Hello!
We will be going to visit the grand canyon sometime early
next month (about 3rd of June). We will be attempting to
take the Bright Angel Trail down to the canyon floor and
spending a night there. Then, we will probably take 2 days,
through the Indian Gardens, to accend back up to the south
rim. From what I have gathered from reading the posts here
and other grand canyon sites, it seems that accommondations
is a big problem!?! Yes, I understand we may be indeed too
late to get any accommodations (dorm rooms) at the Phantom
Ranch! Sighs,..... . I am wondering if there is still a
chance to get a dorm room at the Phantom Ranch, if not,
how about the campsite nearby. I suppose we need a
backcountry permit too eh? What are the chances of getting
all these now and how do I get about getting them if I am
not an american?
Thanks for any help!
bye
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Regrettably, the yankees aren't terribly good at issuing
permits. Sure, they handle huge numbers of applications, but
they don't put any aside for last minute travellers, who
won't know final holiday plans until a week or two before.
instead, they are all snapped up 4 months in advance. It's
mad if you ask me. The only way you might get one is to go
down to the Ranger Station in the morning and get a
cancellation, but highly unlikely. It's really a disgrace if
you ask me. Who knows exactly waht trail at exactly what day
4 months in advance? They should have 10% of permits set
aside for nearer the time - a fortnight or so. Not too near
the time (not the day before) because then no one can plan
anythnig with any certainty, but a week or two beforehand.
If you do apply, it makes no difference that you are not
from USA. To find out more, search for national park
service on search engine. Can't remember exact address maybe
nps.go.us or nps.org.gov.us
Bye
if you put your name on a waiting list as soon as you
arrive (at the wardens station). Every morning they give
away passes that are not claimed. When your name gets to
the top of the list you get a pass. We had to wait 2 days
before we got one and that was in September. During the
busy season it is probably more difficult. Give it a go.
The GC is a big waste of time. Go to Zion or Bryce if you
want a special place; or, Joshua Tree or Yosemite or
Canyonlands, but not the GC.
Having grown-up in the American SW, I can say that while the
other NPs in the area are great, the Grand Canyon is NOT a
"waste of time". Your trip is what you make of it. Even if
you are not able to camp below the rim, you can still take a
day trip into the canyon and have a great time. It actually
shouldn't be too terribly crowded yet, either. Stick to the
North Rim and it will be much nicer. Have fun! The advice
about checking in at the Rangers and getting on a wait list
is good. There may a chance of getting a spot. Zion is
great too, it's my favorite of all.