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
