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Overview
The Lower Canyon trips run over 100 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch, a park service facility and dividing line between the Upper and Lower Canyon, to three different destinations.
A lower canyon trip begins with a 9.5 mile hike DOWN AND INTO the canyon from the South Rim to the river.(see below) Your introduction to the canyon is on your hike and you meet everyone else on the trip once you get to the river. Your introduction to the river is fast and furious. You begin by running some of the biggest rapids in the canyon soon after leaving Phantom Ranch and by the end of your trip you will have run most of the biggest navigable rapids on the North American continent. Over the next few days you'll hike to some of the canyon's most beguiling attraction sites like Elves Chasm, Deer Creek and Havasu Creek where plunging waterfalls reduce normal adults to carefree youngsters. Depending on the takeout point, you will cover 100, 137, or 190 river miles respectively.
You need to arrive at Grand Canyon South Rim Village the day before your trip and overnight there in order to get an early start on your hike the following morning. These trips run 5 - 6 days on motor boats or 7 - 9 days on oar rafts or hard hulled dorys. All gear and tents are included (or may be rented for the trip) so all you have to bring are your own personal effects.
Trip end points are: Whitmore Wash, river mile 188 (helicopter out) Diamond Creek, river mile 225 or Lake Mead river mile 290
These trips start at $ 1505.00 per person |
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The Hike Down to the River
The 9.5 mile hike and 5000' elevation loss makes this a rigorous hike. You don't need to be an athelete to make this hike but you do need to be in relatively good condition and able to hike. As importantly, you need to be mentally prepared to hike downhill 4-6 hours. Most people carry in their own personal effects and a minimum of 2 liters of water in the summer months. A mule packing service is available to take your personal items to the river for an added fee.Your gear needs to be delivered to the livery barn at the South Rim the afternoon before you hike in.
Make sure to hydrate yourself starting the day before, avoid caffine and alcohol and take 1-2 sandwiches so you have plenty of fuel for the hike. Food is as important as water. It's best to eat small amounts often and time your water intake between refill stops so you keep your fluids up. The main trail is the Bright Angel Trail 9.5 miles between the river and the rim. The trailhead on the rim is next to the Bright Angel Lodge and a short walk to most all the other lodges. It's the only trail that has water, restrooms and phones along the route. Also it's a good idea to cut you toe nails, carry moleskin to put on hot spots andget your legs in shape before your trip.
Note: The trick to making the hike IN enjoyable is to have breakfast food in your room or plan to eat on the trail. The cafeterias open well after you need to be on the trail. Plan to hit the trail at first light, around 5:00 - 5:30 AM. This will afford you 3 advantages; 1. You'll have PLENTY of time so you can enjoy the hike, 2. You'll be walking in the cool of the morning, and 3. You'll get sunrise below the rim.
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