I am backpacking (3 days) in the grand canyon in mid-july. Any suggestions on what to bring/weather/etc?

Question

Camping at Indian Gardens (half-way down the grand canyon).

Answer 1

Even though the South Rim is at 7000 feet elevation, Indian Gardens is down around 3800 feet elevation and quite a bit warmer. Indian Gardens is located on the Tonto Plateau where daytime July high temps often pass 90F while the nightly low rarely goes below the 60sF.

I generally prefer backpacking the canyon in the cooler months, but when I have gone in summer, the one big advantage is that you don't have to carry as much clothing/gear. I don't even take a sleeping bag that time of year, just a very light weight fleece liner (throw in a light cheap, solar blanket to be safe).

Weatherwise, July is when the monsoon season starts in northern Arizona where afternoon thundershowers are not uncommon. Having a light waterproof jacket is a good idea, but frankly you will probably enjoy the rain and certainly the clouds (if you are lucky enough to get them).

Other gear to bring: broad-brimmed hat, lots of sunblock, LED headlamp, and a camera. Those light synthetic hiking pants where you can zip off the bottoms to make shorts are ideal. Remember that campfires are not allowed anywhere in the canyon, so if you are going to cook any food, you must bring a little backpackers stove. Another strong recommendation for backpacking in the canyon is trekking poles (like collapsable ski poles) - they take a large amount of stress off your joints and legs.

If you are going to hang out around camp a bit than a deck of cards can be fun or (if you don't mind the weight) a small book (I would recommend the excellent and appropriate "How the Canyon became Grand" by Stephen Pyne).

Avoid hiking in or out during the heat of the day (10AM to 4PM), carry lots of water on the trail (2-3 liters min between rim and IG) and have salty snacks and electrolytes (like Gookinade) with you to replenish the minerals you will be sweating out.

Indian Gardens is probably the best inner canyon camp in summer (Bright Angel camp at the bottom is nothing short of brutal in summer). Indian Gardens has lots of shade, decent composting outhouses (with toilet paper), a running stream and drinking water. Each campsite has a covered ramada with picnic table (a big plus for both shade and rain protection), poles to hang your packs on and ammo cans to keep the critters out of your food.

I would NOT recommend trying to go down to the river and back (or Phantom Ranch and back) during your free day. The inner gorge has little shade and the rocks heat up like a solar oven. Temps well over 120 degrees F along the river are not uncommon.

However, following the stream through the little canyon in the Tapeats Sandstone below IG (before it hits the Inner Gorge switchbacks) would be a nice place to hang out and explore during the day (running water and quite a few shade trees). If it a relatively cool, cloudy day, taking the Tonto Trail east toward the South Kaibab trail to Pipe Spring would be a neat little day hike along a very pretty and less visited stretch of trail. Would not do it if it was clear and hot though - not much shade.

And of course, you must spend sunset out at Plateau Point, the classic inner gorge overlook near Indian Gardens. One of the best views in the whole canyon and a favorite hangout spot for condors.

Answer 2

sunglasses, water,water, water, a wind jacket to keep the sun off of you, boots for hiking , socks. a backpack. snacks like granola. a whistle in case you get lost. a blanket. flashlight . clothes. first aid kit. water. just a few things to get you started. here is a cool link for you

Answer 3

eso es bastante enfermo. debes realmente traer muchos del agua y del engranaje que acampa correcto para se. también no olvidarte de traer como aerosol del insecto porque los mosquitor pueden conseguir malo

Answer 4

It'll be HOT. Make sure you have sunblock, and a hat that will fully cover your neck, face, and ears.