Grand Canyon vacation

[jnelson]

Im looking for the best bang for the buck for a Garand Canyon vac. for the family. We will be taking a pop-up camper. Im going to keep it as primitive as possible but try keeping the "shower" amenety, as well as toilets.



Who's been? Where did you stay? We will be taking the mule ride down (wife wants that one), as well as hiking. Were looking at late summer for vacaton time.



Any ideas or input would be appreciated.

 

[DJW]

Maybe not much help, but on my first and as yet untill the next time, visit to the Grand Canyon, (It Is!) I was recomended to see it first from the North Rim, as it's visual impact is Far greater than getting glimpses from the South, before actually arriving there. One can park and walk to the edge, there is a Lodge close to the Rim but I did not spend any time there, (just wanted to see it). I believe there is plenty of camping space,probably also less crowded, as the South Rim is more easily accessed. If I had company I would recommend them to keep their eyes closed untill you say open, I'm sure they will be glad you did. (Belive Me!) (What a Sight!)

 

[BarryG]

If you want to stay in the park itself you have few options. We stayed in our popup tent trailer at the main campground(for the south rim) well right next to it in Trailer Village. It did have power, water and sewer. I think it is the only one in the park that has hookups. If you dont need hookups you can go right next door to the Mather Campground or Desert View about 20 miles east near the east main entrance. We wanted hookups and reservations since I have gone before and been left out in the cold so to speak with no place to stay Showers were a couple blocks away. All of those campgrounds leave a little to be desired as far as privacy and away from it all but if you want easy access to the park it is about all you can get. Even outside of the park it is hard to find a good quiet place without driving quite a ways. On the east side the main entrance is 20 some miles from the main part of the park and then you are on the Navajo Reservation with limited camping as well. While not ideal camping it didnt really bother us as we only ate dinner, slept and ate breakfast at camp. Other than that we were out enjoying the park not the campground.



As far as hiking make sure you are in reasonable shape. As it is all down hill one way and all up the other unless you are just hiking along the rim.



I have hiked down the south Kaibab trail to the river and back in one day. While the mileage is only about 13 miles round trip it is a tough one and would not recommend doing it in one day unless you are very fit.



I have gone down the Bright Angel trail past Indian Gardens out to Plateau Point about 12 miles round trip. At that point you are well above the river but have a great view of it. Easier than South Kaibab but still could be rough for the unfit.



On the Bright Angel you need to get past Indian Garden to see much of the Canyon. South Kaibab while steep I think has better views sooner so you do not have to go all the way down to the river to enjoy it. Bright Angel is a busy trail with lots of people as the trailhead is in the main park area. South Kaibab is much less crowded but is also harder to hike. The trailhead while still near the main area is aways down the road.



Another trail that I thought was great was the rim trail. Take the shuttle out to Hermits Rest and hike back to the Village. 7 miles or so in length from there to the village. The shuttle stops at various points and those are the only places we saw people except for the last mile or so. The trail just follows the rim is shaded in parts, you get great views, is relatively easy hiking and was quite enjoyable. You also get to see many views that the shuttle riders do not as it doesnt stop everywhere. Also if you need to bail for whatever reason you can get on the shuttle at one of several places.



I have also hiked the Hermit Trail down quite aways but that area is in the "fly zone" so every few minutes a plane or helicopter flys by while not that bad the noise gets tiresome. The trail is also fairly tough and the views are not nearly as good as the other trails. There are other trail options as well but they will be steeper and rougher.



It will be hot. Take comfortable, supportive shoes/boots, a hat and carry lots of water. I would suggest a gallon per person. Sounds like a lot but you will be glad you have it especailly if it is really warm out.



The North Rim is less crowded and has many fewer amenities and services. While it is most definitley worth seeing it also has fewer options. Some feel it is better than the south side some do not depends on who you are I guess. Either rim is fantastic though. I have been to the North Rim but only for a day trip so I do not have nearly as much experience with it. I did notice many less trails and veiwpoints though. However the ones that are there are great.

 

[Jaysyl]

I like the north rim the best. Both north and south are great to see. I plan on going to the south rim around the 20th of December. I think we will find a place to camp in Bullhead city, maybe Davis camp.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Well, I worked for the concessionaire (Xanterra) at the Grand Canyon South Rim for 3 summers-- 2000, 2001, & 2002. If you want REALLY primitive, you can try the TenX campground in the Kaibab National Forest just south of Tusayan. Trailer Village and Mather Campground are within the Grand Canyon National Park, and they have lots of amenities, but of course, are really full, esp during the summer. They usually require reservations WAY ahead of time, like the mule rides your wife wants to take.

Do you want to go to Phantom Ranch or take a helicopter/plane ride? You should really make sure you at least take a rim hike while you're there.

The Grand Canyon South Rim is a beautiful, incredible place to visit, but very expensive and very crowded. It's great that you are planning so far ahead of time. Let me know if you have specific questions and I'll try to help you out.

 

[moparguy]

Haven't done the South side, but we tent camped in the woods on the North side back in the 90's. Had to buy a permit for $20 (?). Had a great family time.



We found lots of trails to explore. We did have a meal in the lodge, I'd recommend it just for the experience of being in a great old lodge. Also recommend the mule ride into the canyon.



We have horses and ride, but on the mules, all you do is sit. No need really to even hold the reins, they follow their buddy. So if your family doesn't ride, not a problem.



On timing the trip, I've found that the later in August the better. Many schools start in early August now and most familys with kids are home (and not in the National Parks) the last two weeks of the month. Huge drop in visitors in my experiance.



Good luck, RR

 

[MMeier]

I like the north rim the best. Both north and south are great to see. I plan on going to the south rim around the 20th of December. I think we will find a place to camp in Bullhead city, maybe Davis camp.

Why so far away might as well camp at home !

 

[Jaysyl]

Why so far away might as well camp at home !

You are right, Kingman or bust :-laf :-laf Some nights I do camp at home, when the wife throws me out of the house. The camper works as an extra bed room.