted as such would ruin the pristine nature of the Park. Campfire wood may be purchased at the General Store. Coin operated laundry and showers are located at the entrance to the Campground. Restrooms are available. Campers may check for campsite availability everyday in case of a cancellation. Campsite fees are $18 to $25. Golden Age or access passport holders pay half-price year-round. Passport number is required at time of reservation and the passport holder must be staying at the campsite. A maximum of two vehicles, six people and three tents are allowed per site. Some campers might need to reserve two or three sites. Ask the reservationist to reserve the sites as close as possible. A vehicle which is towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, fifth wheel and a motor home towing a vehicle is considered to be two vehicles for purposes of meeting the campsite rules.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Indian Reservations

Indian Reservations
The Havasupai Indian Reservation is located in a large tributary canyon on the south side of the Colorado River. The reservation is managed by the Havasupai Indian Tribe. The village of Supai is accessible by an 8-mile hike or by horseback. Tribal permit is required. Havasupai Tourist Enterprises PO Box 160, Supai, AZ 86435. Tourist Office (928) 448-2121 or (928) 448-2141. Lodging (928) 448-2111.

The Haulapai Indian Reservation is located on the south side of the Colorado River at the west end of the Canyon. This extraordinary area is known as Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk Ranch. Reservations and information: http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/
(877) 716-WEST (9378) and (702) 878-WEST (9378)

The Navajo Indian Reservation is located east of the Grand Canyon National Park. Information and permits are allowed for camping and hiking along the east side of the Colorado River, Marble Canyon, Jackass Canyon, Salt Trail Canyon, Totahatso Point, Rainbow Bridge Trails, Cove Mesa, Coal Mine Canyon and other areas in the western area of the Navajo Nation. Reservations and Information: The Tribal Visitor Center is located 57 miles east of Grand Canyon Village in the town of Cameron. Cameron Visitor Center, PO Box 459, Cameron, AZ 86020. Voice (928) 679-2303 and Fax (928) 679-2330.

Camping - South Rim Outside Park

Campgrounds outside the Grand Canyon Park - South Rim
The U.S. Forest Service operates the Ten-X campground 2 miles south of Tusayan April through September. There are no hook ups or showers. Toilet facilities are outhouses. There is only cold water. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and rarely is full. Did I say rarely? Yes, this campground is for campers who want rustic charm. Reservations are required for group sites.
Camping anywhere is permitted in the National Forest outside the Park. For more information contact the Tusayan Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest, PO Box 3088, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. (928) 638-2443.
Camper Village is located 7 miles south of Grand Canyon Village in Tusayan. Open seasonally. Hookups and coin-operated showers are available. Call (928) 638-2887.

Camping - South Rim

Grand Canyon Campgrounds
Reservations may be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service by calling 1-877-444-6777or online at http://www.recreation.gov. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance. There are two campgrounds in the Grand Canyon National Park. The Mather Campground on the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village and the North Rim Campground. Most campers visit the Mather Campground on the South Rim. Daily campground fees are in addition to entrance and hiking fees. The Mather Campground is managed by the National Park Service and is open year-round. Tent and RV camping with no hook ups is allowed. The maximum length for RV or Trailer is 30 feet. Restrooms are available. Pets are allowed, must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended. Violation of Park rules may result in getting asked to leave. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in campsite grills. Wood gathering is not allowed as such would be detrimental to the environment. Wood may be purchase at the campground store.
Reservations are recommended beginning March 1st through November.
Golden Age or Access passport holders pay only ½ price year round. The passport number is needed when making reservations and the passport holder must be camping at the site. Fees are $18 per site per night. A maximum of two vehicles, six people, three tents are allowed per site. A vehicle that is towing a trailer, pop-up, tent trailer, fifth wheel, or a motor home pulling a vehicle is considered two vehicles. Group sites are also available, $50/night, maximum of 50 people and 3 vehicles per group site.
During the winter, from mid-November through February 28 reservations are not available at Mather Campground and family campsites are $15 per site per night, and group campsites are $30. This is on a first-come first-served basis. The National Park Service does not tolerate violation of the Park rules which is in place for the benefit of everyone enjoying the Campgrounds.
Xanterra Parks manages Trailer Village which is adjacent to Mather Campground. RV hookups are available. Advance reservations 1-888-297-2757. Same day reservations
1-928-638-2631. A dump station is available.
Desert View Campground is 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. The campground is open May through October. There are a total of 50 campsites in the Desert View Campground. Most sites accommodate tents or smaller RV’s or Travel Trailers. Very few sites can accommodate large RV’s or Travel Trailers, 30 ft. maximum length. There is a limit of six persons; two tents; or two-vehicles or one RV/Travel Trailer per site. Campsites are on a first come - first served - self-registration basis. The campground is usually full by early evening during the busy summer months. No reservations are accepted for campsites for the Desert View Campground at anytime. There is a 7-day camping limit. Check out is at 11:00 AM.Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended.
Campsites at the Desert View Campground are $12.00 for each space for each night. The Interagency Senior Pass, Interagency Access Pass, Golden Age Passport, and Golden Access Passport entitle the pass owner to a 50% discount on camping fees. No discounts on camping for any other Federal Pass holders. The campground accepts either exact cash or credit card for payment of campsites with our automated fee machine located by the campground restrooms. It’s a world of computers even at the campgrounds!
There are no utility, water, or sewer hook-ups available at the Desert View Campground Each site has a campfire grill for marshmallows and cooking. There are two water faucets located within the campground. There are Men’s, Women’s, and Handicap Accessible restrooms in the campground. The restrooms have flushing toilets and sinks with no hot water. There are no shower facilities at the Desert View Campground. The nearest showers are at Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village, 26 miles west.

