best child backpack hiking image
Tara O
Where are planning a trip to camp at the Grand Canyon this summer. I have a 3 and 5 year old. I also would appricate details of what kind of things we can do with small children while at the Canyon. Thank you so much!
Answer
First off, you need to decide which rim you want to visit: the North Rim or the South Rim.
Most people go to the South Rim because it is easier to reach and is more developed with more overlooks, lodges, cafes and several good-sized towns (Flagstaff and Williams) nearby. The North Rim is harder to get to, only has one lodge and no large towns nearby. Because it is a thousand feet higher in elevation, it is cooler than the south rim and closed during the winter (mid-October to mid-May). During summer, I prefer the North Rim because it is cooler and less crowded, but young kids might find more things to see and do at the South Rim.
At either rim, you only have one real camping option for kids that young and that is the drive-in campgrounds (one at each rim). They are both very similar and pretty nice with a picnic table at each site and central bathroom facilities. They are also both a ways back from the rim, which make them a bit more peaceful, but also means you either have to drive to reach the rim and overlooks or go for a fairly long walk. You can reserve campsites online and should make reservations well in advance (see links below).
Beyond the car campgrounds mentioned above, there are also primitive backpacking campsites in the canyon itself (not recommmended for kids that young) as well as camping 'at large' in areas of the National Forest surrounding the park (the better locations being on the north rim to the west of the park - but these can be tough to reach).
As far as things to do for kids at the South Rim... kids at that age are probably not going to be entranced with scenic natural views for long or up for long hikes. There is a nice free shuttle that runs along the rim from the lodges out to Hermit Rest with stops along the way and the driver telling stories about the canyon - most kids and adults would probably enjoy it. They would probably like watching the burros and their attending cowboys at the corral near Bright Angel lodge. The large patio area along the rim behind Bright Angel lodge is also a good place to see squirrels, ravens and sometimes condors (not to mention ice cream from the nearby snackbar).
There are usually a number of ranger talks each day, many of them at the Shrine of Ages auditorium near Yavapai Lodge. The park also has a junior ranger program where children go to various exhibits and talks to get stamps and win a junior ranger award. The 3 year old would probably be a bit young even for that, but the 5 year might enjoy it.
There are fewer attractions for kids at the North Rim, but it has the benefit of having more open space and less roads and traffic. There are lots of places there for kids to run around in the trees and play with pinecones and sticks (my main memories of going there as a small kid). Along the road to the Cape Royale overlook there is a nice little hike called Cliff Springs trail that would be suitable for kids that age. It goes a mile into a small side canyon to a pretty little seep spring - it is fairly level and despite the name, you are not walking along any cliffs.
First off, you need to decide which rim you want to visit: the North Rim or the South Rim.
Most people go to the South Rim because it is easier to reach and is more developed with more overlooks, lodges, cafes and several good-sized towns (Flagstaff and Williams) nearby. The North Rim is harder to get to, only has one lodge and no large towns nearby. Because it is a thousand feet higher in elevation, it is cooler than the south rim and closed during the winter (mid-October to mid-May). During summer, I prefer the North Rim because it is cooler and less crowded, but young kids might find more things to see and do at the South Rim.
At either rim, you only have one real camping option for kids that young and that is the drive-in campgrounds (one at each rim). They are both very similar and pretty nice with a picnic table at each site and central bathroom facilities. They are also both a ways back from the rim, which make them a bit more peaceful, but also means you either have to drive to reach the rim and overlooks or go for a fairly long walk. You can reserve campsites online and should make reservations well in advance (see links below).
Beyond the car campgrounds mentioned above, there are also primitive backpacking campsites in the canyon itself (not recommmended for kids that young) as well as camping 'at large' in areas of the National Forest surrounding the park (the better locations being on the north rim to the west of the park - but these can be tough to reach).
As far as things to do for kids at the South Rim... kids at that age are probably not going to be entranced with scenic natural views for long or up for long hikes. There is a nice free shuttle that runs along the rim from the lodges out to Hermit Rest with stops along the way and the driver telling stories about the canyon - most kids and adults would probably enjoy it. They would probably like watching the burros and their attending cowboys at the corral near Bright Angel lodge. The large patio area along the rim behind Bright Angel lodge is also a good place to see squirrels, ravens and sometimes condors (not to mention ice cream from the nearby snackbar).
