SOUTH KAIBAB AND BRIGHT ANGEL TRAILS
ü Like the Park Service and all the trail guides say, “DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HIKE TO THE RIVER AND BACK IN ONE DAY”. Don’t become one of the 250 people the Park Service rescues every year.
ü Reservations for lodging and meals at Phantom Ranch should be secured with Xanterra on the 1st day of the month for the following year (i.e. call on April 1 for arrangements between April 1-30 of the following year). The lucky few call in at the least minute to fill cancellations.
ü Campsite reservations at Bright Angel Campground can be made with the National Park Service on the 1st day of the month four months in advance of your trip (i.e. make reservation on December 1 for any nights between April 1-30)
ü Committing to pre-trip conditioning is the key to enjoying this trip. Consider a regime of lots of stairs (the local hotel stairwell and baseball field bleachers did the trick), distance walking, and extended hikes on steep terrain. We located a perfect training hike (Pikes Peak in NE Oregon) which climbed 2,000 feet in 3.5 miles.
ü The use of adjustable trekking poles for this hike cannot be overemphasized. You will love them when you are done. I found racquetball gloves to be ideal for my hands.
ü The use of lightweight yet sturdy footwear is a must
ü If hiking South Kaibab Trail, take LOTS of water, even if hiking in cooler conditions. There is no water available on the trail.
ü The route we took (hiking down South Kaibab and back up Bright Angel) was probably the best option for a roundtrip hike to the bottom of the canyon.
ü Taking advantage of Xanterra’s 30 lb duffle service both going up and coming down made things a lot easier.
ü Take your time on the trail; stop often for rest, water, and food. Find shade to rest in to get out of the sun.
ü It may seem like a no brainer, but wear a headcovering and put on lots of sunscreen.
ü Be prepared for all kinds of weather in the canyon. In April, the trail on the rim is covered in ice, while Phantom Ranch has temperatures in the mid-80s.
ü Remove your boots and socks at least every 90 minutes; elevate your feet above your head for 5 minutes.
ü There is no toilet between Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles) and The Tipoff (5.5 miles), so plan accordingly.
ü Give uphill hikers the right-of-way. Step to inside of the trail when mule trains pass by.
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