I can put in for a permit for 6 people either before or after the hang.
My first choice is a rim2rim - north rim closes mid October.
I generally do 4 to 6 night hikes.
My work is cyclic - I can not attend the week of the 15th.
I can put in for a permit for 6 people either before or after the hang.
My first choice is a rim2rim - north rim closes mid October.
I generally do 4 to 6 night hikes.
My work is cyclic - I can not attend the week of the 15th.
It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
- Mark Twain
I'd be interested in a late September hang. I'll be on the river in early September. A campground with facilities would be more to my liking. The ground site sounds good and you could figure out the parking thing I'm sure. Sounds like you already got the green light from the rangers on using hammocks.
KJ
We spent thanksgiving in Havasu canyon a couple of years ago- weather was comparatively balmy @ 50's days /40's nights; which could have been due to solar heating of the rock wall opposite the camping area. I would love to go back and do the path (not exactly a trail; too close to civilization?) along the north rim of the park..IIRC the shuttle runs from Kaibab to Hermit's point for most of the day; could unload car, go park in the biiiiig lot at the village and take the shuttle back to the campground?
hmm Richard was saying he might like another AZ trip- maybe i can get him to go along on this one...
KM(who is subscribing to this thread!)
Last edited by KerMegan; 11-24-2010 at 12:49. Reason: speling erorrs..sigh.
A September hang sounds excellent. I haven't ever camped at the top, but I definitely agree that having facilities available for a large group is welcome. Thanks, dejoha for looking in to the details!
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir
GREAT idea!!! I also would be quite interested and am watching this thread closely. Thanks for posting.
Looks like a lot of the questions have been answered already. Plenty of hang options, facility info, in canyon trips, etc for both locations. It's been too long since I've been to the south rim but I usually visit north rim at least once a year since I like it much better. In my opinion along with many others the canyon views & trails are far superior. Also worth mentioning is that while around the lodge, Mather CG & some of the rim view trails at the north rim, are not void of crowds but it's akin to the center of the Atlantic compared to the amount of people you'll experience at the south rim.
While stunningly beautiful with great trails & viewpoints both along the rim & in the interior, the north rim is a good drive from anywhere even Flagstaff (4hrs) and especially Phoenix (6-6.5hrs). Quite the drive for an overnighter. Myself, I would only do the north rim if I was going for at least 2-3 nights.
SR 67 closes in late November or earlier depending on snow fall. Also most of the year & even Sept, light winter equip' (underquilts or pads) would be prudent if not necessary at night.
The interior Kaibab area around the canyon boasts some beautiful forests & meadow areas. It is not uncommon to see buffalo in these meadows and of course if camping away from facilities you could wake up to the hot breath of an elk on your face .
I agree with the assessment that Mather CG base camp would be best if doing the north rim. Along with the mentioned facilities there is also a store & the lodge (well worth a visiting) is within walking distance albeit not close enough to see. Both interior & rim trails/views are close by. Parking is not a problem,carpooling would only be a short distance.
Last edited by Swingblade; 11-24-2010 at 15:52.
The older I get the better I used to be. Superhero status is near.
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