Happy Birthday - and other Updates...
South Kaibab Trail two weeks ago (Photo: Brian Lane)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
On February 26th Grand Canyon National Park turned 90 years old - Happy Birthday (so to speak) to one of the crown jewels of the National Park System!
HAVASU
I read recently that Navajo Falls at Havasupai was destroyed in the flood of last August. The new falls is a yet unnamed double fall, and the popular swimming hole is no more. The area is expected to reopen on May 1st, 2009. Visit http://www.havasupaitribe.com/ for more information.
SOUTH KAIBAB TRAILHEAD PARKING
The NPS is requesting that people not park at the parking constricted and restricted South Kaibab Trailhead. Parking has been officially restricted for many years now, and visitors using the trail were required to get to the trailhead via shuttle bus. They then opened a new parking area last year across from Mather Point and next to the Canyon View Information Plaza (Bus Hub). At least this provides another parking option, closer to the trailhead, with no need to change buses from the Village (Blue) Route to the Kaibab Trail (Green) Route.
BRIGHT ANGEL CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE
Last time I was in the Canyon I noticed the South Entrance to Bright Angel Campground is now open. For years it has been closed due to frequent rockfalls. Now you'll see signs to the campground at the footbridge over Bright Angel Creek, but make sure you heed the signs and do not stop under the rock overhang, or you risk getting conked on the head with ancient rock.
BRIGHT ANGEL TRAIL NAMED 2ND MOST DANGEROUS IN AMERICA
Last fall Backpacker Magazine named Bright Angel Trail the second most dangerous trail in America. They cited the 200 heat-related rescues annually in the park, most of which occur on Bright Angel Trail. Why, you ask, because this is the most accessible trailhead where buses dump tons of tourists off, many of whom no nothing about the Canyon environment and enter the Canyon totally unprepared - and then disregard the posted warning signs.
The most dangerous trail in America? The Maze in Canyonlands NP since it is isolated, has few visitors, has no trails, little water, in a desert, and oh, did I mention it's a maze?
Hike Smart & Have Fun!
Brian
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