Going camping for the first time, Yosemite & the Grand Canyon! Any tips-food, bears?

[Fern]

-snip-
Is boiling water the only option for more water? Water is so heavy but a must... Any thoughts on how to get enough water down there to last 3-4 days without having to boil any?

First do your homework. I haven't been down the canyon to the river level but given that so many go down there they may have potable water available at locations. If so, a plastic collapsible water container is sufficient.

IMO, boiling water is last resort.

For extended backpacking trips into the deep country I carry a pump-style water filter/purifier. Mine was a little pricy at about $70 (IIRC), but insufficient water is dangerous and getting the 'runs' just isn't an option for me. See here for general info. Specialty camping stores will carry these.

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/water+treatment+backcountry.html

Fern

 

[Fern]

-snip-
I'm wondering how to schlep all this stuff down since my backpack wasn't made for a tent+sleeping bag... I imagine the trek down into the canyon potentially very slow and awkward.

Can you post a link to the type backpack you have?

How you pack your stuff in the backpack can make a big difference in how comfortable, or uncomfortable it's going to be on a hike of any length.

I hope you have a backpack with a frame, well padded shoulder straps and belt (padding at hip area here). Hopefully your backpack frame extends upward above the pack itself. If so, you'll want to put as much weigh up high as possible. Can use bungi cords to affix your sleeping bag and/or tent to the outside of your backpack.

Tip: When hiking don't let your canteen dangle loose. The constant banging around drives most people insane after about 10 minutes. It can be annoying, and possible a hazard, as it can snag on things.

You've got more guts than I. I've become afraid of heights in my older age. No way I can hike down that canyon trail. I tried it about 2 yrs ago, had to abort.

Fern

 

[allenk09]

Food: If you happen to end up in Tucson. Mi-Niditio on 4th Ave. Bill Clinton ate there when he went to Tucson along with many other celebrities. Best mexican food I've ever had, possibly best food I've ever had.

In-N-Out.

 

[Bignate603]

First do your homework. I haven't been down the canyon to the river level but given that so many go down there they may have potable water available at locations. If so, a plastic collapsible water container is sufficient.

IMO, boiling water is last resort.

For extended backpacking trips into the deep country I carry a pump-style water filter/purifier. Mine was a little pricy at about $70 (IIRC), but insufficient water is dangerous and getting the 'runs' just isn't an option for me. See here for general info. Specialty camping stores will carry these.

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/water+treatment+backcountry.html

Fern

I've been through the canyon a few years ago. For the south rim water is available on Bright Angel trail only. During the warmer times of year it's available at a few rest areas between the top and Indian Garden, the only campground between the top and the bottom on the south side of the canyon. Water is available year round at Indian Garden but after that there's nothing after that until you get to the bottom of the canyon.

If I remember correctly there is no water on the north side until you get down to the pump house. When I hiked through it was after the normal season so there is a chance that they have water available during warmer months.

Bring water, more than you think you need. Also, bring iodine tablets. I don't like the taste but it's much better than getting sick from bad water you took out of a stream.

 

[Red Squirrel]

For water we've either used water from the city into the RV/camper's tank, or water from the lake, for the cottage. Just add a bottle of javex in it. The water will taste like crap, but it will be safe for stuff like brushing your teeth. For drinking, beer and pop.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Towel shower: pour water on you to get wet. Dry off with a good dry rough towel. No soap.
Sneakers with heavy socks may work, but you will appreciate the ankle support climbing down and up the Canyon of hiking boots.

You will want a small stove for hot water; coffee, tea, coca or soup in the AM when you roll out of the sack. Propane or sterno. Distribute the common load. Keep supplies for an extra day more than planned. Plenty of rich chocolate for energy and/energy ibars. Gloves can be helpful around rocks. Water purification tablets.

Figure at least 2 pints of water between meals while hiking. Do not get dehydrated

 

[Fern]

-snip-
Gloves can be helpful around rocks.

Good point. Helpful around campfires and for cooking if they are at all heat resistant. Plain ole cheap canvas gloves are usually good enough.

Fern

 

[Fern]

-snip-
Sticking with cold food was my initial plan, I should be able to survive on fruit and trail mix for 3-4 days.

Wow, that would be tough for me. Maybe you're a lot different.

But as I said, hot food have never tasted better than when camping, especially if it's chilly/cold at night.

I'd at least take somehting to have a hot meal each night. It could be cans of stew/soup you can heat up in the can (eat it out of can too), or some freeze dried camping meals (weighs very little and just add hot water).

