South Bass Canyon at the Colorado River (photo:Brian Lane)

Alan Humphrey and Iris Faraklas (husband & wife) were located last Wednesday, May 28, five days after their scheduled exit from the Canyon. The couple had a permit to backpack for seven days along the Royal Arch Route from May 17th through the 23rd. They were experienced Canyon backpackers, and although they had never traveled this route, they had researched the trail in a pretty thorough manner (including seeking advice from others who had completed the same route).

During the last leg of their excursion, they missed the turn to go up and out South Bass Trail, where they had parked their vehicle. They then continued along the West Tonto trail toward the east and attempted to climb to the rim via the wrong side-canyon (probably Serpentine Canyon).

When they had not returned at their proposed time, family members notified the National Park Service (NPS) at Grand Canyon that the hikers were overdue. By May 28th the search was in full swing including multiple ground and air crews. At about 5:00pm on that day the couple was found, hungry and tired, but otherwise in good condition, the couple refused further medical care once delivered to the South Rim NPS helipad (where they were met by family and friends).

I know friends that missed the turn to go up South Bass a few years ago while hiking the Royal Arch Route. It is an odd little trail intersection that provides two chances to pick up on the trail but is choked with brush in many areas (especially along the middle of the trail in Bass Canyon). Anyone using this route must exercise extreme caution to stay on trail.

Full details of the couple's rescue can be found at: http://nps.gov/grca/parknews/newsreleases.htm