Directions

The mile deep Grand Canyon is divided by the Colorado River, The primary tourist visit area is the North Rim and the South Rim. The width of the Canyon is 10 miles. Hiking to the Colorado River from either North or South Rim could easily take 5 to 8 hours, all day.
The climate is desert and very dry. A drive between the North and South Rim around the canyon is approximately 5 hours without stopping to view the beauty of the Canyon and 215 miles. Plan accordingly. Scenery, climate, and vegetation are noticeably different between the North and South Rims due to elevation and geography. Generally, most visitors will visit either the North or South Rims in one vacation. The entire Canyon is a huge area that would take years to explore.
The South Rim of the Canyon is in Arizona and is open all year. The entrance is near Interstate 40 and is 60 miles North of Williams, 80 miles Northwest of Flagstaff, 231 miles North of Phoenix, Arizona. 119 miles from Sedona, AZ, 278 miles Las Vegas, 494 miles Los Angeles, CA, 510 miles Salt Lake City, UT, 859 miles Denver, CO, 412 miles Albuquerque, NM. Commercial Airlines serve Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Las Vegas. There is limited air service to Grand Canyon Airport from Las Vegas and other locations. Greyhound provides bus service to Flagstaff. Open Road Tours (800) 766-7177 and Flagstaff Express Shuttle Services (800) 563-1980 offer shuttle services between Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon Village. Amtrak provides rail service to Flagstaff with connecting bus to the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon Railway offers train service from Williams 1-(800) The-Train.

Lodging at Grand Canyon

Lodging at Grand Canyon
South Rim at Grand Canyon Village
There are many lodging facilities in and around the Park.
Prices range from about $50 to $325 per day or night depending on how you think about it. Make reservations several months in advance especially for the summer months. Xanterra Parks and Resorts handle the reservations. A word to the wise. Reservation Centers for National Parks are very busy. Check your reservations frequently after confirmation, such as monthly, and definitely one week before your expected arrival. Hello, my name is _________ calling to confirm my reservation. Be sure that you receive all the required paperwork, permits and so forth from the reservation center. Make Grand Canyon reservations at http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodgings-overview-411.html and toll free (888) 297-2757, and not toll free (303) 297-2757 and Fax (303) 297-3175.

The following accommodations are available in the community of Tusayan, 7 miles south of Grand Canyon Village:

Grand Canyon Squire Inn (928) 638-2681
Grand Canyon Suites (928) 638-3100
Holiday Inn Express (928) 638-3000
Quality Inn (928) 638-2673
Red Feather Lodge (928) 638-2414
Seven Mile Lodge (928) 638-2291
The Grand Hotel (928) 638-3333

Additional lodging is available in Valle, 30 miles south on Highway 64, Williams, 60 miles south on Highway 64, and Flagstaff, 80 miles south on Highway 180.

There is a campground. Desert View Campground Information.

The following accommodations are available east of Desert View-

Cameron Trading Post and Motel (928) 679-2231 30miles
Anasazi Inn (928) 679-2214 at Gray Mountain, 37 miles

Lodging is available in Tuba City, 53 miles northeast of Desert View on Highways 64, 89 and 160.

Inner Canyon.
There is a camping area near the Phantom Ranch. Hike across the famous Colorado River bridge. The ranch is rustic, no frills accomodations. This place is awesome! Overnight hikers may arrange to stay at Phantom Ranch. Bring light crunchy, munchy food, bread, cheese, prepared meat such as pepperoni. Heavy food is not recommended such as canned goods. You will be amazed at how heavy a backpack gets after an hour or so hiking in a desert climate. By the way, all refuse that you bring into the Canyon must be taken out by you. Littering is a huge NO, NO and clearly not cool. Word to the wise bring 2 or 3 small handheld flashlights. There are no streetlights in the Canyon which can be pitch black at night. Do not hike at night. Stay where you are at sunset. Enjoy the beauty and extraordinary peacefulness of the Canyon. Please do not eat the vegetation and cactus fruits. Let's preserve this beautiful place forever, for all our future generations to see. Reservations for meals and lodging are required. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch. Call 303-297-2757 or 888-297-2757. You can also make reservations on-line at http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/.


