Grand Canyon Permits and “requires prev gc experience”…

[Tallgrass]

Last month  I paid to put my name in the lottery for a chance at a Grand Canyon permit. My name was drawn and my window opens this afternoon at 4PM CST for a trip in March.  My hope was to hike from Lipan Point down to Tanner Beach and then do the Tonto Trail back to the South Kaibab TH over 6 days.

But, I’m just looking at the recreation.gov site and I’m confused.

I see the following options for starting to plan my intinerary:
Classic GC Hike – via South Rim
Classic GC Hike – via North Rim
Requires Adv GC Experience or Unusual
Requires Prev GC Experience

From what I can see all of the stuff I want to do is under “Requires Adv GC Experience or Unusual” or “Requires Prev GC Experience”.

I’ve never been the Grand Canyon before, but am I reading this right that they won’t allow me to do the trip I want, even if there is availability?    Looking at this page it appears that I would have to call the backcountry office and that a ranger has to enter my itinerary.  How is “unusual” defined in “Requires Adv GC Experience or Unusual”?  I’ve been backpacking for 40 years and have backpacked all over the United States including Alaska, California, Montana, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Tennessee, etc.

If I have to stick to the heavily populated areas what are my best options?  Should I just permit a R2R2R?

Thanks, Bryan

[Jerry Adams]

tell them it’s important to carry extra water.  Certainly 1 quart, maybe 2 depending on weather.  Tell them how getting water from sources fits into your itenerary

I think the biggest problem with Grand Canyon is running out of water

I did a day trip many years ago – rim to bottom and back.  I was tired

[Tallgrass]

Thanks Jerry!  It turned out that my fears were much ado about nothing.  I called the backcountry information center at the park once my permit slot opened and I had no problems getting my route reserved.

Thanks!

[Jerry Adams]

It’s funny how some words coming from government can be ignored, but other words are important to listen to : )

Bring plenty of water

[SIMULACRA]

I tend to dismiss all words the federal government has to say =) good luck on your trip Tallgrass

[jscott]

“I tend to dismiss all words the federal government has to say =) ”

speed limit included?

I get Medicare. I pay attention. Also, when the Feds tell me that I’m guilty for robbing a bank and have to go to prison. Damn! Can’t ignore that.

 

***this is entirely rhetorical. I’ve yet to rob a bank.

[Jerry Adams]

If the federal government tells me to pay taxes ill do that

Since I haven’t heard the federal government tell me to do it I don’t bother

(joke)

[Bruce Tolley]

It sounds like a (perhaps perfunctory) execution of their “duty to warn” prospective applicants of the need for experience.

[SIMULACRA]

Let me explain the smiley face to you…. Oh, what’s the use.

Why so offended? Put some skin on you please =)

[Glen L]

My Federal America the Beautiful pass is magic. Gets me into all National Parks and Rec areas for free for life so I believe to a certain extent. ;) Used to have to pay 80 bucks a year for these privileges that we use six times a week now. Don’t want to imagine life without National Parks, Public Lands and designated wilderness.

 

It does seem the clause is to warn the lesser experienced to the deadly dangers that lurk in plain sight in the Canyon. Like Jerry says, take plenty of water…

and be aware of physics

[Author]

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