Fern

 

[Red Squirrel]

The most important thing to bring: beer, if you don't drink (I don't) then pop. You can't camp without loading up on alcohol or caffeine. And maple syrup. You need that for the pancakes and waffles. Mmm blueberry pancakes. I am hungry for that now. My grandma makes the most awesome pancakes.

 

[Bignate603]

I just practiced putting up and taking down the tent several times in my living room. I'm wondering how to schlep all this stuff down since my backpack wasn't made for a tent+sleeping bag... I imagine the trek down into the canyon potentially very slow and awkward.

Towel shower... So there will be running water/streams at the bottom? Going to go add a towel to my backpack now!

Thanks for the tips, I'll talk to the girls some more about cooking options as we were all planning on surviving on trail mix and fruit.

Of course there are streams at the bottom, the Colorado river is pretty large at that portion of the canyon. If you bring a towel make it a very small one though, no reason to carry anything large.

As for carrying your tent and stuff, if you do not have a frame backpack (internal or external) you should not be attempting this hike. Period. I've done a bunch of backpacking and have all the correct gear but even then backpacking was very hard in the canyon. Hiking up and down is extremely tiring and if the OP does not have a good way of carrying all the necessary gear they will be in pain after a few miles.

If you don't own a real pack with a frame you need to beg, borrow, or steal one. There are some places that rent them, like REI. Don't go without the right equipment. At best you'd be uncomfortable and tired. At worst it can be downright dangerous.

For water we've either used water from the city into the RV/camper's tank, or water from the lake, for the cottage. Just add a bottle of javex in it. The water will taste like crap, but it will be safe for stuff like brushing your teeth. For drinking, beer and pop.

I'm not sure if you're trying to troll or just don't know any better. Much of your advice in here has been pretty bad. Treating water with bleach like javex is not really recommended. If you do use it you only need a few drops per gallon, a bottle of the stuff is overkill and unhealthy. There are filters or very cheap iodine kits to sanitize water that are much better and healthier. As for your recommendation about drinking beer and soda, the OP is backpacking. Carry enough bottled drinks for the trip down the canyon and back up is insane. They'd be killing themselves carrying all that weight.

 

[kranky]

After thinking about this some more, I want to say it may not be that great of an idea to go down the Grand Canyon on a first-time camping trip. Unless you have tremendous stamina.

 

[Fern]

OP: Please check out this if you have not already done so. You may find it very helpful.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hiking-faq.htm#CP_JUMP_100018

Just wanted to add one more tip. It would be a good idea to plan your trip down into the canyon so that you had plenty of opportunity to set up camp while there was still enough daylight to clearly see what you're doing.

Fern

 

[Bignate603]

After thinking about this some more, I want to say it may not be that great of an idea to go down the Grand Canyon on a first-time camping trip. Unless you have tremendous stamina.

Yeah, as the OP responds I'm starting to wonder if they'll really be prepared for this. Like I said before, I've done plenty of backpacking before I tried the canyon. Even being prepared for it with experience and the right gear it still was quite hard. After the first day I was wondering what I had gotten myself into.

 

[db]

Wow, it's been a *really* long time since I was down in the GC, so I don't know what has changed.
Inside is like a vertical desert. Water is rare, so you will *not* be coming across springs of water from which to replenish. Unless you know otherwise, assume that your only supply of water is on top before going in, and at the very bottom in one place (both potable). That means hauling enough water to supply your needs between those two places. While hiking keep your water easily accessible so it's convenient to drink every time you want it.

If you have a large or heavy pack, put the heaviest stuff up high and close to your spine (even if it's taller than you), otherwise you'll be leaning forward to balance and you'll pay a price for that.

Assume that you will not be able to take a shower, so everybody will have BO; you just tolerate each other. Assume that you can only wash your face and feet. The water is so cold it is painful to wash your socks, but do it if necessary.

When you are walking down, it's down for 10 miles; that's why I mentioned using broken-in shoes. People with new boots (not broken in) will have bloody toes after going down, and bloody heals after going up.

If you sleep towards the top of the Canyon it will be colder, so you will be glad to have your tent. It's warmer at the bottom; however you'll be glad when the sun hits you in the morning b/c of it's warmth. My first night I put my hiking boots in my mummy bag to keep them warm. I was miserable all night and it hardly made a difference. In any event, you won't want to get out of your bag in the morning b/c of the cold.

ADon't be surprised if after a few days, you find yourself craving juicy fast food hamburgers!

Finally, don't hurry; soak in every experience and enjoy!

