[pct-l] The Big Hole ,wasTonto Trail

[CMountainDave@aol.com (CMountainDave@aol.com)]

Thanks to all for info on Phantom Ranch and Tonto Trail

In a message dated 12/26/01 2:26:43 PM, goforth@cio.net writes:

<< And the reservation system in the Grand Canyon is ridiculous.

 >>
oops I can't agree on this one. I've gotten a permit every time I've applied 
for one (8 times). The trick is to be flexible, and basically let THEM define 
your itinerary AND dates and work with what you get. They have nicely kept 
the feeling of solitude on the handful of unmaintained rim to river trails. 
Generally you see only 1 or 2 other parties a day. To me, that is a plus. 
Better that than a Mt. Whitney situation on every trail. They also segregate 
hikers to some extent by funneling the inexperienced down the Bright Angel or 
Kaibab ("Where's a good place to hike, Mr. Ranger?" " Well let me tell you 
about the Bright Angel, my son." They wisely follow the "if they don't ASK 
about the unmaintained trails, then don't TELL them about the unmaintained 
trails."   One-third of the permits are held back for walk ins. Once again, 
if you are flexible and can wait a day, you'll get in.
 No one can get permits way in advance, a policy that would degenerate to 
years -in- advance -waiting ala kayaking the river.
 In reality, once your in, your in. Once, due to extreme heat (105) we didn't 
move camp, and were camped where we were not scheduled to be camped. A 
backcountry ranger came by, asked for our permit and didn't bat an eye. He 
knew that stuff happens so they are extremely flexible on the unmaintained 
trails. Not so for the Bright Angel. Arrive at Indian gardens without a 
permit, the rangers will give you some water and a flashlite and tell you 
just keep on hiking back towards the rim, assuring you that your plump pink 
suncreamed legs will provide more than enough energy and  fat nutrient to 
keep your mojo working
   So, do they take packages at Phantom Ranch? Guess I could just call and 
find out. 
   Anyone know of any way to get a permit on line, since the National Park 
websites are still down?