Additional Info
To avoid this, get bigger shoes!
Click photo to see previous hikes
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Weather:
I pick May for this trip because of a combination of weather-related factors. It's traditionally one of the driest months of the year so we won't likely be affected by rain (though we've had 3 inches of snow at the campground before). The daylight hours are fairly lengthy, and we have a good overall balance of temperatures (not too cold on top at night, and not terribly hot in the canyon during the day).

Weather can be unpredictable in and around the canyon, however. In general, it'll be about the same temperature as Phoenix at the bottom (Phantom Ranch), and about 25 degrees cooler at the top. On our trip, you can expect 30-40 at night at the camp and 65-75 at the top during the day. Hikers will see 90-100 at the bottom. For the current South Rim conditions, click here. Weather.com also has a nice 10-day forecast.

Thanks to George! We now have live weather data at key points along the hike: Phantom Ranch, Indian Garden, and Near Mather Campground.

Track us in Real Time: Thanks to George Helser, you will be able to track our hike through the Canyon LIVE on the internet. Click THIS LINK to see a map with my position on the date of the hike!

Hikers' Packing List: During the hike, you'll want to have everything on this list (especially the 3 F's). So plan for it.

  • Fluids: Minimum 3 liters of water capacity. I recommend two 1.5-liter bottles, one with water, the other with Gatorade/water mix.
  • Foods: Bananas/raisins (potassium to prevent cramps), at least 3 PB&Js or Pop Tarts (energy), beef jerky (salt and protein), fruit (sugars and vitamins), Gu/PowerGel/Clif Shot (instant energy)
  • Footware: Comfortable hiking shoes (MUST be half to full size bigger than normal to prevent toe problems), thick wool socks (cotton gets wet too soon), 2 extra pairs of socks, Dr. Scholl's Moleskin and/or sock liners to prevent blisters. Trust me on this one, if you don't have the right footwear, you WILL suffer.
  • Protection: Sun block, hat, bandana for back of neck, sun glasses, lip stuff, folding umbrella (make your own shade)
  • Containers: Daypack - waiststrap and cheststrap help tremendously if available. Large Tupperware box - keeps food from being squished in your pack.
  • Clothes: Light-colored T-shirt (one you don't care if ruined), shorts, sweat shirt for morning coolness.
  • Communications: FRS walkie-talkies (use Channel 6.6, 5.6 as backup)
  • Contingencies: emergency poncho (in case of rain), small flash light / headlamp, bandages / ace bandage, small washcloth
  • Other: tissue, small scissors (for Moleskin), camera, $$ (for Phantom Ranch gift shop / snack bar), addresses of your friends if you wish to send a postcard from the bottom.
Campers' Packing List: If you don't have everything here, don't worry. Let me know, and I can help you find it.
  • Tent, sleeping bag, camping pad or air mattress, pillow
  • Extra car keys in case you lock yourself out
  • Camping chairs, flashlights / electric lamps / lanterns
  • Camp stove for hot drinks in the morning
  • Change of shoes (you won't want to wear your hikers afterwards)
  • Warm clothes / gloves (it gets COLD at night)
  • Extra food & drinks (see sign-up sheet for what's provided)
  • $5.00 in quarters, shower shoes, soap, towel (for the showers), and toiletries
Shuttle Buses:
Free shuttle buses run throughout the main South Rim visitor area from sunrise to sunset. You can hop on a shuttle bus to visit any major canyon overlook. There's a bus stop at the campground entrance. Canyon Village Marketplace near the campground has a grocery store, a coffee shop, and extra parking space if we end up with too many cars.

The South Kaibab Trailhead where we begin the Grand Hike can be reached only via shuttle bus. No private vehicles are allowed there. On Saturday morning, we must all catch the shuttle bus at Canyon View Information Plaza, across the street from Mather Point. We can take the Village Loop bus to this plaza, or we can drive to Mather Point and park our vehicles on the shoulder of the main road. We cannot leave vehicles at Mather Point's parking lot.

Useful Links: