Grand Canyon Backpacking Trip – Need Input

That is standard CYA verbage. Sign it, include a mileage chart, and return it.

Be honest. Demonstrate awareness. Mention strengths. Inspire confidence.

I know my times will be less, but I want to show that I am conservative. My second GC trip included several 20+ miles days. No questions were asked when I included a similar table with my application.

Your biggest challenge is the Downhill to the river. If you are not in shape your calves will be pretty sore on Day 2. If you are getting in regular long walks, especially with downhills, you'll do fine. (Emphasize a slow controlled roll to your forefoot. Not "slapping" down.)

Also, if you have any ITB issues, now is the time to tune up your hip stabilizers.

Get moving very early to make the last day easier. Plan on an hour at Phantom Ranch and an hour at Indian Gardens. If you blow through faster, great, but I'd suggest not making it a "race to top", at least before Indian Gardens.

Thanks Greg! I do plan to get a very early start on the last day. Likely between 2-3 am. I run quite a bit at night so I'm used to moving with a headlamp.

Has anyone ever sent a letter in along with their permit application, in order to avoid the almost guaranteed response? Its also somewhat surprising that they send one even if you've been there before, I'm guessing they don't have or look at their database.

That's the standard "you're gonna die" letter. There are a couple of criteria that automatically triggers the letter — like 10+ mile days, remote solo hikes, etc.

I've tried sending a preemptive letter along with my permit app answering all the Hiker Information Sheet questions, but I still had to fill out the frickin form. Nuisance. It's sad GCNP gets enough fools that such a thing is necessary.

OP, you'll be fine. I know folks with what sounds like less fitness than you who have done your whole route in a day.

I’ve tried sending a preemptive letter along with my permit app answering all the Hiker Information Sheet questions, but I still had to fill out the frickin form. Nuisance. It’s sad GCNP gets enough fools that such a thing is necessary.

I haven’t sent a letter with my permit app, but I have filled out the actual Hiker Information Sheet preemptively and sent it in with my permit. That worked.

Thanks for the tip. I'll do that the next time I apply for a GCNP permit.

"Has anyone ever sent a letter in along with their permit application, in order to avoid the almost guaranteed response?"

I have everything already, so I do the preemptive strike routine. It usually helps them get the job done in the first go around. I've sent up to 3 follow-up faxes. The last time it was only one.

Computerize it.
Provide them with lots of flexibility and confidence in your skills and abilities.
Be patient.

There are about 250 rescues per year. "Preventative Search and Rescue" (PSAR) happens on the trails to help people recognize the risks of the GC. The permitting team is doing the same thing. If you are going to do more than one GC trip, take the time to create some documentation that helps them feel like you know what you are doing.

Greg, a month ago I booked a permit for March. It was already the 14,000th permit that they had issued for 2015!

With the volume that they have to process, I really don't think they will thank you for sending non-standard letters and spreadsheets, however well thought out. For any kind of "advanced" itinerary (which has a loose definition, including any day over 10 miles) they simply want their due diligence information in a standard format – the Hiker Information Sheet. I always send it in with my permit application, and I have always got the permit straight back.

"I really don't think they will thank you for sending non-standard letters and spreadsheets"

They get their standard forms, but for instance, any trip longer than 7 days requires another piece of paper. And relevant hiking history doesn't fit very well. That's what's posted above.

And they are happy to have a description of me, my shoe print, and my gear.

In my last e-mail exchange with the permit office in Flagstaff they expressed appreciation. The last time I did an extended trip as a Walk-in I got a personal Thank You.

It works for me.

YMMV