March Grand Canyon gear questions

A couple of my friends did the Escalante Route last year in early December. They did lower bags via rope in a spot or two. Video here.

I have other friends that use instep crampons in the spring as they descend from the rim. I think the general consensus is that’s usually all that’s needed.

Im sorry I don’t have more specific information or experience.

“I’ve read the trails near the rim may be icy, and some sort of traction devices are recommended.”

Check with the Back Country Office on trail conditions. Take your micro spikes and leave them in the car if things look good. But if the trail up Grandview is icy you will need insteps at a minimum. I have walked up in 4″ of fresh snow with no problem, but the trail was Not icy underneath.

“Is it ok to leave our tent up? “

Depends on how solid you can pitch your tent. Fierce random canyon winds are the nemesis.

“Or is the risk of critters chewing on too great?

Usually not. But then again, I’ve had them chew into the tent while I was sleeping.

“I’ve got a couple of quilts, a 20 degree and a 30, (which is more 35 or 40).  Of course I’d like to take the smaller, lighter one if I could get away with it.  Which would you take?”

Temps at Hance Creek are the unknown. Make you decision the night before. I’d be OK with a 40° quilt.

“Some of the articles I’ve read suggested taking 30 feet of cord or rope to lower and raise packs.  Is this worth taking?”

Papago Wall is like going up a ladder. No big deal. (YouTube “Papago Wall.) I find going down the scree chute more nerve-racking.

I have a permit for the Escalante Route the first weekend of March. Shoot me a message or bump this up and I can update you with any current conditions when I get back.

As far as food storage, I’d definitely recommend and Outsak or something similar. Depending on how much food you take, the larger of the UL versions should work for 5 nights. They have the volume listed on their website.

I like long pants and long sleeved shirts in the desert to protect me from the sun and the abusive plant life. Was happy to be wearing them in the GC last weekend.

If you take some Alum to use as a flocculent, along with you’re normal filtration means, you should be fine for water.

Temps should be warming up pretty well by mid March, may even be pretty hot down at river level, so your lighter quilt will probably do the trick. There’s a weather station at Phantom Ranch, so you can get a good forecast there – http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=fgz&smap=1&textField1=36.1050&textField2=-112.0940#.WhDvPLbMxsN