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best South Rim hike Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 01:08 PM UTC
I'm planning a three day guided hike from the South Rim in November and have the option of taking either the Hermit trail or the Bright Angel trail. I'm leaning towards Bright Angel because that would allow me to camp at the canyon floor but the tour operator cautioned against it, saying that the hike down is strenuous and doing it in one day would be exhausting. His recommendation is to take the Hermit trail to the Hermit Creek campsite, set up camp there for 2 nights and then hike to the Colordao river on day two. He also said that he prefers to hike the Hermit trail because its less crowded. Any suggestions?
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9 replies
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 01:27 PM UTC
don't underestimate the difficulty of hiking down to the river. I'm pretty fit, but on a visit a few years ago - i left at about 10:00am - got close to, but not all the way to the river, then turned around and hiked back up. Got to the top around 9:00pm. With a pack etc. it would be a strenous hike down. If you do choose to tackle it - start as early as absolutely possible - as it can get hot. Good luck and enjoy - it is an awesome place once you leave behind the crowds and enter into the landscape.
-bill
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 02:59 PM UTC
I think you should follow the tour operator's advice. You won't have to worry about crowds since tourist season is mostly during the summer, but I went last month and hiked down a short trail...let me tell you, I didn't think I was going to make it! I am young and in moderately good shape, and I had visions of being airlifted out of the Grand Canyon!! I don't think you should push yourself as it's hot and you are carrying everything you need on your back. Regardless of what trail you choose you'll have an amazing time! Good luck!
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 03:28 PM UTC
The bright angel trail is very difficult. There are sections that are extremely steep and the rock (mostly shale) is very loose. I don't remember too well but i don't think that water is available on the trail (until you reach the river) so you have to carry a lot. The rock at the bottom of the canyon is mostly dark green and black so it absorbs heat all day and at night the scorpians and snakes come out to soak up the heat (also lots of mosquitos). I think the worst part is just how hot it can get during the day and how it dosen't seem to cool off at night, but in November maybe thats not as much of a factor. And if you only stay one night you can have a very light pack. Like someone else said start real early. There are very nice views and a nice pool in the river to soak in. It can be a very nice trail to hike, but if you get hurt or dehydrated past a certain point you have to be airlifted out $$$.
I don't know anything about the Hermit trail. Enjoy.
jc
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 03:49 PM UTC
The angel trial is fine to hike down but I wouldnt like to hike back up the next day. We went beyond the campsite in one day to the overhang (on the signs they do not recommend you go past the 2 point in one day). Lots of people hike down to the campsite and back up with relative ease. The next day you feel it though!!! Best to start early in the morning!!
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 04:11 PM UTC
Do you think it would be extremely difficult to hike to the end of the angel trail in one day carrying two days worth of camping gear and then do the hike up in two days? The tour operator thinks its not advisable, but I really like the idea of camping on the canyon floor.
BTW, thanks to everyone for your input and suggestions. I really appreciate it!
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| Grand Canyon |
experience? Posted: Tue September 17, 2002 06:23 PM UTC
goingsolo - how much experience do you have with hard hiking/scrambling in hot dry climates? I find the combination of heat and dry make hikes (especially really steep ones) hard - although i have friends who hike (canyoneer) in southern Utah who are acclimated and find hikes like that no problem. I guess the point is that if you are serious - plan and train accordingly and prepare a contingency plan if you decide against it mid stream.
-bill
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Thu September 26, 2002 05:47 AM UTC
You want to stay on the main trail which is Bright Angel Trail, that is an easy trail and less crowded in November and that trail has water stops here and there along the trail but you do need to still take water down just because. If you haven't already started working out with your legs and breathing do so and take about a 3 or 4 day stay in the canyon before you crawl out. And don't forget to send a postcard out of the canyon to your friends & family saying "I DID IT"!!!!!!!!
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue October 22, 2002 03:44 PM UTC
You might want to decide once you are actually there, based on weather conditions. In November the weather is quite cold (low 60s during the day and below freezing at night), with the potential for snow. The Bright Angel trail may be too icy to hike during that time of year.
Make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes!
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| Grand Canyon |
Re: best South Rim hike Posted: Tue November 5, 2002 07:42 PM UTC
The Hermit trail is much tougher than Bright Angel. The Hermit Trail is not maintained by anyone but mother nature. It is remote and completely cut off from any help if you need it. There are 2 places where the trail is completely covered by boulders - which you have to climb over to go on - and a 3rd place where the trail is completely obscured by rock litter.
You're much better off to take the Bright Angel for a first hike.
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Grand Canyon Hotels
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Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
100 Highway 64, PO Box 130, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023-0130
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Bright Angel Lodge And Cabins
Highway 64, South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023
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Canyon Plaza Resort
406 Canyon Plaza Lane, 116 Highway 64, , Arizona, 86023
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El Tovar Hotel Grand Canyon
Apache Street and Center Road, South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023
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Grand Canyon Inn
317 S State Route 64, Valle, Williams, Arizona, 86046
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Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon
Highway 64, PO Box 3245, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023
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Kachina & Thunderbird Lodges Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Village, South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023
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Maswik Lodge Grand Canyon
Highway 64 South Rim, 1 Main Street, Grand Canyon, Arizona, 86023
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Red Feather Lodge
106 Highway 64, PO Box 146, Tusayan, Arizona, 86023
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The Grand Hotel
Highway 64, PO Box 3319, Tusayan, Arizona, 86023
