Some folks have asked what the backcountry toilet facilities are like. Well, they aren't much. I've included a photo of the toilet at Tanner Rapids and it is very similar to what you'll see at many other wilderness destinations within the Canyon. Other sites may have up to three of these units adjoining each other. These units are set up predominantly in wilderness areas - nearly all toilets along the Central Corridor (Bright Angel, South Kaibab & North Kaibab Trails) are enclosed bathrooms, not open air facilities as pictured below.

Please make sure after using wilderness facilities that you wash your hands and use a hand sanitizing gel too. The spreading of cooties throughout your hiking group is a real possibility unless extra precautions are taken.

In many wilderness areas where heavy use occurs (such as Mount Whitney), they have started requiring backpackers to use "wag-bag" type waste kits - packing out your poop and disposing the bag at the trailhead poop station. I have not yet heard of Grand Canyon Nat'l Park considering a change to a waste kit type system...yet.


Les Toilette With a View:
Typical Backcountry Facilities: Tanner Rapids Toilet
(Photo: Brian Lane)