Backpacking in the Grand Canyon 

I am planning to backpack in the Grand Canyon, starting at about the 29th of September for about 4 days. I have heard and read that it is an experience that you will never forget. You will be gobsmacked by the sheer beauty of the mesas and canyons. Even though it will be very strenuous - something else you will not forget, it is worth the sweat and tears. You basically traverse a mile deep into the canyon, and therefore you have to hike an incline of more than a mile. But like I said, it will be worth the suffering. 

I am open to changing the date on which I going to start backpacking, so that it better suits whomever wants to come with. If you are interested, read on. If you considering in joining me, I need to know before the 1st of June if you are interested, since this is when you can start applying for camping permits. The Grand Canyon park can only allow X amount of people in specific hiking trails, so the sooner we get a permit, the better. 

A little more info about the trails

The backpacking will be done in a period of 4 days. So give or take, you'll be away for about a week. I am considering two routes, depending on the availability. It will be either the Tonto trail, starting at Hermits rest and going to Bright Angel Trailhead. Or it will be the North Kaibab Trail going towards the Bright Angel Trailhead; you basically walk from the North rim to the South rim. 

Permit cost

The cost per person will be $10 plus $8 per night we camp in the Grand Canyon. So be prepared to fork out at least $58 to hike for four days in the Grand Canyon. The $10 is non-refundable, while the $8 per night charge is. 

Physical requirements

The heaviest item in your backpack will be your water. Since water is scares in the canyon, you are expected to carry at least 1.5 gallons of water yourself. You will drink at least a gallon per day. It *will* be strenuous hiking in the canyon, especially hiking out of it. If you want to enjoy the backpacking trip, you'll have to practice and get fit during the summer. For example, climbing stairs with a backpack. 

The sun and other dangers

It gets scorching hot in the canyon during the day (100 F or so), and you will get dehydrated in the sun in no time. So when we are going to hike, it will be the wee early morning until 10am and starting again from 4pm. There will be scorpions and snakes in the canyon. If you sleep in a tent, you'll be fine. From what I understand, rattle snakes will attack you if you aggravate them - so there is no need to worry about them.