Hit the Trail is dedicated to helping those planning a trip to Grand Canyon and the southwestern United States. Within these pages is information to assist you in finding lodging and campgrounds, making reservations, choosing hiking equipment, finding guides and visitor services, as well as providing practical tips and advice to help make your trip a special and safe one.
The storm expected early this week never materialized but went further east instead. However another one is supposed to roll in this weekend with some wind and little snow accumulation expected. These are ripe conditions for hypothermia. Visit my Winter Hiking page for tips on hiking safely. To see a slideshow of our recent snowstorm, visit my Grand Canyon Snowstorm page. For current conditions, check out the Grand Canyon Weather page.
Information specific to the Inner Canyon lodge and the campground located near there. Both are located near the junction of the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. All 3 Corridor Trails, the South Kaibab, the Bright Angel, and the North Kaibab meet at here at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
This section includes information on lodging and camping on both the South and North Rim, the inner canyon lodging at Phantom Ranch, the gateway communities, and along the highway connecting both rims. Please note that I am not associated with any of the listed companies and only provide the links and information as a service. If you have any questions, please direct them to the appropriate companies.
Here we discuss shelter, boots, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, clothing, food, and other topics for making your trip enjoyable and safe no matter the season. The weather in the Canyon can vary greatly. Rental options are also listed. Keep in mind that it is far better to rent good gear than to buy cheap gear and regret it when you get caught in a storm in a leaky tent or a sleeping bag that weighs too much and still doesn't keep you warm!
The Bright Angel, South Kaibab and North Kaibab Trail are all part of the Corridor Trail system, the main trails to Phantom Ranch and the Inner Canyon. This section includes information on the trails, campgrounds and permits required for camping below the rim. You'll also find trip reports and links to other resources to help plan your hiking trip.
This section provides information and links to companies that provide In-Park Shuttles & Transportation, Guiding Services, mule rides from the South Rim and North Rim, and Commercial River Trips in the Grand Canyon, as well as information for those wanting to arrange their own Private River Trips. Please note that I am not associated with any of the listed companies and only provide the links and information as a service. If you have any questions, please direct them to the appropriate companies.
As the name implies, this section covers general stuff that doesn't really fit anywhere else. Weather conditions, Ranger Programs, Fishing Regulations, Mileage Chart, Grand Canyon Artists and Authors, Trivia and Facts, Metric Calculators, Shuttle Services and Transportation, Visitor Centers and Chambers of Commerce, Indian Reservations, and much more. There is also a Calendar of Current Events.
Facebook Fan PageThe companion Facebook page with photos and updates for Grand Canyon, Phantom Ranch, and parks and recreation areas throughout the Southwest.
Fifty-plus inches. That is the amount of snow that blanketed northern Arizona during the third week of January, and Grand Canyon National Park was by no means spared. After watching the weather-related destruction in California, park residents braced for the worst—and it arrived in the form of a multi-day pile up that will be talked about for years.
The storm resulted in a virtual shutdown of the region. Roads were closed, businesses shuttered, tourists stranded. When it was all over the views were as glorious as they were unsettling. The trade-off for scenic splendor was leaky roofs and bewildered critters, often up to their necks in wet heavy snow. In sixteen years in the park I’ve never seen anything like it. And photographic "keepers" aside, hope I never do again.
Note: If you’re traveling to the park any time soon, expect heavy snow on all trails, and limited access to unpaved thoroughfares.
See you on the trail!
Mike