TRIP PLANNING GUIDE FOR THE
 

Scouts and Parents signed up for the April 2000 Trip
This is YOUR AREA for information and communications.
For specific trip planning information, contact James Hayford - Nashua, NH

Water Caching forYOUR Hiking Crew

Water Weight = 8.4 lbs. / gallon

Water in the Grand Canyon is a major issue that should be taken quite seriously. It is essential that you know what your personal water consumption is, and be prepared for it. The Backcountry Office recommends 4 quarts of water per person per day.
Each of the hiking groups outside of the corridor trip(s) should plan on doing water caches is specific areas, This will require carrying an extra one of two days worth of water into the canyon on your first day in. You should also seriously consider the need for water for your meals on the days you are hiking out. You may find that the water is better utilized in your canteen on the trail, instead of boiling rice at night.

EFFECTS OF LOSS OF BODY FLUID
Loss        Effect
2 l/2%      Dehydration commences
    5%      Nausea
 6-10%      Giddiness, headaches, limbs itch
   15%      Death imminent in 90 degree weather
   25%      Death even in cool climates

Heat Exhaustion * Water Intoxication * Heat Stroke

The Corridor Hikers will not being coming out the same trail that they are going in, so water caching is not practical, but of all the trips, the corridor has the best resources for water. Your first day hike to the Colorado River is a very long day, and there will not be any sources for water in route (span bridge across the Colorado River). You must carry your full days worth, and then some. On your hike out from Bright Angel Campground, be sure to fill up for your hike to Indian Gardens (trees of Indian Gardens on Canyon floor - follow trail). If we are experiencing very warm days in canyon, it is suggested that you hydrate as much as possible the evening before, and increase your salty food intake. You will be passing Garden Creek in route to Indian Gardens but it is highly recommended that you NOT use this as a source for water. There are two watering holes "up canyon" from Indian Gardens which (depending on local temperature) may be running. Check with the ranger at Indian Gardens before you start your hike to make sure.
If you plan to day hike extensively on your "lay over" day, check with the Trip Leader to determine if/where you should cache water on various trails.

Hermits Trail Crew will have water access at Maria Spring on the way in. You will find that the source is too early to be of any use on the way in, but you should check the condition of the spring and the flow so you will know what to expect for the way out. You will have to filter this water. If you intend to cache water (recommended) I would suggest placing it on Breezy Point or on the top of the Cathedral Stairs as you go in. You will have water at your first nights camp, Hermits Creek (creek falls), and also at the Colorado/Hermits Rapids.

Horseshoe Mesa Crew should also plan to cache water. There is a spring (called Miners Spring or Page Spring) off of the East side of the mesa, and given time you may want to utilize it to fill up your bottles. I expect you will have time to day-hike on your first day in, so a hike to the Spring might be a good use of your canyon wandering. The trail to the spring winds down a steep slope to the base of the Redwall, which can be very exhilarating and also nerve racking for the tired knees. It's quite possible only certain members of your group should attempt the water fetching exercise. Your second day will place you in Cottonwood Canyon, which is NOT considered to be a perennial source of water in the Canyon. Last report I got on Cottonwood Canyon is that the water flowed with the strength of a slow garden hose, and was little wider than that. The fact that it "flowed" at all, makes this watering spot "special" and every living thing in the canyon needs it to survive. Be prepared.

South Bass Crew will be the most challenged for water. It is imperative that they cache water in several locations. Plan to cache a minimum of 1/2 gallon (each) at the trailhead. There will also be a water cache at the base of the Hermit Shale, just as the trail drops off through the Supi formation. Depending on in-canyon temperatures and our agreed upon hiking agenda, it might also be necessary to cache water on the Tonto Platform, prior to the final decent to the Colorado. THERE IS NO WATER IN ROUTE to the Colorado river, or on the return. Upon leaving the river the following morning, the next two days will be in dry camps, so plan on carrying water to cover the 12+ miles each way. Waltenberg Rapids, headed into Garnet Canyon note height of Tonto Trail above Colorado River. We expect to reach water in the middle of the two day 12 mile trek at Elves Chasm, so in reality you will be carrying water for the hike and overnight stay, each way.

Heat & Dehydration
While many hikers have experience in the mountains, the inner canyon is a desert. The hot, dry environment and the hiker's exertion combine to complicate the effects of fatigue. During the summer season when inner canyon temperatures routinely exceed 100°F (40°C), dehydration is common and can lead to heat exhaustion.

Early symptoms of heat exhaustion are minimal or no urination, loss of appetite, and loss of thirst. These symptoms can quickly progress to extreme fatigue, headache, fainting, nausea, and vomiting. While this condition is best prevented by resting, eating, and drinking during one's hike, a hiker can slowly recover by following this same advice once symptoms develop. Full recovery, however, can take days. It is not advisable to hike during mid-day heat. Always carry a flashlight so that hiking after dark is a reasonable alternative.

More serious illnesses associated with desert hiking are water intoxication and heat stroke. Water intoxication (hyponatremia) is an illness that mimics the early symptoms of heat exhaustion, except that urination is frequent, a higher volume than normal, and clear. If left untreated, advanced symptoms include behavioral changes, diarrhea, and unconsciousness; these symptoms often require hospitalization. Water intoxication can occur when a person drinks excessive amounts of water and eats very little or not at all, creating an electrolyte imbalance. To prevent and treat early stages of water intoxication, eat! Consider using one of the many electrolyte drink mixes, such as Gookinade or Gatorade, to supplement your water supply.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency which can occur when a person hikes through the mid-day heat of an inner canyon summer without taking the time to rest and cool their body. Early symptoms include unusual or illogical behavior, elevated temperature, flushed appearance, and weak, rapid pulse. The condition can rapidly progress to unconsciousness, seizures, and death.
The heat-stroke victim must be cooled immediately! Continuously pour water on victim's head and torso, fan to create an evaporative cooling effect, move victim to shade, and remove excessive clothing. The victim needs evacuation to a hospital. Someone should go for help while attempts to cool the victim continue.

It is far better to prevent this situation: avoid the mid-day sun and cool off in shade and inner canyon creeks. NOTE: Due to extreme cold water temperatures and swift currents, DO NOT attempt to swim in the Colorado River. Use your water supply to wet your hat and shirt during your hike. Avoid direct exposure of your head and torso to the sun.

 

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