Backpack the Grand Canyon is a proud supporter of
Grand Canyon Hikers & Backpackers Association
American Alpine Club
Comprehensive websites on backpacking in the Grand Canyon
Hit The Trail-You will find everything you need to know about the Grand Canyon here. Even down to how to tie your boots to prevent the dreaded "black toe".
Grand Canyon National Park-The National Park Service website. You can stay here for days.
Grand Canyon Hikers & Backpackers Association-Got a specific question about hiking in the Grand Canyon? Ask a question here and you will get multiple answers from truly veteran Canyon hikers.
Grand Canyon Association-A not-for-profit organization based at the Grand Canyon in partnership with the National Park Service. They sell books and DVDs covering the history and geology of the Canyon. Also conduct educational guided hikes that will enhance your knowledge of the area.
Backcountry permits and hiking information
Grand Canyon National Park Backcountry Page-This is the place to go for all the current information on trails and what to expect as you hike. You can also download your backcountry request form here.
Products to protect your food from animals
Outsak-Animal resistant storage bags. I talk a lot about keeping the squirrels, ravens and mice out of your food. This is a critical item if you are backpacking in the Grand Canyon even if you're staying in the campgrounds. Simple Outdoor Store now has other useful camping products available.
Lodging on the South Rim and at Phantom Ranch
South Rim Lodges-Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Yavapai Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge
Phantom Ranch-Meals and dorm rooms (in the bunkhouses) at Phantom Ranch. The dorm rooms have bunk beds. Bring earplugs!
Mule trips to Phantom Ranch-If you don't want to hike down, this is the way to go.
Lodging on the North Rim
North Rim Lodges-Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim--Cabins and Motel rooms
Kaibab Lodge-If you want to stay outside the park, the Kaibab Lodge is only five miles from the park entrance. The Kaibab Lodge opens for the summer season in mid-May on the day the State of Arizona traditionally reopens the Grand Canyon North Rim Parkway (Arizona State Route 67). Full services (including gas and diesel)are available at the North Rim Country Store. The lodge remains in operation until November 2nd. Some services, including lodging and gasoline may remain open at Kaibab Lodge after National Park facilities close on October 15th.
Campgrounds on the North & South Rims
Campgrounds on the South Rim-If you want to save money, camp in a campground on the rim before your backpacking trip. This may be your last chance to use a flushing toilet!
Campgrounds on the South Rim outside the park-If you can't get a reservation inside the park, these campgrounds are close by.
Campgrounds on the North Rim-This will also be your last access to a shower. Take advantage of it!
Transportation to get you to the South Rim and North Rim
Transcanyon Shuttle-Daily service between the North Rim & the South Rim. These guys specialize in shuttling backpackers and hikers. They will also take you to the North Kaibab trailhead from the lodge the next morning after your drive to the North Rim.
Arizona Shuttle -Shuttle service between Phoenix, Flagstaff, Williams, Sedona and the South Rim
Bundu Bus -Shuttle service between Las Vegas and the South Rim
Books that will help prepare you to hike in the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon with Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks -by Constance Roos. This book is highly recommended by Denise Traver of Hit The Trail so I know that it's good.
Over the Edge: Death In Grand Canyon-by Michael P. Ghiglieri & Thomas M. Myers. The best book on what NOT to do while visiting the Grand Canyon whether you're hiking or not.
Hiking the Grand Canyon: A Sierra Club Totebook-by John Annerino. A classic book with great infomation written by a very experienced hiker and photographer.
The Backpacker's Handbook -by Chris Townsend. Probably everything you want to know about backpacking and more. Your first backpacking trip should not be in the Grand Canyon. Get a little practice before you come.
Cookbooks for backpacking
Backpack Gourment-by Linda Frederick Yaffe. A lot of vegetarian dishes and surprisingly good dehydrated meals.
Online camping equipment websites
Campmor-Great discounts on a wide variety of equipment & clothing
Books related the Grand Canyon and the Amercian Southwest
The Man Who Walked Through Time-Colin Fletcher's account of his journey through the canyon
Desert Solitaire-by Edward Abbey. A remarkable account of a seasonal ranger's life in the desert. Ed is my favorite Southwestern author.
In Search of the Old Ones-by David Roberts. A fascinating study of the Native Americans who lived in the Grand Canyon area hundreds and even thousands of years ago.
Sidetrips on the way to the North Rim
Lees Ferry-Walk out on the old highway bridge and look down at the beginnings of the Grand Canyon. Go up to Lees Ferry, and if you're lucky, watch river runners launch into the Colorado. Several historic buildings including the Lonely Dell Ranch are fascinating places to visit.
Jacob Lake Inn-The best cookies in the world! I swear. A great place to take a break on your way to the North Rim. Located at the junction of US 89A and AZ 67.
Friends of ours !
Lucy Zotti Photography-Lucy's work has appeared in numerous publications, including newsletters for Georgia Public Broadcasting, the New Jersey & Georgia State Parks Associations & the NY Institute of Photography.