I need to buy instep crampons for me and 2 others. We may not use them again. Any suggestions?
Any suggestions for the trip? I have done a lot of hiking at the Grand Canyon in winter. This winter they have got an unusually large amount of snow and so you will definitely want to have something on your feet - instep crampons or at least yak-trax - because the upper sections of the trails will be icy.
I don't know of any place that rents crampons around the canyon, but they are not that expensive.
Alternatively, you could get a pair of YakTraxs which are rubber straps with metal rings that you stretch over your boots. They certainly don't give as good traction as the crampons, but they are much better than normal boots, they are easier to pack and have the benefit that you can wear them comfortably in areas of little or no snow which can be nice if the trail goes in and out of icy spots.
If you are staying on the main trails (South Kaibab and Bright Angel) and they have not got any more heavy snow within the 4-5 days before you go, you may want to consider going with the YakTraks and just planning on taking it slow and easy for those first few switchbacks where it is the worst. However, if you are going to be dealing with continous hard packed snow and ice for a significant section of the upper trail than you will probably want the cramp-ons. Check with backcountry office (phone below) before you leave to get the latest trail and weather conditions.
You can buy YakTraks at Babbitt Outdoor Outfitters or Peace Surplus - both in downtown Flagstaff on the way to the canyon. They sell crampons at the village store at the rim and also usually have some pairs for sale at the bottom at Phantom Ranch.
I have done a number of winter backpacking trips in the canyon (including one this last December) and have generally been OK with YakTraks although I also did a winter trip down Grandview trail a few years ago and was very glad that I had crampons.
Other general suggestions for hiking the canyon in winter...
I am a big fan of having trekking poles (look like ski poles) because they can take a lot of strain off your knees and ankles on both the up and downs. They are especially useful in winter for a little extra support and balance on the icy spots.
Remember that the climate gets warmer as you go deeper into the canyon until by the time you get to the river it can be 20+ degrees warmer than the rim. You can start the morning freezing in snow and ice on the rim and then be quite happy in just a t-shirt when you get to the bottom. As a result, you will want to dress in layers that you can easily add and remove during your hike. While on the rim, you will definitely want a warm hat, thick insulation later, waterproof out shell and probably some gloves.
Another note on trails... conventional wisdom says that the best route is to go down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. One of the big advantages of Bright Angel is the shade and drinking water half-way up at Indian Gardens (there is no water on the South Kaibab), which is very important in the warmer months. However, in winter, I prefer to use South Kaibab on both the up and down hike. Because it follows a ridge line while BA is in a little side canyon, you get out of the icy spots much quicker on SK. It is cool enough in winter that carrying enough water is not an issue and best of all, the views on South Kaibab are incredible - generally more expansive than on BA. I love hiking the South Kaibab and don't find it to be any harder to go up (from an effort perspective) than BA in winter. If you have not been to the canyon before, you may still want to go up BA anyways to see something different and get the full canyon experience - but both ways on SK is definitely a viable option.
At Phantom Ranch, they sell special t-shirts that can only be bought at the bottom and whose design changes every year - they are sort of collectors items. The ones from 2007 (which they probably will still have when you are there) were excellent - paintings of the inner gorge at night.
Are you backpacking or staying at the Phantom Ranch dorms or cabins?
Either way, unless a major storm hits while you are on the trail, you should have a good trip. I love the canyon in winter and now do most of my canyon backpacking trips then. It is much more peaceful and less crowded, the snow on the upper canyon is beautiful, and once you get half way down the temps generally get to be perfect for hiking.
Have fun and happy birthday! The Grand Canyon Tourist Information Botth would have all the answers.... Try over at the visitor center for information. |
