nkoz
New Member
Posts: 1 
|
Post by nkoz on Nov 15, 2017 15:37:46 GMT -8
Hello! I am looking to hike rim to rim in the Grand Canyon over Christmas. I am a beginner backpacker and would appreciate someone with a bit more guidance. I am a quick learner who pulls weight and am excited about the process. I have some winter camping experience, but not a huge amount. I spent a night on the side of south sister in 2.5 ft of snow earlier this fall. Not looking to do that again, but it was definitely worth the morning view. Please let me know if you're interested or have any advice. I would aim to start ~christmas eve and spend 5-6 days doing the entire thing.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,879 
|
Post by zeke on Nov 15, 2017 15:54:19 GMT -8
Rim to Rim? As in only one trip over? You do know the North Rim is closed that time of year, right? Makes it much more difficult to do. You either have to XC ski several miles, or wade through several feet of snow for the same distance. North Rim won't open again until May sometime late, in all probability.
Now, as for the logistics, most people hike N-S, as the South Rim is over 1000 ft lower in elevation from the North Rim. Your allotted days would give you plenty of time to enjoy the trip, if it was some other time of the year.
|
|
jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,059
|
Post by jazzmom on Nov 15, 2017 17:28:24 GMT -8
So, reading "looking to..." and "aim to..." gives me the feeling that you don't have a permit. Read about GCNP Backcountry permits here: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htmThey close the gate to vehicular traffic at the North Rim at 8am on December 1st, so regardless of snow, you won't be able to drive past Jacob Lake. That's a long ways from the North Kaibab trailhead. In winter, most people do a R2R2R, which you could certain do with 5-6 days. If you layover at Cottonwood Campground, you could hike up to the North Rim as a long day hike. 14 miles, but you can do it with a day pack. Saves you from having to carry winter gear for the North Rim. If you really want to sleep on the rim, you can camp on the North Rim in the winter months. Need to designate it in your permit request. There used to be yurt up there you could reserve but I heard they've closed it permanently. :( Here's the temperature chart for the GC. The differential is about 5 degrees per 1,000 feet of elevation: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weather-condition.htm |
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,667
|
Post by rebeccad on Nov 17, 2017 20:53:54 GMT -8
zeke and jazzmom both know a lot more about the GC than I do, but I'm thinking that this isn't a hike for a beginning backpacker. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's some serious elevation change, plus in winter the top part of the trails are apt to be snowy/icy.
|
|
