Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit Approved!

Our Grand Canyon permit has been approved! Our permit is for the following itinerary, North Rim to South Rim:

1. First day:  CCG  COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND

2. Second day:  CBG  BRIGHT ANGEL CAMPGROUND

3. Third day:  CBG  BRIGHT ANGEL CAMPGROUND

4. Fourth day:  CIG  INDIAN GARDEN CAMPGROUND

5. Fifth day:  OUT  Hiking Out

Google Maps says the whole hike is 22.5 miles and just over 10 hours. Since we are doing it over five days (four days of hiking), then it should be a piece of cake, right? Since we received our approval, we've been busy planning the trip to get there and back. Here is what it looks like so far:

1. Friday - drive to Devils Canyon Forest Service campground via Moab, UT

2. Saturday - drive to Mather Campground in Grand Canyon National Park

3. Sunday - shuttle ride over to North Rim, tent camp on North Rim

4. Monday - hike down to Cottonwood Campground

5. Tuesday - hike down to Bright Angel Campground (the bottom)

6. Wednesday - explore the Colorado River area, have steak dinner and a beer at Phantom Ranch (this seems like cheating!)

7. Thursday - breakfast at Phantom Ranch, hike to Indian Garden Campground

8. Friday - hike to South Rim, move our camper van to Mather Campground

9. Saturday - explore South Rim, camp again in Mather Campground

10. Sunday - drive to Durango, Colorado area

11. Monday - drive home

We don't have any reservations yet for the Durango area. Does anyone have some good suggestions? Boondocking/dry camping is acceptable to us.

One of the Grand Canyon Park Rangers is a Blue Knights alum and we are planning on visiting with her during our visit. We are so excited!

(RB)