Havasupai

Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads – date posted Mar 8, 2010

NPS — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:28:31 +0000

Precipitation this week means another wave of moisture added to the already saturated ground that hikers use to access remote trailheads. Areas such as Tuweep and Marble Bench (South Canyon and Rider Canyon) have been getting a mix of snow and rain. Currently, roads in the Tuweep area are closed (see Tuweep post elsewhere on this page). Roads to Rider Canyon were not accessible earlier this week due to excessive mud.

The South and North Rims are receiving snow at this time. Over the next month (if winter abates) we should see a gradual decrease of the snowpack and an increase in daytime highs. This will melt off the snow at the 7,000 foot level and turn backcountry dirt roads into a muddy mess. In May, we should see the higher elevations on the North Rim begin to melt and dry-off, finally allowing access by mid-June to places such as Sublime and North Bass.

Please read the South Bass trailhead access post elsewhere on this page for more info about that area.

Travel on most of the park's remote backcountry roads may not be possible over the next couple of weeks. Anyone thinking about traveling on such roads is responsible for their own safety and should take steps to mitigate resource damage. After the next wave of storms these areas will be very difficult to access unless temperatures drop to near 20 degrees at night.

Hikers considering traveling dirt roads to remote trailheads should contact the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928-643-7395, the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest on the South Rim at 928-635-4061 or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.

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It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?

Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.

Tuweep Road Update – date posted Mar 8, 2010

NPS — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:41:39 +0000

Mohave County has just closed all the roads leading into Tuweep (County Road 5 and the 109 South of the 1058) - Todd, Tuweep Ranger

Trail Conditions – date posted Mar 8, 2010

NPS — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:37:28 +0000

CROSS-CANYON CORRIDOR

All three Corridor trails, that is the Bright Angel and the South and North Kaibab Trails, are open, but snow packed, icy, and slick.

South Kaibab Trail: Top 1/4 mile ice then intermittent ice and packed snow to just below Cedar Ridge (mile 2).

Bright Angel Trail: Ice and packed snow for the first 2 to 3 miles. If temperatures get warm enough, conditions can become muddy and wet around mile 3.

Caution and proper footwear is certainly indicated. Instep crampons may be required. Trekking poles are always a good idea but when the trails are slick they are invaluable.

Steep, rocky, unrelenting descents that seem to go on forever mean constant attention to your footing is required. If you want to admire the view, stop walking. Trying to walk and look at the same time is a sure way to a nasty fall.

Even with the availability of piped-in drinking water, Corridor hikers still need to carry extra water. We recommend at least three quarts per person during the cooler months. This should be adequate to get you between the water sources and allow a little extra in case trouble should arise. Hikers are encouraged to carry some form of water purification as a back-up system against the possibility of water pipeline problems or in case natural water from creeks is needed to supplement the supply in your pack.

And, last but not least, we want to be sure and mention the potential critter problem in the campgrounds and urge hikers to be sure to use the provided food storage boxes. There's nothing there that will hurt you-it's just small mammals of various sorts-but they are ruthless and relentless in pursuit of your food. Each campsite will have a couple of these boxes, use the boxes or incur certain damage to your gear and the loss of your food.

NON-CORRIDOR TRAILS

As of this date all wilderness trails are open but as the winter snowpack has developed, conditions near the rim have, of course, degenerated. Deep snow might make foot travel difficult and at the very least you should assume slick, icy going in the upper canyon and be prepared to deal with it.

Access to all dirt backcountry roads to remote trailheads on both canyon rims will range from difficult to impossible depending on recent snow or rain and daytime high temperature.

Hikers considering traveling dirt roads to remote trailheads should contact the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928 643 7395, the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest on the South Rim at 928 635 4061 or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.

Record of Decision Signed for Grand Canyon’s Fire Management Program

NPS — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:55:37 +0000

A Record of Decision for Grand Canyon National Park's Final Environmental Impact Statement and Assessment of Effect on the park's Fire Management Plan was signed on January 12, 2010 by Michael D. Snyder Regional Director for the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service. A Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register today.

Grand Canyon National Park hosts Third Annual Alternative Spring Break

NPS — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:46:16 +0000

Grand Canyon National Park will host the third annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program sponsored by the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with American Eagle Outfitters.

LAKE MEAD NEWS RELEASE: Pearce Ferry Road Extension Announced

NPS — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:42:01 +0000

The Superintendents of Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) and Grand Canyon National Park announce the March 15th opening of the two-mile extension of the Pearce Ferry Road to the Colorado River.

South Bass Trailhead Access – date posted Mar 3, 2010

NPS — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:42:24 +0000

This message is being directed to Grand Canyon National Park backcountry hikers who have been issued a March permit that involves the South Bass Trail.

The winter of 2010 has brought much snow to the rim of the canyon resulting in the heaviest snow pack in recent memory. March brings a continued threat of these strong winter storms, warmer daytime temperatures and a marked degradation of dirt roads.

Hikers attempting to reach the South Bass trailhead via Forest Road 328 have been experiencing major problems, so at this point the Backcountry Information Center recommends serious caution and asks that you carefully weigh consequences of attempting to reach the trailhead.

First and most importantly, avoid vehicle travel altogether any time after mid-morning. As the daily thaw progresses the mud softens and the likelihood of getting stuck goes up exponentially. When night time temperatures dip into the low 20's, the snow will set and muddy areas will freeze allowing some well equipped four wheel drive vehicle to reach the trailhead between the hours of 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Extraction equipment like a shovel, tow strap, tire chains and a winch should be carried because assistance could be delayed and/or costly.

The Kaibab National Forest has placed a barricade on FR 328 as a warning to the unprepared and ill equipped, but the closure is not mandatory. If you proceed past the barricade remember that the risk is yours.

Always stay on the road. The environmental damage created by attempting to drive around problem areas is significant and can result in citation. If you cannot proceed then park to the side of the road and walk to the trailhead. Do not leave your vehicle abandoned in the middle of the road.

Most backcountry areas from Tanner to Royal Arch are full during the month of March so it is very unlikely that the park will be able to shift your itinerary to a new location. Hikers wishing to cancel their permit or provide a field report to rangers can call 928-638-7679 or send us an email at grca_bic@nps.gov (provide permit number, last name, and indicate that you will not be using your permit).

Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads – date posted Mar 3, 2010

NPS — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:39:35 +0000

Access to all dirt backcountry roads to remote trailheads on both canyon rims will range from difficult to impossible depending on recent snow or rain and daytime high temperature. Changing conditions make it impossible to generalize about the condition of specific roads or trails.

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It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?

Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.

Grand Canyon National Park to Host Archeology Day Saturday, March 27

NPS — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:45:30 +0000

On Saturday, March 27, 2010, Grand Canyon National Park will host Archeology Day in honor of "Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month."

Volunteers from Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association Team Up with NPS Staff for Rehabilitation Project

NPS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:18:40 +0000

Five Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association volunteers recently joined staff from Grand Canyon National Park's Divisions of Science and Resource Management, and Visitor and Resource Protection to improve the private boaters camp at Lees Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and to protect the area's fragile riparian vegetation.