THE DESERT PEAKS SECTION OF THE SIERRA CLUB ANGELES CHAPTER PROUDLY PRESENTS THE " 1963 MEMORIAL DAY N-S GRAND CANYON TRAVERSE "

Being in such close proximity to one of the most remarkable stretches of land on Earth, every red-blooded person interested in the outdoors owes himself, at least once in his lifetime, the reward of a walk through the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. If you've never been, you have a thrilling four days ahead, followed by many cherished memories. If you've already done it, you'll want to return as the Grand Canyon tends to call one back. Rim views are only teasers, and only by a traverse, preferably on foot, can we begin to truly appreciate the proportions of this great abyss. Our trip has been planned in a ieisurely manner. With proper equipment, anyone in good health who enjoys the sport of hiking should have little trouble in doing the 25 mile trans-canyon trek, entirely within the confines of Grand Canyon National Park. To and from the Canyon we are using Greyhound charter services. Inside it, we will use three different trails and cross the River on the famous mule-wide suspension bridge, completed in 1928. Our itinerary follows this schedule: Lv. Cal Tech parking lot in Pasadena (thanks to the school) promptly at 6:45 Wed eve. May 29, and proceed with minimum number of stops to Las Vegas, Nev. for 30 minute breather. Arrive at North Rim Grand Canyon early Thu afternoon after having slept on bus (Ha!) or a forced several-hour sleep stop with little or no facilities enroute. Expect to find the North Rim vacant. Most of the stores and lodges will open later in June. All we need in a clear road. The annual winter snows here average 200" : After rim views we walk 4-1/2 mi. down Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs campground for night's a stop under a grove of box elders. Water galore! Campfire too. Expect stoves and firewood at all camps. Fri May 31: (9-1/2 mi., extra mile round trip to Ribbon Falls) Downhill all day, crossing Bright Angel Creek seven times. Tour Union Pacific power house with Pelton wheels, see Cottonwood Camp, side jaunt to Ribbon Falls, pass through the Narrows, where dwell many trout, finishing the day at Phantom Ranch campground. Plenty of good water and campfire again: There is a lodge at Phantom Ranch managed by Fred Harvey with the Santa Fe Ry. We may eat here. Also lodging available. Nice pool too. With permission, all may use it w/o charge. Many mules a and deer here. Short hike to Colorado River in late afternoon. Sat Jun 1: (6-1/2 mi.) Cross the big river and prepare for the ascent. The honeymoon is over! Pass through trail tunnel at bridge and soon meet the junction of the River Trail. We leave the trans-canyon Kaibab Trail here and in an up-and-down manner follow the river for 2-1/2 mi. Then the Bright Angel Trail is met (famous in music by Forde Grofé) and for 3-1/2 mi. we climb 1300' to reach Indian Gardens campground where we wind up for the night under huge Fremont cottonwoods adjoining an all-night rush of waters. Don t forget the campfire: Short hike to Plateau Point about dusk. Jun 2: (4-1/2 mi. with 3200' gain) Advance on Bright Angel Trail, the steepest part of the whole trip, avoiding mules. Trail etiquette demands that in passing, hikers remain outward of mules-watch it! Remember that first step! With a good start we should all reach the South Rim by 11 AM. We'll spend some time in the shops around Grand Canyon Village and at noon board our bus (we hope) for home. Near Williams we can wave at Arizona's highest mountains with Mt. Humphreys (12,611'), one of our qualifying Desert Peaks. Dinner will be enjoyed at a suitable restaurant enroute. We should arrive back in Pasadena about midnight Sunday - a weekend at its fullest.

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