Frequently
Asked Questions
"I
envision national parks as . . . models of respect
for all land and water and all of life." Michael
Frome
Q
& A
Q:
How long will my hike take?
A: Most first-time Grand Canyon hikers walk uphill
at an average speed of one mile per hour. Monitor
the amount of time it takes you to get down to any
location; it can take twice that amount of time to
cover the same distance going out. This "rule
of thumb" seems to work well regardless of individual
fitness, age, and/or length of stride.
Q:
How much water do I need?
A: In warm months, each hiker should carry and drink
about a gallon (4 liters) of water per day. Watch
your "ins and outs." Drink enough so that
urine frequency, clarity, and volume is normal. You're
not drinking enough water if your urine is dark, small
in quantity, or non-existent in the course of a day's
hiking.
Q:
Where can I find water?
A: Purified drinking water is available at only a
few locations in the canyon. NOTE: During winter months
the pipelines to all rest houses and Cottonwood are
shut off; all pipelines in the canyon are subject
to breaks at any time of year thus cutting off water
supplies. Always carry water with you.
Water
may be obtained directly from the Colorado River and
Bright Angel Creek, but must be treated before drinking.
Most other water sources in the canyon are intermittent
and unreliable.
Q:
How do I treat my water?
A: There are 3 common methods for treating water:
boiling (stove), iodine tablets, and filters. Because
of occasional pipeline failures, it's a good idea
to be prepared with one of these methods even when
hiking Corridor trails.
Q:
How much food should I take?
A: Lots. Eating is equally important to both day hikers
and overnight backpackers. Carry high energy snacks
as well as meals. The hike out is much easier when
you provide your body with enough calories to support
the extreme physical activity you're engaged in. When
you make camp, or any time you leave your pack unattended,
be sure to hang your food and trash in nylon stuff
sacks or place in food storage containers (ammo boxes)
when provided. There are many small animals who will
damage your pack and eat your supplies if not secured
properly. DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE! Improper food storage
and feeding harms wildlife. Violators will be cited.
Q:
In case of emergency, how do I contact a ranger?
A: Ranger stations are located at Indian Garden, Phantom
Ranch, and Cottonwood (Cottonwood is staffed only
in the summer season). There are emergency phones
at the ranger stations and along Corridor trails at
the Bright Angel Trail rest houses, the junction of
the South Kaibab and Tonto Trails, and at Roaring
Springs on the North Kaibab Trail. These phones are
connected to the park's 24-hour dispatch center and
do not require coins. There may be times when these
phones do not function: be prepared to send a member
of your group up or down the trail to request emergency
assistance and consider carrying a signal mirror.
Please remember that fatigue is not an emergency.
Q:
If I get into trouble and need to be rescued, who
pays expenses for my rescue?
A: You will be charged for rescue expenses.
Q:
Should I hike alone?
A: Risks are greater for those who hike alone. There
is no one to assist you if you become lost, ill, or
injured. Mountain lions do inhabit the Grand Canyon.
Hikers traveling alone are at greater risk of attack.
Be sure to keep your group together, a good plan is
to have your most skilled members at the front and
rear of your group with the novices in the middle.
Q:
What do I do with my trash?
A: You are required to carry out all of your trash,
including toilet paper, to rim disposal facilities.
To do otherwise is littering. When in camp, be sure
to hang your trash with your food sack to prevent
its being scattered by wildlife. Enclose all plastic
and aluminum in nylon stuff sacks; wildlife will eat
plastic and aluminum that smells of food, and they
often die from resulting health problems.
Q:
Are there toilets in the canyon?
A: There are very few. Be prepared to provide your
own toilet paper. Where toilets are available, you
must use them. Only human waste and toilet paper should
be deposited in the toilets. Where toilets are not
available, you must carry out your used toilet paper
(a plastic ziplock bag works well) and bury feces
in a small hole about 6 in/15 cm deep. Be sure you
are at least 100 ft/30 m from trails, campsites, and
water sources. Along the Colorado River, urinate directly
into the wet sand at the river's edge.
