A week at the Grand Canyon

I got to the south rim of the Grand Canyon on the 20th of April and had a week to spend exploring. First, I found a good place to camp. Everything inside the park was full. I guess it happened to be the busiest season for them, but it worked out quite well because I found a spot just outside the park in the Kaibab National Forest that was FREE as apposed to $18 a night in park. That same night I went to request a backcountry permit to hike/camp throughout the canyon and the Colorado River. I had to wait 3 days, but I got the permit! The permit was good for 3 days and 2 nights of camping at the Bright Angel campground at the base of the canyon, right off the river. Because of the enormity of the canyon they are very strict about where they let people camp and hike. I was ,however, told by a ranger of a great hidden route that led to a place called the Utah flats in the canyon. It was a great hike and the ranger said next time I can apply for a permit to camp anywhere I'd like! I guess you have to work your way up the ranks...and know which permit to request. The hike back up to the rim of the canyon (civilization) was a strenuous 9.5 mile hike up 4,400 feet of elevation with a backpack full of camping gear and water. When I got to the top of the rim I was completely worn out and people where asking me if I hiked all the way up from the river. When I told them I had, they were shocked and congratulated me... :) I wasn't expecting it to be that hard or that much of an achievement, but it sure was. So, now it is the 26th and I have a day or two until I meet my Uncle Keith in Laughlin, NV for the Laughlin River Run!