Clear Creek Natural History Backpack

April 5 - 9
Instructor: Steart Aitchison
Hike Level: 4+
Fee: $625.00 GCA Member; $650.00 non member

The Clear Creek Trail is a wending, ten-mile trail that takes one from the relative hustle bustle of Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor to its namesake Clear Creek—a delightful desert stream fed by springs and a seasonal waterfall that have filtered through a vertical mile of rock to nourish this lush oasis. During the moderate-intensity backpack, participants will learn about the canyon’s incredible biological and geological history. Side hikes from a base camp beside Clear Creek will provide ample opportunity to discuss flora, fauna, geologic processes, and the life-giving water sources that sustain the amazing biodiversity of Grand Canyon. Though the focus will be on natural history, no hike would be complete without discussing those that came before—from ancestral Puebloans to pioneers. A series of evening tales will highlight the lives of these hardy forebears. The class will begin and end on the South Rim, and utilize the historic South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails in and out of the canyon. Two nights camped along picturesque Bright Angel Creek near Phantom Ranch will bookend the multi-day foray to Clear Creek itself. Comparable backpacking experience is required of all participants.

Itinerary
Day 1 Orientation and descend South Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground.
Day 2 Hike Tonto Trail to Clear Creek and establish camp.
Day 3 Day hike down Clear Creek towards Colorado River.
Day 4 Day hike up Clear Creek towards Cheyava Falls.
Day 5 Retrace footsteps back to Bright Angel Campground.
Day 6 Ascend Bright Angel Trail to the rim and wrap up session.

Introductory Backpack

April 9 - 12
Instructor: GCFI Staff
Hike Level: 3
Fee: $510.00 GCA Member; $535.00 non member

A Grand Canyon hike from rim to river spans millions of years in geologic time, and takes one from a high-altitude forest to desert lowlands in very short order. Along the way there is much to intrigue the curious traveler. Big views, ancient fossils, amazing plants, archaeological sites and pioneer-vintage structures are all in plain view, and provide a plethora of topics for your expert instructor to address. Our introductory backpack begins with a thorough orientation, pack check and afternoon stroll along the scenic South Rim. The following day includes a 4.5-mile descent of the Bright Angel Trail to the towering cottonwood trees of Indian Garden Campground—home for a two-night camping adventure. A sunset visit to nearby Plateau Point with its command view of the Inner Gorge will cap the group’s inaugural day below the rim. The following day will feature a backpack-free day hike to the sandy beaches of the Colorado River for a glimpse at the forces that carved this marvel of a canyon. Depending on group hiking strength and weather, an optional visit to historic Phantom Ranch (several miles upriver), may also be an option. The final day of class includes a return to the South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail, each at his or her own pace, and a proud look back at the canyon that doubled as classroom and playground for three splendid days.

Itinerary
Day 1 Introductions and orientation
Day 2 Descend Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden Campground. Sunset at Plateau Point.
Day 3 Exploratory dayhiking to Colorado River and Phantom Ranch
Day 4 Hike to rim and wrap up session

Colorado River Float Trip

April 13 - 30

Hermit to Boucher Springs Survey

April 17 - 23
Instructor: Steve Monroe and Wendy Hodgson
Hike Level: 5
Fee: $425.00 GCA Member; $450.00 non member

Water is the carver of the Grand Canyon and the lifeblood of its many biotic communities. Though much is known about the storied Colorado River, relatively little is understood about the numerous cascades, trickles and occasional torrents that emerge from the canyon’s ancient rock strata. These more humble water sources sustain most of the living organisms in Grand Canyon. Spring-fed streams in particular play a vital role in a region where rainfall is scarce. This “hands-on” class will study and inventory a number of these oases, and assist in the gathering of hydrologic and biologic data to further the park’s understanding of these vital resources. After a thorough orientation on the South Rim, the class will embark on this moderate-intensity backpack down the stunning Hermit Trail to a camp for several nights beside tranquil Hermit Creek. After several nights exploring this area, including a day hike to thundering Hermit Rapid on the Colorado River, the group will follow the Tonto Trail several miles to Boucher Creek. After a few additional days in Boucher Canyon, the group will ascend the historic Boucher Trail back to the South Rim. Study sites will include such gems as Santa Maria Springs, the Hermit Creek narrows, Travertine Canyon, Boucher Creek and Dripping Springs.

Note: no previous surveying experience is required.

Itinerary
Day 1 Orientation and Introductions
Day 2 Hike the Hermit Trail (Survey Santa Maria Spring). Set up camp at Hermit Creek Camp
Day 3 Survey springs along Hermit Creek below campground and visit Colorado River. Camp at Hermit Creek Camp
Day 4 Survey springs along Hermit Creek above campground. Camp at Hermit Creek Camp
Day 5 Hike to Boucher Creek (Survey Boucher Main Spring) Camp in Boucher Creek
Day 6 Survey in Slate Creek or visit River. Dry camp at Whites Butte on Boucher Trail
Day 7 Complete hike out (Survey Boucher East and Dripping Springs)

Hands on Archaeology

April 23 - 27
Instructor: GCFI Staff
Hike Level: 2+
Fee: $370.00 GCA Member; $395.00 non member

The stark beauty and life-sustaining resources of Grand Canyon have been luring humankind for Millennia. Only a fraction of Grand Canyon National Park has been surveyed for evidence of such habitation, and already thousands of historic and prehistoric sites have been catalogued.

During this class, participants will learn and employ the latest archaeological surveying methods under the guidance of archaeologists from the NPS Division of Science and Resource Management. Using Desert View Campground as a base of operations, participants will learn how to seek, identify and record archaeological artifacts along a remote stretch of the South Rim. Participants will also learn about the lifestyles and history of the indigenous peoples that once called Grand Canyon home. All meals and campsites will be provided during the survey. Participants provide their own camping gear. Archaeology field gear along with most meals are provided.

Itinerary
Day 1 Meet in Grand Canyon Village. Carpool to Desert View Campground. Orientation and Achaeology recap.
Day 2 Field work.
Day 3 Field work.
Day 4 Field work.
Day 5 Wrap-up field work, organize paperwork and put away gear.