We also have planned go hiking and stay a night at open sky next to the Colorado river.I need to know how to be prepared.Thanks!!
2006-10-01 15:17:24 · 7 answers · asked by willariza 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
I try to get down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at least once per year and October and November are my favorite times to go, because the temperatures are great for hiking and you don't get the same crowds as in summer.
For the first week in November, the highs on the rim will be in the 50s and lows around freezing. As you go into the canyon, it gets warmer until you reach Phantom Ranch at the river. Here the highs will be in the low 70s and lows will be in the 40s (all temps in fahrenheit). It is possible - but very unlikely - that there would be snow at that time - and even less likely that it would stick to the trail or cause much ice. However, as a precaution, if ice is known to be on the trail already or a storm is approaching, bring strap-on instep crampons or (better yet) 'yak-traks'.
I would bring a sweater for insulation and a light jacket in case of rain or snow (and as a wind break). A warm hat would not be a bad idea either. Although you can sleep in the open with nothing but a sleeping bag, I would generally recommend a light-weight backpacking tent or bivy sack. It keeps the creepy-crawlies out (lots of scorpions at the bottom), gives protection from any rain, adds a little warmth, and gives a bit of privacy (the campspots are close together). If you have a tent or bivy sack, than any sleeping bag rated to 30-degrees or better should be fine for Bright Angel campground at the bottom (maybe a bit warmer if you will be staying at Indian Gardens campground part way up).
It sounds like you are planning on backpacking down and staying in the Bright Angel campground at Phantom Ranch (as opposed to the cabins or dorms). Note that you MUST have a permit to camp ANYWHERE inside the canyon and especially at the popular Bright Angel camp at Phantom Ranch (rangers will check for permits). Permits can be reserved through the backcountry office. You can also attempt to get a permit the morning of your trip by walking into the backcountry office (near Maswik lodge) and seeing if there are any left open for that day - but there is NO guarantee. Definitely check with the backcountry office to help plan your trip before you go (see link below).
The camps at Bright Angel campground have a bathroom house with toilets, sink, and drinking water. You are NOT allowed to have a fire at the camp (or anywhere in the canyon), so if you are not eating at the Phantom Ranch dininghall (requires reservations in advance), than you will need to bring a camp stove to cook your food. If you are staying at Indian Gardens (partly up the Bright Angel Trail), than you will have a pit toilet and drinking water available (no dininghall - no fires allowed).
A few other things to bring - flashlight or headlamp for getting around camp in the dark, using trekking poles take a lot of strain off the knees when carrying a pack, electro-lytes for your water, some pocket money for the Phantom Ranch canteen (cold beer, snacks, souvenir t-shirt).
The above applies to the main and most-popular campgrounds on the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails. There are also other canyon trails to the river (such as the Tanner, Hance, Hermit trails), but these are very rough and rugged backcountry trails that I would not recommend to somebody who is new the canyon. Even here you MUST have a permit to camp anywhere in the park and can NOT have fires anywhere.
Have fun and enjoy your trip! Going to the bottom of the canyon is a very different experience than staying on the top and is something you will never forget for the rest of your life!
2006-10-01 17:41:52 · answer #1 · answered by sascoaz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will need a minum of a 4 pound goose down sleeping bag.
It gets a little cold at night in november.. Other then that take the norm. No snakes that time of year but a great chance of falling. So a med kit is a must and remember a cell phone don't work down in a hole.
2006-10-01 15:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by Don K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be chilly! It probably won't snow, but there has been snow in November at the Grand Canyon in the past, so it's not unheard of. Pack your gloves for sure!
2006-10-01 15:25:26 · answer #3 · answered by tsopolly 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The average high is 75 degrees while the average low is 42 degrees in November! :)
2006-10-01 15:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anna 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Early Nov. = Highs in low 50's
lows in low 20's
It's beautiful. If you've never been there, you can't imagine.
2006-10-01 15:29:20 · answer #5 · answered by Papa John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nice and warm during the day (you can wear tshirts and the like) and ice cold as soon as the sun goes down.
2006-10-01 15:26:36 · answer #6 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
cold at the top warm at the bottom
2006-10-02 01:10:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