Q:
Do I need a map?
A: A map is essential for planning your trip and staying
oriented during your hike. Grand Canyon topographic
maps are available through the Grand Canyon Association.
Q:
Do I need a tent?
A: When hiking the Grand Canyon, it is desirable to
travel as light as is reasonable. Even though it's
a desert, it does rain occasionally in the canyon.
Rain is most likely to occur in July and August. A
tent can offer protection from rain, but due to mild
nighttime temperatures, cold protection is not a factor
during summer. Consider taking a lighter sleeping
bag (or even a sheet) to save weight if you decide
to carry a tent. Another option is to take only the
rain fly or a bivy sack as shelter. During winter,
tents are desirable equipment.
Q:
Do I need a stove?
A: You need to balance the weight of your stove and
fuel against your desire for hot meals. During the
heat of summer, cold meals are often more attractive.
During cold weather, a stove may be important for
survival. NOTE: Fires are prohibited throughout the
backcountry.
Q:
What should I tell family/friends/employer about my
trip?
A: Your hiking itinerary (include name of the trip
leader/ permit holder if not you), your rim destination
after the hike, and the date of your return home.
If you indicate you'll contact them once you're out
of the canyon, BE SURE YOU DO SO! You are accountable
for costs associated with search and rescue efforts
on your behalf, and while the National Park Service
has your life and safety as its highest priority,
it is irresponsible to initiate such efforts frivolously.
Q:
Can I deviate from my permit itinerary?
A: No. You are required to follow the itinerary authorized
on your backcountry permit. Itineraries are controlled
by use limits designed to protect the fragile environment
of the inner canyon against the damaging effects of
overuse.
Q:
Are there penalties for backpacking without a permit?
A: Yes. Regulations regarding backcountry use are
enforced by park rangers. Violations may result in
fines and/or court appearances. Review all regulations
listed on your permit and feel free to ask a ranger
for clarification, if needed, before beginning your
trip. Each individual hiker on your trip is as accountable
as the trip leader for abiding by rules and regulations.
Q:
Where do I park my vehicle(s)?
A: There are parking lots at the Bright Angel and
North Kaibab trailheads. A free hikers shuttle operates
year-round to the South Kaibab trailhead from Canyon
View Information Plaza. Taxi service is also available
24-hours a day. If you have only one vehicle, it is
best to park it near the trailhead where you exit
the canyon. Be sure not to drive off-road, block another
vehicle, or otherwise obstruct traffic when you park.
Valuables
should be secured out of sight (in a trunk if possible),
glove compartments left open for inspection, and the
vehicle locked. The Bright Angel Lodge offers a storage
service for valuables for a fee on a space available
basis.
Q:
Should I be concerned about snakes and scorpions?
A: The canyon is home to a variety of snakes and scorpions,
some of which are poisonous. A good rule to follow
is to always be aware of where you place your hands
and feet. Snakebites are rare, occurring mostly when
people attempt to handle snakes. Do not attempt to
capture or otherwise molest any wildlife. If bitten,
contact a ranger by signaling or sending someone for
help. Although snakes often do not inject venom when
they bite, any animal bite should be examined by a
physician and monitored for signs of infection.
Scorpions
are common in the canyon and stings occur with regularity.
While scorpion stings are painful, they rarely cause
serious health problems. The elderly and very young
children are most susceptible to their venom. If stung,
apply cool compresses to the sting site (for pain
relief) and monitor the victim. It is rare for an
evacuation to be necessary. Scorpions are small and
their tan color makes them difficult to see. Avoid
stings by shaking out your boots and clothing before
dressing, wear shoes (even in camp), and shake out
your bedding before climbing into it.
Further
Information
The Backcountry Information Center is open daily for
walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Backcountry
Information Center staff answer information telephone
lines at 520-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone
number is for information only.
Backcounty
Information Center
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon AZ, 86023
The Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Information
Center does not have an email address.