 

[DCal430]

Watch out for double rainbows.

Another great thing to bring is a buck saw, hatchet and full size axe. A chainsaw can replace the buck saw, but I'm a fan of manual basic tools for the true camping feel. A single tree should give you quite a lot of firewood. Try to find a dead one, I don't like cutting a live one if I don't have to, that and a dead one will split better.

The hatchet will go well to make kindling while the big axe for splitting.

Chopping down any part of a tree in the parks is forbidden and has heavy fine. Even breaking a branch is against the law. IMHO you should camp inside of the park for Yosemite.

 

[Bignate603]

Couple pics from my trip a few years ago...

 

[FM2n]

I'm going camping for the first time in my entire life next week!

14 day trip to Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and several other stops along the way.

We'll be camping outside if it isn't too cold (weather forecast is 19 degrees at night in the Grand Canyon, probably colder at the bottom) and I will be bringing the UnderArmour gear that I usually wear snowboarding.

Nobody in our party has a portable stove, so any and all food we bring will have to be in ready-to-eat-as-is condition.

So far, I have:

- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Backpack
- Canteen for water
- Sunflower seeds, fruit, chocolate, trail mix, power bars
- Flashlight
- Heavy coat
- Sneakers
- Socks
- Sweatshirt
- Jeans

I'll continue to do Google research but welcome any and all tips from ATOT-ers. Thank you!

+ Fleshlight

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah, pretty much everything you've said is not allowed inside national parks. The parks are supposed to be places where we're preserving nature. If people just walked in and started cutting up trees or grabbing dead wood to burn they'd end up altering the park, making it less natural. Some of these parks are heavily used so if everyone cut down a single tree they'd have done serious damage to the area in a very short period of time. People go camping to see nature, not see how people have screwed it up.

As for feeding small animals, you're screwing with how the animal normally lives its life. They become less afraid of humans and more dependent on their food. This can cause them to starve during winter months or even become unhealthy because human food may not contain everything that they need. Animals that develop a taste for human food will start becoming more aggressive to get at it. They might chew through tents and backpacks, bite people, or even eat garbage that smells like food. A few years ago the park service had to put down a group of mule deer in the Grand Canyon that looked like they were extremely sick, basically starving in an area that had plenty of food for them to eat. When they did an autopsy they found the deers' stomachs were full of plastic bags. The deer had gotten used to eating human food because people kept on feeding them. When they found a bag that smelled like our food they'd eat it. People feeding the animals can literally kill them.

On top of that, feeding the animals can be dangerous for you as well. Rodents can be carriers of nasty diseases, including the bubonic plague. Rodents in the southwest are known to carry the plague and a researcher at the canyon died a few years ago from it. You do not want those chipmunks and squirrels near you.

Guess it makes sense, and it's good they want to preserve the nature. I guess I'm just used to camping out in crown/cottage land where you are more or less allowed to do whatever within some laws that are more loose. Can't kill animals outside of season etc. Though now that you mention, not sure how legal, or what the laws are on cutting trees here. Like, I doubt you can just clear cut an area. Don't know if you are allowed only dead ones, or up to a certain amount etc... not sure. We'd usually go on the logging trails where they did not cut yet but are about to. So yeah guess this is totally different territory than a provincial/national park.

 

[Red Squirrel]

+ Fleshlight

Bring two, in case one breaks.

 

[Gothgar]

I think you need quite a few other items.

Protection from rain. In the past when I've camped there it was mostly dry. IIRC, it did rain a little the last time I was the Grand Canyon. But not having some sort of rain gear isn't a good idea. You can get a plastic poncho for a buck or two. They're small and weigh next to nothing.

Bath towel to dry off if necessary. (Put in garbage bag. It'll keep it dry, or if you've used it and it's a bit wet the garbage bag will keep your others items in the pack dry.)

Plastic garbage bags. I line the inside of my backpack with one to ensure things stay dry. And of course you'll need them for garbage.

Knife, rope/cord and duct tape. Knife should be self explanatory. The others for emergency repairs etc.

Portable propane stove. Don't rely on being able to have a campfire unless you've really checked out the rules. Even if generally allowed they are sometimes temporarily forbidden because of drought or high winds. You may not be able to find sufficient dead wood laying around, not close anyway. Hot food never tastes better than when you're camping. Don't forget utensils. Can opener? Corkscrew? etc.

Water? Where will you get sufficient potable water and where will you store it at the campsite? A canteen is for a hike, not a camping trip. They make collapsible water containers for camping. When it's empty it won't take up much space etc.

