In other areas of the country there is a lot of support for annual HF hangs. I wanted to find out if there is any interest in creating something similar in Arizona.
On a philosophical note, I was curious what makes for a good group hang: vistas or generic scenery; campground style or back-country; centrally located or location specific; plop-and-drop or hike in; open-forum or slightly programmed evening?
longbow gave me an idea for a "quintessential Arizona hang" -- something uniquely Arizona that could turn into an annual offering: The Grand Canyon.
I'm still new to Arizona so I'm open to ideas. I've only been to the Big Ditch once, and that was a few weeks ago. The south rim is actually very beautiful, thick with Ponderosa pine and other hammock-worthy trees. I think the North Rim is equally lush, but I haven't been there since I was young.
In my quick casual search, I found two possible scenarios: The Mather Campground, or dispersed camping in the national forest outside the park.
I chose Mather Campground because of its proximity to the canyon, its drive-in location, it is open year-round, has access to water, and because it has a group campground that would easily accommodate more people and vehicles. I think the best time would be when visitor traffic is low, which means the "winter season", mid-November through February. Another open question is whether the rangers will permit hammocks in the campground.
During the winter, the group site fee is lower: $30. Those who participate could pitch in when they arrive, perhaps.
The other option, which I need to do more research on, is dispersed camping in the national forest. I don't know how close we would be able to get to the canyon or if there is any access point where several vehicles can park together. There may be points along the Arizona Trail that would work, but I need more research time.
I don't know if "stealth hanging" is even an option, but I would love to set up a site along the rim.
Anyway, I'm reaching out to all Arizona hangers who have more knowledge of the area than I do. This is just an interest survey for now.
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