Transport to TH, Passage 1

imported
#1

I’m considering hiking the Arizona Trail this spring even though I was too late to snag a Grand Canyon permit. Does anyone know if there is any kind of transport to get close to the Montezuma Pass area?
Thanks,
No Hurry

No Hurry

#2

Shuttle companies based in Tucson and Sierra Vista run to the Coronado National Memorial, from which an approach trail reaches the AZT a short distance north of the border.

One way to get around the GC permit issue would be to camp at Clear Creek environs. (Is this still accurate info, Meadow Ed?)

blisterfree

#3

Just see if you can get on the waiting list and explore some other beautiful trails in the Canyon while you wait for the BackCountry office. Seriously tell them what your doing and you will have a early waiting list number for sure. Everyday the rangers hold the first three numbers on the waiting list for special people or locals. This pretty much gaurantees you a spot at the Bright Angel Campground. Or call the Bright Angel Lodge Transportation desk and ask for a spot in the Bunkhouse at the bottom. Seriously though how could you plan your exact dates so soon anyway. Just show up and it will work out.

Guino

#4

I’d like to second what Guino has said. I did the AZT in 2003. I knew when I’d planned to get to the GC but still didn’t want to deal with permits until I arrived. Who knows what delays I may have encountered. I also didn’t want the proessure of having to be there by a certain date.

I rolled the dice upon arrival and got lucky with a spot at Cottonwood. Tell the Backcountry Office what you are doing. I wouldn’t let this worry you. Besides BA and Cottonwood there is Clear Creek as noted above. By the time you get to the Canyon you might be ready to cross it in a day! It all seems to work out. Have a great trip.

Sweetwater

#5

Thanks for the info on shuttle companies and the Grand Canyon permit. I had actually seen Guino’s earlier messages regarding hiking the canyon so when I didn’t get my permit, I wasn’t too discouraged. I’m planning to hike OR and WA on the PCT this year after completing CA in '07. I figure the AZ trail might be a great place for an early spring before I head north mid-summer. Thanks again,
No Hurry

No Hurry

#6

For anyone who is planning for this spring, I have some contacts that are willing to shuttle people in southern AZ. E-mail me for more info.

Sirena

Sirena

#7

Sorry to be behind here but was out of town for a week. Well if you get to the canyon w/out a permit and you may have to resupply there anyway then go to the BCRO and see about a permit. You drop into the canyon on the AZ at Horseshoe mesa TH and you can do a hike if you have all day down and cross the Colorado and then head up to the clear Creek TH 2 miles and camp at large then next day back to the BA TH and up to the north rim , its doable from there to the rim in a day…
Sometimes you can get a permit on the day you need it but something still has to be avaiable but clear creek usualy has spots as its at camping…
Meadow

meadow ed

#8

For those of you who have contacted me about getting to the beginning of P1, I will have info shortly (people have been out of town) and will post it here.

Sirena