April is here...a busy time at the Canyon!
West Tonto Trail with Prickly Pear Cactus (photo:Brian Lane)
Temperatures...
It has been very windy as of late, with wind gusts reported up to 60 mph in Northern Arizona. Inner Canyon temperatures will be in the 70's up to the mid-80's during the day as the heat starts to build toward summer's hot, hot temps. Overnight temps will hover around mid-40's with a chance of freezing still in the forecast during colder spells. There is still a good chance of snow on the Rim as a few scattered storms are on the weather horizon.
Trail and Road Conditions...
Grandview, New Hance, and Tanner Trails still have sporadic snow and ice in their upper reaches. All other South Rim trails are snow free at this time, although ice may reform after night temps refreeze muddy or watery areas. North Kaibab Trail is snow packed from the Rim to below Supai Tunnel. Highway 67 with access to the North Rim is still closed and will reopen on May 15th, 2009. There is access to the South Bass Trailhead as the road is reported to be dry, but deeply rutted. Those trying to get to the trailhead for Deer Creek, Thunder River, and Monument Trail will find the road impassable in sections due to snow and ice accumulation.
Drinking Water...
The only potable water available in the Canyon is at Indian Garden, Bright Angel, and Roaring Springs. All other sources are still shut off for the winter. Springs and creeks have been flowing with snow melt but may begin to show signs of slowing as precipitation has curbed as of late. The National Park Service (NPS) has released a public notice concerning water turbidity (siltation and other floaties in the water) due to the spring snow melt. This is an annual event and the NPS says that it should pose no health problems.
South Kaibab Shuttle Bus...
The Hiker Express Shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead is running at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 a.m. during April. This shuttle can be boarded at the Bright Angel Lodge Bus Stop or in front of the Backcountry Information Office. Otherwise hikers can use the regular buses to gain access to the trail.
Tusayan to Grand Canyon Nat'l Park Shuttle Bus Pilot Program Announced...
The NPS has announced a new shuttle bus program between the town of Tusayan (just south of the park entrance on Hwy 64) and the Canyon View Information Plaza. The free service will be available between May 16th through September 13th, 2009. Buses will be running every 15 minutes between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. There will be four bus stops in Tusayan including the IMAX Theater, the Squire Inn, Grand Canyon Airport, and Canyon Flight Trading Company.
South Kaibab Trail Reconstruction...
Beginning in May, the NPS will be working on the South Kaibab Trail including trail resurfacing, retaining wall maintenance, trail stabilization and preventative maintenance, and other issues. The work is scheduled to continue for two to four years. The trail should remain open during this time.
Mule Dies on Black (Kaibab) Bridge...
In sad news, it has been reported that a mule passed away while crossing the Black Bridge on Saturday, April 4th, 2009. Visitors stated that the mule was part of passenger service just heading up the Canyon from Phantom Ranch. The mule died on the bridge and was airlifted via helicopter out of the Canyon. By all accounts the passenger was uninjured and was provided a free helicopter ride (including their spouse) out of the Canyon. It is unclear whether or not they were strapped to the dead mule or provided a separate helicopter.
Hike Smart & Have Fun!
Brian
Holy cow! I don't think I ever really heard of a mule dropping dead in the canyon. Hopefully all accounts are correct in stating that the passenger of the mule was not injured. That has to have been a frightening experience. It happens that horses and mules die suddenly, just like humans, but I just never gave it a thought.
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