Paper towels. toilet paper. Soap.

Chair? What are you going to sit on? IMO, standing or sitting on the ground or a big rock all the time sucks. Inexpensive lightweight portable camping seats/chairs are available.

Flashlight? OK. A lantern is better. Also useful are those little flashlights on a headband. Let's you use both hands when doing a task at night in the dark or even just walking around. They're cheap. Might carry a few extra batteries too. Murphy's Law never fails to disappoint.

Compass? Do you know how to use one?

Put your lighter, if that's what you're using to start fires, in a zip lock baggy so it won't get wet.

Maps? Ziplock baggy too.

First aid kit. I include one of those 'space blankets'. Looks a little like alum foil, weighs nothing, is smaller than a cigarette pack and costs $1. It's suppose to keep 100% of your body in and is waterproof. Carry them if you go hiking away from the campsite in case you get lost.

If you're going to take day hikes away from camp I suggest you make up a list of items to carry in case you get lost. The space blanket, lighter etc, a whistle, map, water, knife, flashlight, power bars etc are things to consider. Nobody ever plans on getting lost, but shiz happens.

Enjoy your trip.

Edit: It's always better to get these things ahead of time at a Walmart etc. Buying stuff at touristy places get expensive.

Fern

Great post, you sir win this thread.

 

[DCal430]

Guess it makes sense, and it's good they want to preserve the nature. I guess I'm just used to camping out in crown/cottage land where you are more or less allowed to do whatever within some laws that are more loose. Can't kill animals outside of season etc. Though now that you mention, not sure how legal, or what the laws are on cutting trees here. Like, I doubt you can just clear cut an area. Don't know if you are allowed only dead ones, or up to a certain amount etc... not sure. We'd usually go on the logging trails where they did not cut yet but are about to. So yeah guess this is totally different territory than a provincial/national park.

Though here even in the national parks if you find a tree that has already fallen, you can chop it up and use it. You likely will be next to atleast one.

 

[Bignate603]

Paper towels. toilet paper. Soap.

Be aware about one of the grand canyon's policies. Because of the dry environment paper won't biodegrade. You can't leave it behind. Any toilet paper you use will have to be bagged and carried out. Bring two large ziplock baggies. Put the toilet paper inside one and then throw the whole bag inside the other to be absolutely sure that's not going to leak. You may also want to have something that's not see-through to put that inside so you aren't looking at used toilet paper every time you open your bag.

That being said, the main trails and campgrounds inside the canyon have latrines. You can leave toilet paper in those.

 

[Bignate603]

Though here even in the national parks if you find a tree that has already fallen, you can chop it up and use it. You likely will be next to atleast one.

I've seen places where even if they allow campfires they have a strict "bring your own" policy for fire wood. For example, the campgrounds on the rims at the grand canyon require you to bring your own wood. They specifically state that gathering of downed wood is not permitted.

Once you go below the rim into the canyon no campfires are allowed for hikers. I believe that rafters can have fires if they follow "leave no trace" guidelines.

Different places have different rules and these rules can vary between locations inside the same park. The OP needs to research what is and isn't allowed at the specific campgrounds they'll be staying at. A quick call to the back country office for each park will answer everything.

 

[Screech]

That. Sounds. Delicious. OMG.

We'll definitely be trying that at Yosemite!!!! Can't wait, thank you!!

Also, I should have noted more specifically, you want bulb onions(sweet onion or otherwise); some people prefer butter, salt, or pepper added although imo that isn't necessary but ymmv. (the onions keep everything moist so you don't end up with burned dry potatoes )

Depending on how much stuff you are planning on bringing and or cooking (it sounds like cooking in yosemite with a campfire might be doable, grand canyon not so much) having a camping broiler of sorts like this

http://krvnovelty.com/images/uploads/cooking broiler.jpg

is pretty useful, as then you can cook steak, chicken, whatever pretty easily on either side, on a campfire (of course, you need to have a good set of rocks nearby so that you can lay the handle on a flat rock then cover that with a very heavy rock that will keep the meat in the basket over the fire -- holding it over the fire yourself gets annoying). That said you should make sure you have all the first aid type stuff to make sure your trip is safe first, and also follow the suggestion about gloves -- very useful for rocks, also very useful for grabbing food out of a campfire if you dont have tongs for that purpose. I've used cheap $5 gardening type gloves for this purpose which are fine. The best tongs i've come across are actually delivery forceps (no joke) -- expensive from a doctor but cheap from a vet!

 

[tranceport]

You may require bulk beef jerky.

Like alternator sized.