Short Backpack in the Canyon, South Rim
Day Note:
Collect your stuff and collect yourself on the rim of the Grand Canyon and let your imagination travel down the canyon wall ahead of you.
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Canyon Village Marketplace & Deli
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2262
Location:
- Market Plaza Road & Village Loop Road
- Grand Canyon Village
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
When you are planning to spend the day hiking or sightseeing at the Grand Canyon, stop here first for refreshments and other outdoor supplies to take with you. The general store is a full-service supermarket, delicatessen and souvenir stand. It also sells and rents camping and backpacking equipment and supplies. Simple deli meat sandwiches and salads are great for taking along on the hiking trails or for spur-of-the-moment picnics in the Park. Not coincidentally, you may also know the owner's name from national politics: former President Clinton's Interior Secretary, Bruce Babbitt, is a descendent of this venerable Grand Canyon State family.
Author note:
If you haven't already bought your camping food or left some gear behind‚ here is your chance to load up. Make sure you have 4 liters of water bottles per person for your time in the canyon--more if you're planning on some rock-climbing.
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Bright Angel Point
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- AZ State Route 67
- (Near Grand Canyon Lodge)
- Grand Canyon,AZ86022
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Map
Description:
Bright Angel Point lies south of the Grand Canyon Lodge on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, a quarter mile south of Grand Canyon Lodge via a paved foot path. The point lies between The Transept, west, and Roaring Springs Canyon, east, on a narrow ridge that extends from the north rim. Immediately south of the vista is Bright Angel Canyon and the North Kaibab Trail that leads through it.
Author note:
Relax here or close by on the rim to watch the night cast over the canyon. Let your imagination create the beginning‚ middle and end of your adventure.
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El Tovar Dining Room
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- El Tovar Lodge
- P. O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
You will feel like you are supping at a European hunting lodge at this fine dining venue. But make your dinner reservations early; these are the area's hardest-to-get tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, year-round. Hotel guests may make reservations up to 90 days in advance, non-guests up to 30 days in advance. Full bar service is offered.
Author note:
Treat yourself to an exquisite meal! El Tovar is also open for lodging. Reserve your night far ahead of time if you'd like a night in luxury before your trek.
Day Note:
Today is your descent, seemingly easy since it's all downhill, but it is steep and it is hot and dry, so be sure to take in a lot of water and salt during the day.
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South Kaibab Trail
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- Along the side road to Yaki Point
- (Short distance from East Rim Drive)
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
This steep, well-traveled South Rim trail is one of the most popular with day hikers and mule riders at Grand Canyon National Park. Many visitors make the day hike to Cedar Ridge, which offers great, expansive views and is recommended for hikers who only have a short time to spend in the park. The trail is steep and well-defined with little shade--hikers are advised to bring along plenty of water. Thee are no private vehicles allowed in this part of the park, so to get to the trailhead, take the shuttle bus to Yaki Point Road.
Author note:
Steeper than Bright Angel‚ but better views. I don't recommend taking it up‚ but taking it down is rewarding.
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Phantom Ranch Canteen
Contact:
- +1 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- Phantom Ranch
- P.O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
This eatery is a refueling spot for the truly adventurous diner: you have to make the descent to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to eat here! The house specialty is hiker's stew, but the establishment also offers full American-style breakfasts, sack lunches and steak dinners. Vegetarian options are available by advance reservation. It is essential that you reserve your meals before you make your Grand Canyon descent.
Author note:
Potable water available here (most of the time). Stop for one last thick meal or just keep going to get to that remote location you imagined before you descended. There is an established campground nearby called Bright Angel. Camping there is recommended but you could always walk another couple miles to the Clear Creek Use area and do some backc-ountry camping.
Day Note:
Now that you're down, you've got a couple days of freedom. I recommend walking down to Clear Creek and finding a nice water hole to camp next to. Set down your packs there and explore.
