Prickly Pear Cactus in April Bloom. Photo Illustration: Brian Lane
Available as a limited edition fine art print on canvas signed by Brian - go to www.aSenseofNature.net

This winter the Grand Canyon received the most snow they have seen in the last quarter century. The Nat’l Park Service (NPS) at Grand Canyon is therefore still advising hikers to use trekking poles and traction devices, (cleats or crampons) while hiking the upper reaches of Bright Angel, South Kaibab and Grandview Trails. Tanner Trail isn’t too icy but the snow is still about three feet thick at the top. Most of the other trails along the South Rim are free enough of snow and ice to be reasonably navigated without cleats, these include New Hance, Hermit, and South Bass Trails. Access to South Bass Trailhead via Forest Road 328 is passable, but 4-wheel drive is recommended. The North Rim is still closed and snow on the North Kaibab Trail is many feet thick above Supai Tunnel.

Drinking water is currently not available at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch due to a pipeline break that occurred on April 13th. You should always carry a water treatment system of some kind when traveling the Inner Canyon, even when drinking water is supposed to be available, since the pipeline breaks quite often.

Inner Canyon temperatures are fluctuating wildly, (which is usual for spring in Northern Arizona), with daytime temps varying from the mid-60's to low 90's, and nighttime temps from the mid-40's to the mid-60's. A chance of showers is still around, (usually by May the showers stop and the heat begins to dominate).

Remember that parking at the canyon has changed. When entering the park visitors can no longer drive up to Mather Point (historically the first view many visitors would take in). Now you must park at Canyon View Information Plaza to walk over to Mather Point. The Info Plaza is also the bus hub for the Village Route and the Kaibab Trail Route shuttle buses.

Hike Smart & Have Fun!

Brian