Re: Grand Canyon backpacking with kids

On 30 Nov 2003 11:21:18 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Dave Cushwa)
wrote:

>My two sons (10 and 14) and I are planning a 3-day backpacking trip on
>the South Kaibob and Bright Angel trails.  I am looking for some
>advice on the total loads that can be carried by each of us.


Hi Dave,

Much of the answer depends on the time of year that you are going, but
you can probably figure on around 30 pounds each. Light packs are
preferred because the steep downhill trip is hell on the knees. 

That particular loop usually done by going down the South Kaibab
Trail, with a night at Bright Angel CG, and another at Indian Garden,
and a final day out. Shuttle buses connect the trailheads. 

During the warm months, there are two water stations open on the upper
Bright Angel Trail. But always ask at the BCO to make sure before you
leave. You'll need reservations, as you probably know. Here's the site
that will answer all your questions (follow the links):

http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/

In addition to that, you can do an Advanced Google Search in the
rec.backcountry and then the alt.rec.hiking newsgroups (subject =
Grand Canyon) where this topic is routinely discussed.


Caveat