Late Afternoon Canyon Shadows (photo: Brian lane)

November has arrived and canyon visitation begins to decrease as the holiday season approaches and snow along the rim starts to fly. The quiet season for the Grand Canyon kicks off around the middle of November and lasts until March, and at times in January the whole park can seem deserted. Although the rim has already been experiencing days in the 40's and nights into the teens, Inner Canyon weather has just begun to flirt with freezing nighttime temperatures while daytime inside the canyon brings temps ranging from the mid-sixties into the mid-seventies. It is the time of year I really enjoy the canyon and will be enjoying tea at the Phantom Ranch Canteen this time next week while spending a few nights along the central corridor trails with my uncle and his wife. Hope this trip sees us all fare well and enjoying this beautiful time of year!

Other goings on:

River Trippers Discover Body
Wednesday, Nov. 3rd, a little after 2:00 p.m., a private river trip reported that they had found the deceased body of a lone male around river mile 21 (about 15 miles south of the Navajo Bridge). The body was flown out of the canyon the next day. The man has yet to be identified.

Drinking Water Along the Corridor Trails
As of the end of October water has been turned off along the North Kaibab Trail at the trailhead, Supai Tunnel, and Cottonwood Campground. Water is still available at Roaring Springs. Along the well-used Bright Angel Trail the water has been turned off at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and at Three-Mile Resthouse, but is still on the Bright Angel Campground, Indian Garden, and at the trailhead. Water at South Kaibab Trailhead is also still available. Remember - pipes break - always carry some form of water treatment when traveling the Inner Canyon.

New Amphitheater Opens at Mather Point
Opening ceremonies for the new amphitheater near Mather Point took place on October 25th. It can seat up to 80 people and provides wonderful vistas for those enjoying ranger presentations (or just the vista itself). It includes a landmark feature that honors area Native American tribes.


Diana Sue Uqualla (Havasupai Tribe) blessing the new landmark feature (NPS  Photo)

Crampons or Cleats?
The time is nearing when Inner Canyon hikers will need to wear crampons (or cleats of some kind) along the upper reaches of the canyon. Snow and ice get compacted along the tops of trails and slipping can easily occur. Cleats are usually needed only for the top 300 (or so) vertical feet, but without them it can get quite dicey, especially going downhill while wearing a full pack. No need to go slip slidin' away...literally!

All for now...
Please hike safe and have fun!


Brian Lane