Grand Hike - Annual One Day Grand Canyon Hike - GC Death March

The Grand Hike is quite literally a walk in the park, Grand Canyon National Park that is! We spend a weekend camping at the Grand Canyon. On Saturday, we hike from the top of the canyon to the bottom and back up. I cater the whole thing, so all you have to do is come and have fun.

Don't be misled though; this hike isn't easy by any means. Some might even call it a death march. But with proper training and guidance, you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience and join an elite group of hikers who have conquered the canyon.

Grand Hike Stats:

20 miles roundtrip, see Map or Map2
You may skip Plateau Point to save 3 miles if you're tired at Indian Garden.
4,800 feet down, 4,400 feet up
Trail surface: packed dirt, rock, sand
Descend South Kaibab Trail (7.1 miles)
Ascend Bright Angel Trail (9.6 miles)
For a VERY detailed description, click here

Sounds too daunting? Remember, you don't have to do the entire hike to join this trip. There are lots of other options. For a quick reference, download this file and print it out. It has all the information on this website in a concise format.

Date and Time:

Friday May 9, 2014 through Sunday May 11, 2014
Meeting place: Mather Campground Friday afternoon/evening (Group Site #3, 4, and 5, see detailed map)
3 vehicles only at each group site, reserved for car sleepers
Hike: Saturday May 10, 2011, 7 am - ???
Directions: take I-17 north to Flagstaff, US 180 northwest, then AZ 64 north to Grand Canyon National Park.
Carpooling is highly recommended due to cost and small parking spaces at Mather. I can help you find a ride.
Questions? email charles@asu.edu (Last-minute only, call: 480-201-1259)

Campground Arrival:

Mather is the only campground inside the park. Guard shack phone: 520-638-7851
Check in after noon on Friday, check out by 11 am on Sunday
Group site parking is reserved for Charles and anyone who's sleeping in their cars.
When you arrive, please drop off gear and then park at the GC general store (walking distance).
Set up your tent in any of the designated group sites listed above
Facilities: charcoal grills, picnic tables. Bathrooms throughout campground.
Coin-operated showers and laundry at campground entrance.
Free shuttle bus throughout South Rim attractions. Bus stop at campground entrance.
Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. There's a kennel in the park (7:30 am - 5:00 pm).

Park Entrance Fee:
In the past, when we arrive after the main entrance closes, we didn't have to pay to enter the park. Closing time seems to vary, but rarely extends past 9 pm. If the guards are there, they'll charge you:

$25 per car, valid for 7 days at all North and South Rim entrances.
$80 annual National Parks Pass, for all U.S. National Parks and most National Monuments
$10 Golden Age Passport for seniors (>=62), lifetime access to all National Parks, USFWS, USFS, BLM

Alternate Lodging:
If you prefer to stay in a lodge, or want to camp separately, please arrange your own lodging. You are still welcome to hike with us and hang out with us. You don't have to pay me if you are going separately, but please bring your own food.

To reserve a lodge: click here
To reserve a camp site: click here
Lodging is also available in Tusayan, a town 2 miles south of Grand Canyon National Park.