Hi Dave,

You must be camping in Bright Angel campground and perhaps also at Havasupai Gardens. I think you’ll have no problem pounding stakes into the ground there, even if you have to use a rock as a hammer. Worst-case scenario, you might have to use one or more large rocks to hold some stake lines if you can’t get a stake in, but I think your tent will be fine. Have a great hike!

Got that right, John.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for sharing the details of your experience backpacking in the canyon—your story is a clear and common example of what many people experience: Our daughter was seven the first time we took a family backpacking trip (four days) in the canyon (on this route). You can hike for long stretches of relative solitude even on the busiest trails, although that depends on your dates and the time of day. And it’s probably not uncommon to apply for a permit three times before you get one for the corridor trails, although other trails in the canyon see significantly less demand.

If you’d like a personalized trip plan for your next Grand Canyon backpacking trip, I can help you with that. See my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how.

Get in touch anytime.

Ha! I can fully relate to all you say, Jerry.

Hi Brenda,

Nice to hear from you and thanks so much for your kind concern for me. While I’d be lying to suggest the recovery was not difficult and long, I’m now fully recovered and doing very well. I’ve been backpacking since last August (and recently returned from yet another great Grand Canyon trip), skied a few dozen days this winter, and I’ve returned to the climbing gym and look forward to climbing outside again. All is good. Thanks very much for asking.

Thanks, Tom.

John, I know you have seen many of the planet’s great natural wonders, and I’m not surprised you hold the Grand Canyon in such high esteem. You have enunciated exactly the point I wanted to communicate through this story. I know you will get back there eventually… and probably need to return yet again. Stay safe, my friend.

My first trip was South Kaibab to Cottonwood Creek and returning via Bright Angel Trail. Last year we hiked the Horseshoe Mesa, Tonto Trail, Escalante Route and out on the Tanner Trail. We spent the first night experiencing temperatures in the high teens but the remaining five nights Cowboy Camped waking to star-filled skies and watching comets streak across the dark sky.

As I have confided frequently, mountains are my sanctuary and favourite places. My favourite adventure was trekking into K2 via the Baltoro and Godwin Austen glaciers. The endless spectacular mountain peaks and the youthful rawness of the landscape were totally captivating. Being blessed with three days of clear weather to view the glory of K2 is an experience I will never forget.

So where am I going with this? Having trekked in many of the great mountain ranges on the planet the Grand Canyon ranks second only to my K2 experience for being special and grand. The Canyon is, as so named, grand. Hiking down to the Colorado River and spending several days and nights experiencing the ever-changing and captivating landscape and the spirituality of the place demands I return for more. Hopefully sooner than later.