Along the West Rim (photo: Brian Lane)

Spring is here, well, except for the recent snow storm. Yes, I said snow storm, in April, in Arizona. Most people don't realize how much snow we get throughout the Northern Arizona winter. Out here it is all determined by elevation. Phoenix rests at an elevation around 1,500 feet, while the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is around 6,500 feet. With temperatures getting about 4 degrees colder for every 1,000 foot change in elevation the math tells us that the rim of the Canyon is usually about 20 degrees colder than Phoenix (as a basic average). So, when we listen to the weather prior to a storm and they will tell us that the snow level will be, say 6,000 feet, we know that Flagstaff and Grand Canyon areas have a chance for snow. If they say that the snow level will be 4,000 feet, we know that the Sedona area will get snow, and if we are told the snow level will be about 2,000 feet, we figure there is a chance that even Phoenix will be getting a bit of mixed precipitation.

So, this cold front came through this weekend and snowed all day Saturday (although the ground was too warm to really accumulate much). Most of us that have lived in Northern Arizona for long enough are well accustomed to our annual April snowfall. It happens almost every year, although to a lesser extent during the last decade of climate change. Nonetheless it happened this weekend and now the Southwest will begin its warming trend, the mesquite trees will leaf out, and our relatively quick slog toward the summer heat will inevitably occur. Usually faster than we would like.

Other Canyon Happenings:

Trails Update
The trails had been drying out, but with this weekend's snow they will be sloppy again for the near future. This really means sloppy trails during the middle of the day, but mornings will be slick and icy as snow melt refeezes during the still cold (20-30 degree) nights along the rim. If venturing into the canyon you are still advised to wear cleats or crampons for the first mile or so. The need for cleats on some trails could last for the next couple of weeks.

The Hiker Express shuttle from the Backcountry Info Center is currently picking up hikers for transport to the South Kaibab Trailhead at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., and 8 a.m. (in May the timing is an hour earlier).

Weather Update
Days on the rim are forecast to be into the 60's, touching the 70's by the end of April and early May, with nights, as I said, into the 20's and 30's. Inner Canyon temps will be significantly hotter, which equates to daytime temps in the 80's and 90's already, and nights in the 50's, (remember that elevation cooling/heating thing I was talking about). Phoenix already broke into the 100 degree range a couple of weeks ago.

Hikers Hit with RockFall
On Tuesday, March 29th two hikers were injured by human caused rockfall while hiking the upper reaches of South Kaibab Trail in an area referred to as "The Chimney," (the tight switchbacks near the top of the trail). One nine-year old and an eighteen-year old, both male, were injured with the older of the two being transported to Flagstaff for treatment. Injuries were non-life threatening.

We should always be aware and respectful of others while hiking. Stay on the trail, do not kick or throw rocks (or allow others to do such), and be extra careful when approaching the outer edges of the trail not to accidentally dislodge any rocks or debris.

Pilot and Plane Still Missing
Sunday, March 13 an aviation emergency locator transmitter was activated leading the Grand Canyon Airport to notify the National Park Service of a possible downed plane approximately 30 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Village. The pilot, 47-year old Joseph Radford of Glendale, AZ was last seen on March 11th at the GC Airport. Subsequent searches have been to no avail as he and his plane, an RV6, cherry red kit plane with tail number N650RV have not yet been found.

Mules to Begin Using South Kaibab Trail Again
Beginning May 15th mules will once again begin to use South Kaibab Trail. During the extensive trail reconstruction mules were not allowed access to the trail. Trail work will be ongoing until its scheduled completion date this September.

Water Bottle Filling Stations
Grand Canyon spring water will soon be available inside the park. The National Park Service announced that a total of nine filling stations will be set up at the South (6), and North Rims (3) in high traffic areas including: Hermit's Rest, Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Noth Kaibab Trailheads, the backcountry offices, Verkamp's, and Desert View Visitor Centers.

Blue Shuttle Route from Tusayan Begins Again
The "Park & Ride" shuttle from the town of Tusayan to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center begins again in mid-May. Free parking and shuttle pick-up is available at  the IMAX and RP's Stage Stop with the buses running daily from 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. through September of this year.

North Rim Opens
Highway 67 to the North Rim is scheduled to re-open on Sunday, May 15th by 7:00 a.m. The North Rim is considered a quiet get away from the throngs of people who visit the South Rim. North Rim services will remain open until mid-October.

Havasupai Re-Opens
By all accounts Havasu Canyon will re-open on May 1st.  Operated by the Havasupai Tribe, the canyon has been closed due to last years flooding. The beautiful blue-green waters of Havasu attract multitudes of visitors each year to witness some of the most spectacular waterfalls the canyon and the State of Arizona have to offer.

National Park Week
Yes! With the new congressional budget signed the chance of a government and national parks experiencing a shutdown has been averted. So take advantage of National Park Week, April 16th - 24th. Free admission into the park for the whole week!

Book Signing
Just another reminder that I will be at Yavapai Geology Museum and Bookstore (Yavapai Point, South Rim), on Friday, April 22nd (10-3), Saturday, April 23rd (10-3), and Sunday, April 24th (10-1). If you have a chance come on by and say hello as I talk trails and sign copies of my award-winning book: Hikernut's Grand Canyon Companion - A Guide to Hiking & Backpacking the Most Popular Trails into the Canyon: Bright Angel, South Kaibab, & North Kaibab Trails.

As always...
     Hike Smart & Have Fun!

Brian Lane