I'm going on a three day trip in the Grand Canyon. I've never even seen it, much less backpacked there. I've done some reading, got my permit for April 24 to 26, down South Kaibab, two nights and a day at Bright Angel Campground, and out Bright Angel Trail the third day.

Instead of buying a steel mesh food bag I'll never use again, I'm figuring I'll take my shorty Bear Vault canister. Besides putting me in the category of backpackingheavy, would it keep the birds and rodents out? Seems like it should if it keeps bear teeth out.

Also, at that time of year, would we need metal spikey things to put on our shoes for ice on the trail at the top?

Any other special gear tips? Or water quantity tips?

Thank you for your assistance.

Doug

First the good news is you won't need the bear canister or steel mesh bag as the campsites at Bright Angel have food storage lockers. There also is water (hydrants) at BA and at several places along the trail on the way up. You will have to carry water down and on day hikes away from the campground. 4 quarts a day is the standard rule. No need for spikes in late April. You will be amazed.

make the dayhike up N. Kaibab to see Ribbon falls +/- 6 mi each way.
see Plateau Point on the hike out towards Indian Gardens.
zoom lens for wildlife, lots of bighorns.

Edited by mikeinfhaz on 04/15/2011 09:00:21 MDT.

Great tips, you guys—thank you!

I don't think you'll need 4 quarts of water to hike down South Kaibab in April.
1 or 2 quarts depending on your thirst level.
also if you do that day hike to Ribbon Falls, a water filter will enable you to carry less water.

I seem to remember reading somewhere online that the food storage boxes had been removed at Bright Angel Campground due to misuse. Does anyone have recent info on this? Thanks again.

Doug

yes, probably wise to check if the boxes are still there.

Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone number is for information only.

The food boxes were at Bright Angel in November. They've been removed from more remote sites.

I just called--thank you for the number!--and they said there are two ammo cans at each campsite. Cool...no need to buy the mesh bags or haul my dreaded bear can!

Doug

"two ammo cans"

What kind of ammo?

To put it another way, size matters.

--B.G.--

When I called she said they were about 20in by 14in by 10 in.

Do you think I'll need bug repellant?

Also, is there any need for a water filter going down South Kaibab Trail (no water sources, right?) and up Bright Angel Trail (a couple piped sources), and staying at Bright Angel Campground (piped water, right?)? If treatment is advised, would Aqua Mira do, or is the local water too bad for that?

Thanks again. Just three more days!

you are correct.

no water on South Kaibab
piped water on Bright Angel Trail and Campground

if you take a long day hike up North Kaibab then a filter might be useful.
also check with the information office the day you start your hike to verify that no water pipes are broken. they say this happens on rare occassions.

Thanks for the info, and tips. I might just bring it for day hiking, as you mentioned.