RE: Grand Canyon

[Turn Key]

 
Ok guys and gals!
 
 Need your input.  We have decided on the Grand Canyon, South Rim for our fall vacation (2nd. week in October).  This will be our first trip to the Canyon and we will be stopping to picking up my 84 year " young"  Dad in Albequerque on our way.  Also, we will NOT be camping this trip.  We are fiquring 2-4 days at the Canyon depending on how much we find to do.  DW and I are still up to light to moderate hiking but though Dad still gets around real well, I don t believe he ll be able to handle a lot of rough walking (of course, he s surprised the day lights out of me before).  Have sent for all the usual tourist info and it should be here in a couple of weeks.  Would like any 1st. hand info that could help make this trip a success, especially for my Dad.   Any thing you can furnish will be welcome.
 
 Thanks and happy camping!

[brainpause]

 Turn Key
I think most of the Canyon hikes are pretty rugged. However, Holly and I just returned from the Canyon. We spent a whole day there, looking at all the different overlooks. I think there are 20 or 30 different places to stop for pictures. You can drive to all but 9 of them, and there is a shuttle for those 9. Just plan on taking dear young Dad with you. Most of the viewstops (new word) have a relatively short walk (if any) for the view.
 
 Larry

[Redwolf]

 Turn Key
We just got back from the Grand Canyon (I m working on the website, hope to have pics up shortly).   We rafted from Lee s Ferry down to Phantom Ranch, and hiked out.   Probably the hardest hike we ve ever done, but fun.   Very gorgeous scenery.
 
 It s good that you re going in October, as it ll be cooler then.   It was in the 80-90 degree range at the river when we where there in mid-May, and the day after we hiked out it hit the 100 mark.  80 s up on the rim then, though.
 
  If you go on any hikes, be sure to take plenty of water.   And remember...if you hike down, you still have to hike back up...and that the 1.5 miles of trail leading down/up from the rim is about 2000 feet in elevation change!!  (Starting from Phantom Ranch on the river, we went 5.3 miles and gained 800 feet.  At 8 miles, we d gained 1200 feet.  At 9.6 miles we d only gained 2000 feet, and still had 2000 to go in just 1.5 miles at the end to reach the top!
 
 You can watch the conditions at the park at this link: [link=http://www2.nature.nps.gov/ard/parks/grca/grcacam/grcacam.htm]Grand Canyon Current Conditions[/link]
 You can see weather forecasts here: [link=http://www.wunderground.com/US/AZ/Grand_Canyon.html] Grand Canyon forecasts [/link]
 
 I strongly urge you to pick up the book, " Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon" .    It s a good read, and you can learn from all the stupid mistakes people make that get themselves killed there.    Drink a lot of water, stay on the trail, don t go over the barricades!
 
 We ll be camping on the North Rim in September, and are really looking forward to the trip.
 
 

[maromeo]

 Turn Key
Just a few questions, Where are you staying? The El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge are located at the rim s edge. They have some rooms with views of the canyon. There is also a train that runs from the town of Williams to the Grand Canyon, check out website www.thetrain.com.
 
 I am not sure of your budget but the hotels rates are higher in Grand Canyon Village and when we were there last summer during high tourist season, not the cleanest. You could stay in Flagstaff which is only about 1 and half hours away from all the hub of the canyon.
 
 If I can help out with any other information let me know.
 Mary

[hoosya]

 Turn Key
The nightly slide shows from the rangers and storytellers are a must.  Also, take in a sunset. It is amazing how the canyon changes colors during the process!  And take a good camera.  No picture or video does the Grand Canyon justice.  I agee with Red Wolf,  takes lots of water even on the Rim hikes.  Hydrate early and take about a half gallon per person per half day.

[Turn Key]

 Turn Key
Thanks for the help.  Keep it coming.

[Redwolf]

 hoosya

I agee with Red Wolf,  takes lots of water even on the Rim hikes.  Hydrate early and take about a half gallon per person per half day.                                                                                                                        

 You ll need more than that if you go down into the canyon.  Or, be sure to refill at the 1.5, 3 and 5 mile stops on Bright Angel Trail.
 
 You can t have too much water in the GC!