South Kaibab Trail just above Cedar Ridge (photo: Brian Lane)

Canyon Starting to Get Busy:
Spring breaks have started and more folks are beginning to visit the canyon. Inner Canyon temperatures in general have hit the 80 degree range making it a perfect time to explore the great chasm. While the numbers show that the highest month for visitation at Grand Canyon Nat'l Park is in July, the most backcountry permits are issued for the month of May (the North Rim opens and temperatures have not yet reached the extreme heat of summer). That said, if you're thinking that you could arrive at the park around Easter and find lodging inside the park, you would be wrong. All inside the park lodging is full for Easter week, and if visiting during this time, you would be wise to try and find something in Tusayan very soon as many of those commercial lodgers are already booked solid. If making camping reservations, the temps on the South Rim are still freezing at night, with days in the 60's.

Trail Report:
Snow is melting quickly along the rim making trails muddy & sloppy. Temperatures are still freezing at night and snow melt turns to ice making trails very slick for about the first mile-and-a half. Traction devices should still be worn along these sections of the trail (cleats or crampons) in order to avoid falls. Expect some trails (like Tanner) to still have some snow drifts covering its uppermost reaches. No word yet, that I have heard, about the condition of backcountry roads, (such as the access road to South Bass Trailhead), but I can bet you will need a good high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to get there.

Water Availability:
Water along the Corridor Trails (Bright Angel, S. Kaibab, and N. Kaibab Trails) is still only available at Indian Garden, Bright Angel Campground, and Phantom Ranch. Elsewhere most ephemeral water sources should be available due to recent precipitation. As always, check with the Backcountry Information Center for updates to these seasonal water sources before heading into wilderness areas. They are not to be relied upon (the sunny and dry environment can quickly remove surface moisture and seeps).

North Rim Still Closed:
The road to access the North Rim of Grand Canyon (Hyw 67) is still closed at Jacob Lake. The gate is scheduled to be unlocked by mid-May, 2011. 

Havasupai:
The Havasupai Tribe has begun taking reservations for access into Havasu Canyon, but the canyon is still closed to visitors at this time. They are planning to reopen by May 1st, 2011. Visit their website for more info: www.havasupaitribe.com.

Woman Falls to Death:
On Wednesday, February 9th the Park Service was informed that 64-year-old Janice Wotherspoon of St George, UT had died after falling into the canyon. Her husband reported her missing after he emerged from the men's room and was unable to locate her. Her body was subsequently spotted 600 feet below the rim just east of the Yavapai Geology Museum & Bookstore. Few details of the incident have yet emerged and the NPS is investigating.

Celebrate Nat'l Park Week / Book Signing:
Come celebrate National Park Week (April 16-24, 2011), with a visit to the Grand Canyon. There will be no admission fees charged for entry into the park during the week!

Join Brian at Yavapai Geology Museum & Bookstore (Yavapai Point, South Rim) on Fri, April 22 (10-3), Sat, April 23 (10-3), and Sun, April 24 (10-1). He will be talking trails and signing books. Stop by and visit!

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian