Take A Load Off:

Mule-Assisted Backpack – Fully Outfitted November 13-16, 2020

with Alexi Kimiatek

CLASS INFORMATION AND SYLLABUS for two nights, a well-developed campground with restrooms, picnic tables, and running water. After This fully outfitted class is designed as an introduction to the picking up our duffels and carrying them to camp- a natural and human history of Grand Canyon. The South distance of about ¼ mile- we’ll spend the first evening Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails make their way through an discussing food preparation and camp setup. Evenings excellent cross section of the geology and ecology of northern are also the perfect time for stories of the canyon— Arizona. The trails themselves have been important to the history some tall, some true. There will be an opportunity to of the Grand Canyon region, in addition to having spectacular socialize each night at Phantom Ranch, a cantina that views and access to the river and Phantom Ranch. They are serves hikers lemonade, iced tea, and other goodies (so therefore perfect avenues for becoming acquainted with Grand you may want to carry some cash). Canyon. The next day will include a leisurely day hike to  General geographic overview of the region Phantom Creek. It will be an easy hike without backpacks and will help keep our muscles from  The three rock families: how they form and how stiffening up. We can soak in the creek, relax, and this is reflected in texture, color, and composition enjoy the scenery. This is a great place to take photos  Grand Canyon geology for showing your friends at home!  The life zone concept and basic ecological principles DAY 4  Grand Canyon’s rich cultural story  Leave No Trace camping ethics The morning will begin by delivering our gear to be packed out to the mule corral bright and early. We will DAY 1 then review topics we've covered during the last few days and how best to adapt these principals to hiking in We meet at 10:00 a.m., M.S.T., at the historic other areas. After our discussion, we will hike out the Community Building on the South Rim. We will spend Bright Angel Trail. The hike out is ten miles with a gain the entire first day getting to know each other, the of 4,500 feet in elevation. We should be out of the canyon, and the ins and outs of backpacking. Your canyon in the mid-afternoon for a wrap-up session. We instructor will divide the group gear and food, which will then retrieve our gear from the mule barn and end - along with your personal gear - will be packed in the our time together. duffel bag we supply. Note- Bring all your personal gear with you to ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR class.

We need to deliver the duffels (30 pounds maximum) Alexi discovered his love for the outdoors to the mule barn by 2:00 p.m. to have them hauled into growing up in the hardwood forests of New the canyon the following morning. You will still need England. After finishing studies in evolutionary to carry a small day pack with rain gear, snacks, water ecology--he earned both a Bachelor's and Master's bottles (three- liter capacity), sunscreen, etc., on the degree--he worked as a traveling field biologist trail on Day Two. until discovering the canyon country of the If there is time left in the afternoon, we will take a walk southwest. Enchanted by the landscapes and to the rim of the canyon for a look at our playground cultures of the Colorado plateau, Alexi has been for the next few days—the Grand Canyon! exploring the geology, flora, fauna, and human history of northern Arizona and southern Utah as DAYS 2 & 3 a backpacking guide and fervent student of the After an early start, we will hike seven miles down the outdoors. South Kaibab Trail, dropping approximately 4,500 feet in elevation. The trail is steep but wide and well maintained. We will stay at Bright Angel Campground Alexi now lives in Sedona, Arizona and spends RECOMMENDED READING most of his time in Grand Canyon or recreating in the desert with his dogs. Anderson, Michael F. Living at the Edge: Explorers, Exploiters and Settlers of the Grand Canyon Region.

Coder, Christopher M. An Introduction to Grand Canyon Prehistory.

Pocket Naturalist Field Guide to the Grand Canyon.

Price, L. Greer. An Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology.

Ranney, Wayne. Carving Grand Canyon.

Sadler, Christa. Life in Stone.

Scott Thybony Grand Canyon Trail Guide: Bright Angel

Scott Thybony Grand Canyon Trail Guide: South Kaibab

Whitney, Stephen. A Field Guide to the Grand Canyon.

These books and other interpretive aids can be purchased at Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstores on the north and south rims, online at www.grandcanyon.org, or by calling 800-858- 2808. GCC members receive a 15% discount.