Hiking in The Grand Canyon

[vB4]

I'm looking into taking my family to the Grand Canyon next April, the week after Easter. Is this a particularly bad time for weather? Also, we plan to drive there and then camp. Are there any shuttles to and from the trailheads at this time of year? If not, since you can't park overnight at the trailhead who can provide transport?

[Barryusa]

I believe the North Rim is closed until mid May.

[Sergemaster]

Once agian I'm going to ad that I recommend that before anyone does to go out and buy, "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon" by Michael P. Ghiglieri & Thomas M. Myers. To be Forewarned is to be Forearmed, especially when it comes to the Grand Canyon...

Cheers,
Serge

[davidurmann]

I have hiked down to the bottom near phantom ranch even in December. A lot of snow at the top but it gets warmer as you go down.

[Barryusa]

Serge,
Went and got the book yesterday. I am a 38 y/o firefighter in Phoenix and worked in the summer heat for 14 years and can hike up and down Squaw Peak four times without stopping for rest. After reading chapter two, I've changed my mind about a south to north rim to rim solo hike. Any ideas or ways to find a group to go with?

[Sergemaster]

Glad I could help, the Grand Canyon is NOT a place where you want to take a chance by testing yourself, especially after you read some of the stories in the book as well as online.

As for finding a group, I would go to the official Grand Canyon website and I do believe there are groups posted there that one could contact and use there services for a fee of course. The girl and I were planning on going this year, but work has now made this venture impossible for the both of us at the moment unfortunately.

Another book you may want to check out, "Missing 411" by David Paulides. He documents 100+ years of the bizarre circumstances of folks disappearing while hiking and backpacking in the US. What's more bizarre is the complete lack of interest as shown by the NPS that would make your hair stand on end.. Another reason to limit the size and scope of government and certain ineffective departments or make those responsible for any SNAFU accountable.

Cheers,
Serge