CROSS-CANYON CORRIDOR

All three Corridor trails, that is the Bright Angel and the South and North Kaibab Trails, are open, but snow packed, icy, and slick.

South Kaibab Trail: Top 1/4 mile ice then intermittent ice and packed snow to just below Cedar Ridge (mile 2).

Bright Angel Trail: Ice and packed snow for the first 2 to 3 miles. If temperatures get warm enough, conditions can become muddy and wet around mile 3.

Caution and proper footwear is certainly indicated. Instep crampons may be required. Trekking poles are always a good idea but when the trails are slick they are invaluable.

Steep, rocky, unrelenting descents that seem to go on forever mean constant attention to your footing is required. If you want to admire the view, stop walking. Trying to walk and look at the same time is a sure way to a nasty fall.

Even with the availability of piped-in drinking water, Corridor hikers still need to carry extra water. We recommend at least three quarts per person during the cooler months. This should be adequate to get you between the water sources and allow a little extra in case trouble should arise. Hikers are encouraged to carry some form of water purification as a back-up system against the possibility of water pipeline problems or in case natural water from creeks is needed to supplement the supply in your pack.

And, last but not least, we want to be sure and mention the potential critter problem in the campgrounds and urge hikers to be sure to use the provided food storage boxes. There's nothing there that will hurt you-it's just small mammals of various sorts-but they are ruthless and relentless in pursuit of your food. Each campsite will have a couple of these boxes, use the boxes or incur certain damage to your gear and the loss of your food.

NON-CORRIDOR TRAILS

As of this date all wilderness trails are open but as the winter snowpack has developed, conditions near the rim have, of course, degenerated. Deep snow might make foot travel difficult and at the very least you should assume slick, icy going in the upper canyon and be prepared to deal with it.

Access to all dirt backcountry roads to remote trailheads on both canyon rims will range from difficult to impossible depending on recent snow or rain and daytime high temperature.

Tanner Trail: The snow is about 3-4 feet thick at the top. Hikers will be postholing down about two feet from the Coconino rockfall steps to the rim. Below the Coconino the snow is patchy and then gone once you hit the 75 mile saddle. Be aware this report came in before the March 9 snow.

Hikers considering traveling dirt roads to remote trailheads should contact the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928 643 7395, the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest on the South Rim at 928 635 4061 or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.

More...