Anyone ever backpacked in the Grand Canyon?

[Pedal Wench]

You should consider trying to get permits for the Clear Creek area - that is the most interesting place to get to from the corridor trails on the south side. This is a great launching point for dayhikes to a waterfall and to a native site. I've only been on a day-hike partway there, since I haven't been in the corridor in forever... but someday I'll get back there and fill that in.

My favorite bit of advice regarding the hike to Clear Creek was given to me by Schor (permanent volunteer at Phantom Ranch.) He said, "Just when you think you should be there, you're only halfway there." Dang it if he wasn't right!

The only time I HAVE seen scorpions were under my tent at Bright Angel and Cottonwood.

[Crankin]

Tri Girl, you made me laugh with your "armpit of AZ" comment.
Glad to hear even the natives say that.

One time, on the way back from San Diego, we stopped in Yuma to eat lunch. We were outside at a Jack in the Box and this homeless guy came up to our table, begging food. When we ignored him, he yelled, "Anybody home?" Finally, my 4 year old gave him food.
"Anybody home?" became a family joke.
I have been to the Canyon once, and it sure wasn't hiking! The teachers I worked with at one time did a hiking trip there, every spring break, but I was always afraid I would have to call that helicopter and get charged $1200.00 for a rescue.

[Tri Girl]

Update: We applied for our permit on the first of the month, and we were approved for 4 days in the canyon in June. I know summer isn't ideal, but with teaching it's the ONLY time we can go.
No worries. I'm SOOOO excited!!! I'll be sure to tell you all about it when we return. Now let's just hope that one of us doesn't push the other one over the edge after a few days of strenuous hiking.

[Pedal Wench]

Woohoo!!! What's the planned hike? I'll be there with you in spirit!

[Tri Girl]

Well since we've done the BA trail 3 miles down, we wanted to see the North Rim. So- we'll be doing N Kaibab to Cottonwood CG, then to BA CG, then back to Cottonwood then out.
Now I want to buy a nicer camera. We have a nice point and shoot, but since it's 2 years old the technology is old. It's only 6 MP, and not really clear. Plus, I'd like to have a camera that I can bring rechargeable batteries to refill the juice. Right now the battery has to be plugged into the special charger and since there are no outlets in the GC, that won't work real well (and it doesn't hold a great charge to begin with).
I guess a camera will be the next thing on the list.

[rubywagon]

The North Rim is my favorite place on the planet. You will have so much fun! Can't wait to see the pictures.

[Pedal Wench]

The North Rim is my favorite place on the planet. You will have so much fun! Can't wait to see the pictures.

Mine too. There are just magical spots on the trail. You have to stop for a break at the Eye of the Needle. The whole section after the bridge in the Supai layer is just amazing. And, well, the Box! You'll want to get through that (right before BA) before it gets hot - that section can be brutal, but in the morning, it's sublime.