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Clear Creek Trail
Contact:
- 520-638-7888
- visit website
Location:
- P.O. Box 170
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
From the junction with the North Kaibab Trail, the Clear Creek Trail climbs through a series of switchbacks to the southeast towards Phantom Overlook (a sharp switchback with a landing where there are a few stone benches; from this point there is a good view looking straight down at Phantom Ranch). After passing Phantom Overlook, the trail continues up to the base of the Tapeats and then traverses to the east for another mile to the Tonto Platform. While walking along the base of the Tapeats hikers are exposed to the Great Unconformity, a gap in the geologic record spanning more than 1 billion years. After a final ascent to the top of the Tapeats, the trail contours along the Tonto Platform, crossing Sumner Wash and two minor drainages. The trail turns to the north when it intersects with Clear Creek drainage below Demaray Point: When Clear Creek Canyon appears on the right, hikers are still only half way to their destination. From here, the trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues over an unnamed drainage to the north. Finally, at the end of the Tonto traverse, the trail drops into a drainage by traversing a long slope of brilliantly orange-colored Hakatai Shale. The trail ends at a dry tributary creek bed: Looking up this drainage one can see Brahma Temple. From here there is no trail, so it is necessary to hike down the drainage for approximately 150 meters to its confluence with Clear Creek. Most backpackers camp at the many impacted sites just downstream from the confluence. A faint route continues downstream to the confluence with the east fork of Clear Creek. Hiking to the Colorado River via the creek requires scrambling and numerous creek crossings. It is approximately six miles one way. A quarter mile from the river there is a pour off that requires a fifteen foot down climb. This climb can be wet and icy, so use extreme caution, and don't attempt if you don't feel comfortable with free climbing. Allow a full day to complete this hike. Many hikers also day hike up Clear Creek to Cheyava Falls. This is a five mile hike one-way and follows the creek bed. Allow a full day to complete this hike. Cheyava Falls only flows in the spring after winters with high snow fall. Important Notes: Clear Creek is extremely popular in the spring and fall and permits may be difficult to obtain. Plan ahead! Many first-time backpackers to Clear Creek attempt to hike from the South Rim to the Clear Creek Use Area, however by the time they arrive at Bright Angel Campground they are exhausted. If Bright Angel is not on the itinerary listed on your permit, DO NOT EXPECT TO CAMP THERE! It is recommended that you obtain a permit with Bright Angel Campground as your first and last nights. The nine mile stretch from Phantom Ranch to Clear Creek is south facing and consequently is in the sun from sunrise to sunset. Expect neither shade nor water for the entire length of the trail. During spring, summer, and fall months it is best to hike this trail in the extremely early morning or in the evening.
Author note:
Take it as far as you want. You have the back-country pass to stay anywhere in the use area. You may also get a permit to camp at the established Clear Creek Campground--this all depends on how you faired getting permits for the NP.
Day Note:
Day-hike! Take off your pack and choose to walk to the Colorado or to Cheyava Falls, which run in the spring only after winters with heavy snow fall.
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Clear Creek Trail
Contact:
- 520-638-7888
- visit website
Location:
- P.O. Box 170
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
From the junction with the North Kaibab Trail, the Clear Creek Trail climbs through a series of switchbacks to the southeast towards Phantom Overlook (a sharp switchback with a landing where there are a few stone benches; from this point there is a good view looking straight down at Phantom Ranch). After passing Phantom Overlook, the trail continues up to the base of the Tapeats and then traverses to the east for another mile to the Tonto Platform. While walking along the base of the Tapeats hikers are exposed to the Great Unconformity, a gap in the geologic record spanning more than 1 billion years. After a final ascent to the top of the Tapeats, the trail contours along the Tonto Platform, crossing Sumner Wash and two minor drainages. The trail turns to the north when it intersects with Clear Creek drainage below Demaray Point: When Clear Creek Canyon appears on the right, hikers are still only half way to their destination. From here, the trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues over an unnamed drainage to the north. Finally, at the end of the Tonto traverse, the trail drops into a drainage by traversing a long slope of brilliantly orange-colored Hakatai Shale. The trail ends at a dry tributary creek bed: Looking up this drainage one can see Brahma Temple. From here there is no trail, so it is necessary to hike down the drainage for approximately 150 meters to its confluence with Clear Creek. Most backpackers camp at the many impacted sites just downstream from the confluence. A faint route continues downstream to the confluence with the east fork of Clear Creek. Hiking to the Colorado River via the creek requires scrambling and numerous creek crossings. It is approximately six miles one way. A quarter mile from the river there is a pour off that requires a fifteen foot down climb. This climb can be wet and icy, so use extreme caution, and don't attempt if you don't feel comfortable with free climbing. Allow a full day to complete this hike. Many hikers also day hike up Clear Creek to Cheyava Falls. This is a five mile hike one-way and follows the creek bed. Allow a full day to complete this hike. Cheyava Falls only flows in the spring after winters with high snow fall. Important Notes: Clear Creek is extremely popular in the spring and fall and permits may be difficult to obtain. Plan ahead! Many first-time backpackers to Clear Creek attempt to hike from the South Rim to the Clear Creek Use Area, however by the time they arrive at Bright Angel Campground they are exhausted. If Bright Angel is not on the itinerary listed on your permit, DO NOT EXPECT TO CAMP THERE! It is recommended that you obtain a permit with Bright Angel Campground as your first and last nights. The nine mile stretch from Phantom Ranch to Clear Creek is south facing and consequently is in the sun from sunrise to sunset. Expect neither shade nor water for the entire length of the trail. During spring, summer, and fall months it is best to hike this trail in the extremely early morning or in the evening.
