Anyone ever backpacked in the Grand Canyon?

[Pedal Wench]

Oh -- one more tip. Put in as many variations for your trip on the permit as you can. Forwards, backwards, moved one day forward, one day back - every option that you can.

[divingbiker]

Haven't hiked it (with a backpack and all) but I did climb out from Bright Angel Campground to the south rim starting at noon, and man, was it hot! (I rafted halfway down through the canyon, then hiked out, but the mules carried my gear.) A shower never felt so good.

But I did want to second Pedal Wench's recommendation of spending some time at the North Rim. Sooooo much better than the South Rim. South is like a city, North is like the country. Hotels vs. cottages. Frantic vs. laid back. Love love love it there.

[Tri Girl]

Thanks, PW, for all your wisdom!!! My DH was appalled that I was reading the "death" book, but I'm looking at it as a way to read what NOT to do and to gain some knowledge on what to do right so I don't wind up in a book like that one day. I'm off to go stretch, now.
About the permit- can we just say: we want to do a 5 day, 4 night trip any time within this two week period- and they can tell us the dates that are open- or do we have to be specific with dates? I want to put as many options as humanly possible because I WANT to do this trip!!!

Divingbiker- thanks for the tip! I think we're for sure going to visit the North Rim this time- it just seems so out of the way and like a different crowd might be there. Plus, I've heard there are some great mtn bike trails on the N. Rim and we'd like to check those out after we've done our hike.

[Pedal Wench]

I'm pretty sure you have to be specific with the dates on the permit, but it can't hurt to add that as a note. We haven't had to apply for one since 2006, and it might have changed. Our last hike in 2007 was a luxury trip. The day those dates opened up to book Phantom Ranch, we called and while my BF was on the phone, the computers all went down - he was able to book whatever he wanted and everyone else was locked out. So, we did a r2r2r staying at the cabins down at Phantom Ranch. Felt like rockstars.

[Tri Girl]

So, we did a r2r2r staying at the cabins down at Phantom Ranch. Felt like rockstars.

VERY cool!!!
I just spent 2 hours at the hiking/outdoor store that I trust the most trying on packs. HOLY MOLY!!! They are HUGE and really expensive. Of course, the one that fit me the best was the cadillac of packs (Osprey $250). I had no idea...
I guess I'll be saving up. There's two things that I won't compromise on: my hiking boots and my pack. Being chintzy on either one could make a good trip turn bad in a hurry. C'mon Christmas bonus...

[Flybye]

The best hiking advice that I have ever ever ever ever had is to wear nylons under hiking socks. The nylons take the frictions, not your feet, which eliminates blistering.
Enjoy the trip - it is hot in that part of the world, I'll stick to mountains and look at your pictures!!
I am going to go stretch now, too, even though I have no hikes planned!!!

[sunlightbrite]

Ooooo thanks for the great info. I've always wanted to backpack down the canyon too. It's such a spectacular location. I'm jealous! I agree Tri Girl you don't want to be cheap on those items especially shoes. Maybe one day I'll bug my other half that I want to hike down too.