Hiking into Grand Canyon and avoiding main gates? (Tusayan: crime, campground)

[freedom125]

Hi guys.

Looking for Grand Canyon experts here.

I have a trip next week to GRCA that I've been planning for a long time, and am going anyway despite the shutdown.

What I am looking for is advice from people in the know as to the best way to enter the park and hike for a few days, while avoiding parking on National Park property, and avoiding having to go through the main gates/entrance stations.

Any thoughts? At this point I don't care what part of the canyon we see or anything. As long as we get some good hiking in and get to experience some part of the canyon.

Thanks in advance!

[Pretzelogik]

Be careful the black helicopters are still on the job.

[Sco]

Just to be clear what you are asking for is someone to give you advice on how to commit a crime and get away with it.

[sh9730]

Well, Im no expert for sure - but maybe you could enter on some of the various reservation entrances. Im not sure what they have in the way of hiking amenities etc. and what part of their lands are considered Natl park - but that's one possibility.

Also, Im sure there are a lot of threads on this topic in hiking forums etc. You cant be the only one facing this issue unfortunately.

[S. Chris Webb]

Sorry about the potential bummer you're facing. You may want to consider going to Havasupai Falls instead - it is in a Canyon that feeds into Grand Canyon National Park - can't see how they'd stop you from entering from a side canyon. However, you will have to camp on the reservation campground or stay in the lodge about a dozen miles from the GC entry point, and backpack in (you can also hire mules to carry your gear as far as the campground). It is one of the most scenic areas of the Grand Canyon, if not THE most scenic. For that reason, as well as the NP being closed, the campground may be booked up completely already.

[azdr0710]

maybe this will work.....

You Can Have the Grand Canyon All To Yourself - Arizona - Away From the Grind

I understand your frustration....I have a trip planned myself to another area of the Grand Canyon and have been trying to figure it out....many thousands are having their lifelong dreams dashed these couple weeks....

if you have a capable vehicle, there are Forest Service dirt roads west of Tusayan that will lead to areas near the canyon, but you'll need to be self-contained with everything to survive for up to a few days if you get stuck....the Park boundary is a few miles back from the actual rim....don't know if these backroads are being monitored

Havasupai is an excellent alternative, but call ahead and see if they are now swamped with visitors.....keep in mind the Natives are laid-back and very casual

[cacto]

Hermit's Trail. Isolated but unpatrolled.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by cacto

Hermit's Trail. Isolated but unpatrolled.

and inaccessible with the Park closed....don't think the OP wants to bushwhack thru the forest to try to get there.....

[observer53]

There was a story this morning on NPR about 21 people being cited for hiking into the park. Law enforcement is patrolling the area. Unless you want to join those 21 in visiting a judge in US District Court, you might want to rethink your plans.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by observer53

There was a story this morning on NPR about 21 people being cited for hiking into the park. Law enforcement is patrolling the area. Unless you want to join those 21 in visiting a judge in US District Court, you might want to rethink your plans.

Obey the Obamacades, citizen!