Author note:
Take it as far as you want. You have the back-country pass to stay anywhere in the use area. You may also get a permit to camp at the established Clear Creek Campground--this all depends on how you faired getting permits for the NP.
Day Note:
Lodging for tonight depends on your schedule for departure. You could drive out of the park tonight or stay a night in one of the lodges inside the park (Yavapai, El Tovar, and Bright Angel). There are chain hotels just outside of the park that are slightly less expensive if all you're looking for is a shower and a bed.
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Bright Angel Trail
Contact:
- 928 638 7888
- visit website
Location:
- Between Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit Rd
- From W Rim Drive to Plateau Point
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
One of the most popular things to do at Grand Canyon National Park is to hike this popular, highly-trafficked South Rim trail that starts just steps away from the Grand Canyon Lodges, and ends at the bottom of the canyon. Day hikers, guests staying at Phantom Ranch, and mule riders all share this busy, scenic route, making for some interesting people- and animal-watching. Bright Angel Trail offers great views from the inner canyon--so great, in fact, that hikers can easily lose track of how far they've traveled. Although well-traveled and maintained, Bright Angel Trail is quite steep at some points, and hikers should expect to take twice as long to come back up. The 12-mile trail is not recommended for hikers seeking a one-day, round-trip adventure, but there are plenty of popular outlooks and switchbacks for easy turn-around.
Author note:
A more gradual incline than South Kaibab‚ but that's not saying much. This trail has a long history of establishment and has several rest-stops with water and shade along the way. There is also a ranger station along the way in case of injury or dehydration. But if you take care of yourself‚ you'll sweep by the ranger station with no more than a nod and a sweaty smile.
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Bright Angel Restaurant
Contact:
- (928) 638-2631
- visit website
Location:
- Bright Angel Lodge
- P. O. Box 699
- Grand Canyon,AZ86023
-
Map
Description:
Bright Angel Restaurant, located at Bright Angel Lodge, is a full-service dining room on the South Rim. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus favor hearty Southwestern dishes, perfect to fuel up for a full day of hiking and sightseeing. Also on site are the Bright Angel Fountain, a snack bar and ice cream fountain, The Bright Angel Bar and Lounge, and the Canyon Coffee House, offering a full coffee menu and a selection of continental breakfast items. The Restaurant and Bar are open year-round, while the Bright Angel Fountain and Canyon Coffee House maintain seasonal hours.
Author note:
At the top‚ there's a spread of eateries to choose from inside the park and just outside the exits. Inside the park‚ just by the trailhead‚ Bright Angel Restaurant is a good affordable option with traditional fare and your much-needed ice-cream!
Grand Canyon National Park
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Yavapai Lodge
Contact:
- 928 638 2631
- visit website
Location:
- 499 Linger Lane
- Valle,AZ86023
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Map
Description:
Yavapai Lodge is the largest facility in Grand Canyon National Park. It is is surrounded by pinyon and juniper woodlands, and is a half mile from the rim. It offers many services within a few steps, and is a convenient choice for families.
