GRAND CANYON BACKPACKING
The Grand Canyon National park has hundreds of miles of trails running throughout its corridor. As professional canyon guides we at Fort Tuthill familiarize ourselves with as many of these trails as possible. If you have a hike in mind or just want to see a new area of the Grand Canyon contact us and will work with you to create a memorable trip in this, one of the world’s natural wonders.
*NEW FOR 2010* : Permit Policy Changed This year the Grand Canyon National Park has changed the way they issue backcounrty permit which has affected the way in which we plan our calendar of trips. We are planning to have Grand Canyon hiking trips like the North Rim to South Rim hike in the fall however we will be unable to advertise specific dates until after June 15th 2010. We are sorry for the inconvenience we thank you for your understanding. For further information please click here>> Grand Canyon National Park - Backcountry Permit Change
Trip Details : Includes equipment, food, permits and transportation. All trips will depart from and return to the lodge here at Fort Tuthill.
Cost: Pending : Pending
Trip Dates : TBA in September and October
GRAND CANYON HIKING EQUIPMENT LIST
It is important that this list be followed closely. Once you are in the canyon it is impossible to make up for necessary items left at home, and to drop off any items not necessary. What you bring in you must take out. Backpacks will be supplied for personal items, but there is limited space, so please pack accordingly.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE BELOW ITEMS ARE LISTED TO MINIMIZE YOUR PACK WEIGHT. YOUR CARRYING WEIGHT IS RESTRICTED TO 25 POUNDS WITHOUT WATER AND FOOD. BY ADDING ITEMS NOT ON THIS LIST WILL INCREASE YOUR WEIGHT. YOUR PACK WILL BE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION AND WEIGHING TO MINIMIZE YOUR CARRYING WEIGHT.
BOOTS
Please keep in mind that this is not part of your pack weight. It is essential to make sure you have comfortable footwear. Blisters and bruised toes can make a difference between hiking out and being carried out, and foot problems can ruin your trip in the canyon!!! In order to avoid these foot problems, please make sure your boots fit properly. You can achieve this by going to a shop that sells hiking boots and ask for their assistance. Please be sure that your boots are high top. You want your boot to be sturdy, we recommend a full-grain leather boot, but heavy Corduroy boots are available at a lower price than the full-grain leather boots. The boot should be relatively lightweight with a good mid sole to maximize the cushion. Every boot fits differently, try on several different pairs. A properly fitted boot will not allow your heal to slip around. This can cause horrible blisters. When hiking downhill, you must make sure your toes do not slide down and touch the end of the boot. If this happens, your toes could bruise and hiking out would be very uncomfortable. When trying on boots please make sure you try the boots on with the socks you will be hiking in, see the below ‘liner and sock system’ essentials under the clothing category. If you buy new boots, please break them in before the trip. To break them in, put a minimum of 30 miles on them in the socks you’ll be wearing, preferably in varied terrain. Please do not bring high-top tennis shoes. If on the trip you begin to experience any spots on your feet that are feel hot, please let the guides know immediately. This enables us to stop a nasty blister and continue on our adventure. And lastly, remember that happy feet make happy hikers!
CLOTHING
1 pair hiking boots (see above information)
2 pair socks and 2 liners (we suggest a poly-mix liner, and Thorlo brand hiking sock or
wool if you prefer.)
1 short sleeve T-shirt (one that you don’t mind getting stained with dirt)
1 set lightweight polypropylene pants and shirt
1 fleece jacket
1 pair of shorts, preferably nylon-quick dry to also be used as a bathing suit. Please do not bring jeans shorts!
1 bathing suit for women, but keep in mind to minimize your weight, you can swim
and hike in your nylon shorts, sports bra and a T-shirt
PROTECTION
1 wide-brimmed cap to protect from sun
1 pair sunglasses
Sun block (put in zip lock baggy for leak protection)
Lip balm
Body lotion (small, travel bottle in zip lock bag).
MISCELLANEOUS
Eating utensils (bowl, coffee mug/cup, spoon, fork. Please bring lightweight plastic or aluminum items, do not bring glass)
Small flashlight/headlamp with fresh batteries, and a couple of spare batteries.
Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothpaste, floss, tampons or napkins with 2 zip lock
baggies, contacts (plus spares and glasses), comb or small brush.
Please limit your
toiletries to the bare essentials. You do not need to bring toenail clippers, tweezers, make-up, hair spray, etc. You can maximize your weight reduction in this area!!!
3 1-quart water bottles. Nalgene brand bottles work well…leak proof and indestructible!
CAMPING SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED BY FT. TUTHILL, IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN AND IT IS LIGHTER WEIGHT THAN OURS FEEL FREE TO BRING IT.
1 Sleeping bag (lightweight and compressible, 30-40 degree protection. Ours is 3.5 lbs)
1 Tent to be shared (a tent must be lightweight and is optional)
1 Lightweight backpack (ours weighs 5 pounds, and is supplied)
1 Sleeping pad (thermarest, ours weighs 24 ounces)
1 Rain poncho/jacket
OPTIONAL ITEMS***
Camera (lightweight)
Book (short and soft back)
Snacks (a small zip lock bag of trail mix, granola bars)
1 small hand towel (do not bring a large bath towel)
2 pair of underwear (you can wash as you go)
Teva type sport sandals for camp
Warm cap to sleep in
Pocket knife/Swiss Army type
Insect Repellent
***KEEP IN MIND THESE ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL, AND YOU MUST KEEP YOUR PACK WEIGHT UNDER 25 POUNDS!
PLEASE DO NOT BRING
Walkmans or radios, perfumes, non-essential toiletries (remember, you will be in the
wilderness and we’ll all be grungy!)
*GUIDES WILL HAVE FIRST-AID KITS WITH BASIC OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS (IBUPROFEN, ANTI-DIARRHEALS, ANTI-HISTAMINES). IF YOU ARE TAKING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION, PLEASE BRING ENOUGH TO COVER YOU FOR THE 3 or 4 -DAY TRIP PLUS A 3 or 4 -DAY BACK-UP.
REMEMBER: LIGHT, LIGHT, AND LIGHT!!!
EVERY OUNCE ADDS UP ON YOUR BACK AND FEET!!!