There are usually a number of ranger talks each day, many of them at the Shrine of Ages auditorium near Yavapai Lodge. The park also has a junior ranger program where children go to various exhibits and talks to get stamps and win a junior ranger award. The 3 year old would probably be a bit young even for that, but the 5 year might enjoy it.
There are fewer attractions for kids at the North Rim, but it has the benefit of having more open space and less roads and traffic. There are lots of places there for kids to run around in the trees and play with pinecones and sticks (my main memories of going there as a small kid). Along the road to the Cape Royale overlook there is a nice little hike called Cliff Springs trail that would be suitable for kids that age. It goes a mile into a small side canyon to a pretty little seep spring - it is fairly level and despite the name, you are not walking along any cliffs.
What Camping equipment does a first time camper need?
Andy
What equipment do I need if I want to go camping for the first time? Four of us are planning to go including 2 children under 10. We plan to camp for a couple of days.
Answer
Clothing:
- Short Sleeve Shirts (3 per person)
-Long Sleeve Shirts (1 per person)
-Long Pants (2 per person)
-Short Pants (2 per person)
-Underwear (5 per person)
-Bra (2 per female)
-Socks (5 pairs per person)
-Tennis Shoes (2 pairs per person)
-Sandals (2 pairs per person- one for the showers)
-Night clothes (2 pairs per person)
-Jackets (1 per person)
-Hat (1 per person)
-Swim Suit (1 per person)
-Kid's clothing (pack multiples)
Supplies:
Can opener
Food (beans,soup,bread,ect)
Utensils
Tongs
Plastic Wrap
Foil
Plates/Bowls/Cups
BBQ
Wood
Swiss Army Knife
Small hatchet
Mace (optional)
Water
Water purifier
Marshmallow/Smores Supplies
Pens/Paper/Pencil
Vitamins
Medication
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Comb
Brush
Mirror
Scissors
Zip Lock Bags
Shopping bags for dirty clothes
Backpack
Floatable Bag
Rafts
Pots/Pans
Rope
Bungee Cords
Bottles (for the kids?)
Bug Repellent
Comfort Toys for the kids
Playpins (for young kids)
Diapers (for young kids)
Tent
Tarps
Broom
Doormat
Bed Sheets
Sleeping Bags
Pillows
Extra Blankets
Flash lights
Compass
Batteries
Camera
iPod
Cell Phone
Walkie Talkies
Paper Towels
Towels
Washcloths
Wet Wipes
Matches
Fire Starters
Eye Wash
Tweezers
Glow sticks
Hiking Guide
Lysol
Hand Sanitizer
Soap
These are your basics - you can add what you wish! Have a fantastic first trip!
Clothing:
- Short Sleeve Shirts (3 per person)
-Long Sleeve Shirts (1 per person)
-Long Pants (2 per person)
-Short Pants (2 per person)
-Underwear (5 per person)
-Bra (2 per female)
-Socks (5 pairs per person)
-Tennis Shoes (2 pairs per person)
-Sandals (2 pairs per person- one for the showers)
-Night clothes (2 pairs per person)
-Jackets (1 per person)
-Hat (1 per person)
-Swim Suit (1 per person)
-Kid's clothing (pack multiples)
Supplies:
Can opener
Food (beans,soup,bread,ect)
Utensils
Tongs
Plastic Wrap
Foil
Plates/Bowls/Cups
BBQ
Wood
Swiss Army Knife
Small hatchet
Mace (optional)
Water
Water purifier
Marshmallow/Smores Supplies
Pens/Paper/Pencil
Vitamins
Medication
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Comb
Brush
Mirror
Scissors
Zip Lock Bags
Shopping bags for dirty clothes
Backpack
Floatable Bag
Rafts
Pots/Pans
Rope
Bungee Cords
Bottles (for the kids?)
Bug Repellent
Comfort Toys for the kids
Playpins (for young kids)
Diapers (for young kids)
Tent
Tarps
Broom
Doormat
Bed Sheets
Sleeping Bags
Pillows
Extra Blankets
Flash lights
Compass
Batteries
Camera
iPod
Cell Phone
Walkie Talkies
Paper Towels
Towels
Washcloths
Wet Wipes
Matches
Fire Starters
Eye Wash
Tweezers
Glow sticks
Hiking Guide
Lysol
Hand Sanitizer
Soap
These are your basics - you can add what you wish! Have a fantastic first trip!
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Title Post: Where is the best place to camp in the Grand Canyon with young children?
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Rating: 96% based on 987 ratings. 4,7 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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