GC Backcountry permit day: water planning mattered
Feb 5-5, 20265 people1 min read
A
Arthur O’Shea
1 reports
4.0
Difficulty
4
Scenery
4
Trail Conditions
5
GC Backcountry. day.
Start: 5:10 AM. group of 5.
Route: Bright Angel down to river camps with a South Kaibab exit.
Weather: Wind on exposed ridges eased after sunrise and made pacing simple.
Trail: Stone steps were dry by mid-morning but still rough on knees.
Water: Tap lines moved quickly, still worth filling before exposed climbs.
Crowds: crowded
Gear: Extra socks, Light traction
Conditions at Time of Trip
Feb 2026Weather
Wind on exposed ridges eased after sunrise and made pacing simple.
Trail
Stone steps were dry by mid-morning but still rough on knees.
Water
Tap lines moved quickly, still worth filling before exposed climbs.
Crowds
Crowded
💡Tips from the Trip
💡
General
- •Poles help more than people admit on slick or steep exits.
- •If the trail is muddy, slow down instead of fighting it.
- •Carry a small trash bag. You will find micro-trash.
- •Download your map before you lose service.
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