Outside the park (South Rim)The following accommodations are available in the community of Tusayan,7 miles/ 11 km south of Grand Canyon Village:-

Grand Canyon Squire Inn (928) 638-2681
Grand Canyon Suites (928) 638-3100
Holiday Inn Express (928) 638-3000
Quality Inn (928) 638-2673
Red Feather Lodge (928) 638-2414
Seven Mile Lodge (928) 638-2291
The Grand Hotel (928) 638-3333

Additional lodging is available in Valle, 30 miles/48 km south on Highway 64, Williams, 60 miles/97 km south on Highway 64, and Flagstaff, 80 miles/129 km south on Highway 180.

Desert View - no lodging is available at Desert View, but there is a campground. Desert View Campground Information. Download the Desert View Map (237kb PDF File)
Outside the park (Desert View)The following accommodations are available east of Desert View-

Cameron Trading Post and Motel (928) 679-2231, 30 miles

Anasazi Inn (928) 679-2214 - In Gray Mountain, 37 miles.
Additional lodging is available in Tuba City, 53 miles northeast of Desert View on Highways 64, 89 and 160.

Inner Canyon - Phantom Ranch:Overnight hikers may arrange to stay at Phantom Ranch. Reservations for meals and lodging are required. A backcountry permit is not required for overnight stays at the dormitories or cabins at Phantom Ranch. Call 303-297-2757 or 888-297-2757. You can also make reservations on-line at http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/.


North Rim
Inside the park - Grand Canyon Lodge is the only lodging inside the national park on the North Rim. Lodging is booked well in advance, so make reservations as far ahead as possible.Reservations are handled by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. You can also make reservations on-line at http://www.grandcanyonnorthrim.com/ Or call (303) 297-2757 or toll free (888) 297-2757, fax (303) 297-3175. Check at the lodge for last-minute availability.Download the North Rim Map (289kb PDF File)

Outside the park (North Rim)Lodging is available seasonally.-

Kaibab Lodge (928) 638-2389
Jacob Lake Inn (928) 643-7232 - 45 miles

Additional lodging is available in Fredonia, 77 miles northwest on Highways 67 and Alt. 89, Kanab, 84 miles northwest on Highway 67 and Alt. 89, and Marble Canyon, 82 miles northeast on Highways 67 and Alt. 89.

Kolb Studio was once the home and business of the Kolb brothers, pioneering photographers at Grand Canyon. Today you can visit free art exhibits in the auditorium and shop in the bookstore. The studio is located in the Village Historic District, at the Bright Angel Trailhead, South Rim. Open daily.



Monday, November 5, 2007

GRAND CANYON
One of the wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is visited by people from all countries around the World. It is the most beautiful, awe inspiring scenery that anyone could possibly imagine. Standing on the edge of the rim after hiking the Bright Angel Trail there and back, and camping across the River , I found myself awed by the magnificence of God’s creation. Our worldly worries seem to be very small compared with such extraordinary nature’s beauty.
Pay close attention to the Park Rangers and safety advice for all visitors to the Canyon.
They are not exaggerating about anything. It is a dry, arid, pristine place. So dry that the desert will suck the moisture out of a person in a very short time, one hour or less. Bring a canteen, or two canteens. Drink plenty of water. Bring the right kind of food as recommended by the Park. Stop and rest when tired. Ask for help when needed.
Where is the Grand Canyon? North of Phoenix, Arizona and near Flagstaff.
There are campgrounds, hotels and motels in the area. Definitely make reservations in advance as the Canyon is a very popular tourist attraction especially in Spring, Summer and Fall, as are all of the National Parks. Each hiker in the Canyon requires a permit to hike down into the Canyon. There is a limit as to how many people are allowed.
How did the Grand Canyon evolve? The Colorado River, weather, wind, the Sun have contributed to the beauty of the abyss. The geologic strata consists of various layers from the basement, Vishnu shist to the Kaibab limestone at the rim which rises over a mile providing the most complete natural geological records anywhere in the World. Geologic formations such as gneiss and schist found at the bottom of the Canyon date back more than 1,800 million years. A diversity of biotic communities are found from the bottom of the Canyon to the rim.
The entire park area is semi-arid desert. Distinct habitats are located at different elevations along the 8,000 foot elevation gradient. Riparian vegetation and sandy beaches are found near the Colorado River. A short distance from the River, a desert atmosphere exists with a wide variety of desert cactus and desert scrub plants. Pinyon Pine and Juniper forests grow above the desert up to about 6,200 feet. Ponderosa Pine is abundant between 6,200 feet and 8,200 feet. A Spruce Fir forrest exists at 8,200 feet on the North Rim. The Colorado River and it’s tributaries, as well as springs, seeps, stock tanks, and ephemeral pools provide an oasis to flora and fauna. The dry climate has preserved prehistoric fossils found in caves throughout the Canyon.