1. The Hermit Trail is in fairly
good condition and easy to follow. The slide mentioned in the booklet is not
too formidable, but does require some time and caution to negotiate. This trail
is one of the most scenic on the South Rim. The loop trip that I would
recommend of those feasible for your group, would be down the Hermit Trail,
across the Tonto Trail to the Bright Angel Trail and out. The Hermit Camp area
would make a good campsite with good water nearby in Hermit Creek. From here a
side trip could be made down to the Colorado River along the Hermit Creek bed.
The trail to the river is more or less gone but it is not too difficult to make
your way. The Tonto Trail is at its best in this section, although there may be
some confusion where the more prominent wild burro trails join and cross. There
is water at Monument Creek. This would also make a good camp. Water cannot be
depended on from Monument Creek to Indian Gardens so at least one gallon of
water per person should be carried for this stretch. The total distance of this
trip is about 35 miles.
The Louis Boucher Trail cannot be recommended for a
large party because of the rugged nature and poor condition of this
trail.
2. The Grandview Trail is very scenic and in relatively good
condition, but the Hence Trail is in such condition that we would not recommend
it. A good, short "semi-loop" trip would be down the Grandview Trail to
Horseshoe Mesa, off the mesa on the trail to the North, to the Tonto Trail and
up the west side of Horseshoe Mesa via Cottonwood Creek. Good water is
available in the Cottonwood areas although it takes some looking to find a pool
not contaminated by burros. O'neill Spring is dry. The trail off the east is
quite rough in the upper section and is not recommended. The old copper mines
on the mesa should not be entered.
3. The entire length of the Tonto Trail
is passable; the best portions being between the Hermit and Kaibab Trails. Much
of the rest of the trail is confusing due to the myriad of joining burro
trails.
4. A cross country hike to Cape Solitude is feasible but would be
arduous since the terrain is quite up and down and rocky. There is no water
within a reasonable distance of Cape Solitude. The road is navigable only by
four wheel drive vehicles. Any party going to Cape Solitude should contact us.
We have prepared a road log which will be of great help.
5. A trip down the
Tanner Trail would make a good three or four day trip. The trail is in fair
shape and joins the river at a picturesque beach. There is no possibility of a
loop trip here, but I think this would be a good trail to use for those
interested in visiting and camping by the Colorado River. I might mention here
that the closing of the Glen Canyon Dam has resulted in considerable clearing
of the river, although it is muddied by local rainstorms at times. When the
water is clear, it is good for cooking. It is still not the best for drinking
but it is a great help, logistically, to be able to use the river water.
Another trip we would like to mention is to the Clear Creek area. The Clear
Creek Trail leaves the North Kaibab Trail just above Phantom Ranch. From there
it is a fairly easy nine miles over a good trail to Clear Creek.
We measured
nearly six inches of rain on the South Rim this August. Much of it occurred in
cloudburst fashion and it may be that some of the old trails are no longer with
us.
We will be glad to discuss further with you any proposed hike and meet
with the group when you again visit Grand Canyon National Park. |
Sincerely yours,
James A. Randall |
|