South Kaibab to Grandview

Natural History Backpack April 19-24, 2020

with Kory Kirchner

CLASS INFORMATION AND SYLLABUS  Contemporary issues regarding canyon management and the Colorado River corridor. The Tonto Trail between the South Kaibab and Grandview Trails offers many delights for We will break for lunch and meet at the general experienced backpackers. The views are always store to pick up last minute gear or food. superb along this seldom-traveled route. After an Depending on the weather and needs of the orientation day on the South Rim the class will group, we may do a short hike later in the begin this 30-mile journey by descending the afternoon to Shoshone Point. From this beautiful South Kaibab Trail. Nights are spent along the overlook we can see much of our route for the Tonto Trail at Lonetree Creek, Grapevine Creek, next five days, and can do some map and compass and atop Horseshoe Mesa before hiking out via work as we identify landmarks and buttes. the historic Grandview Trail. A full layover day affords leisurely exploration of the plunge pools DAY 2 and lush vegetation of perennial Grapevine Creek. We shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead to begin A final evening surrounded by the remains of the hike. The South Kaibab Trail follows a turn-of-the-century copper mines on windswept ridgeline that affords beautiful views and many Horseshoe Mesa will be followed the next day by opportunities to discuss principles learned in the a visit to the mesa’s “Cave of the Domes,” an classroom. We will be stopping often to wonder at intriguing limestone cave, before ascending the 3- fossils found in the Toroweap and Kaibab mile-long Grandview Trail. Formations and Hermit Shale, and to point out how slope aspect determines the type of flora and DAY 1 fauna found at any given location in the canyon. We meet at 10:00 a.m. at historic Community These wide-angle views translate into wonderful Building (Google Map) in Grand Canyon Village photos, and provide opportunities to practice map on the South Rim. This is an orientation day work. Crossing Mormon Flats and descending devoted to introductions, logistics and gear, and onto the Tonto Plateau, we will see many important concepts of Grand Canyon's natural examples of plants used by ancient peoples. We history. Our first goal is to ensure a safe and leave the South Kaibab Trail and turn eastward on comfortable hike, so bring your pack and gear to the Tonto Trail, crossing the three main arms of the classroom. We can decide what items (like Cremation Canyon where we break for lunch. We stoves, fuel, and tents) can be shared among continue in the afternoon to Lonetree Canyon, participants to reduce weight, and answer any our destination for the first night. Gazing across concerns about equipment. The time this takes the Colorado River gorge, we obtain beautiful varies from group to group. We will also address views of Zoroaster, Sumner Butte, and the Clear the following topics, as time allows: Creek drainage. There are many interesting faults and unique geology along the trail, as well as  An overview of geological principles as they wildflowers to keep the camera shutters busy. We relate to Grand Canyon. will arrive at Lonetree in time to set up camp, eat  Prehistoric peoples and how they subsisted at dinner, and recap the day’s highlights. the canyon.  An overview of ecology and major life zones. DAY 3  Hiking techniques and trail etiquette. We continue east along the Tonto, contouring around small side canyons before coming to  Environmental protection and Leave No Grapevine Canyon, where we will spend the next Trace techniques. two nights. Grapevine is one of the longest side canyons below the South Rim and the views are spectacular. Our camp is beside the creek, so we again need to be mindful of the environment to RECOMMENDED READING keep this area as free from human impact as possible. We will continue our lessons in geology Anderson, Michael F. Living at the Edge: Explorers, and ecology as we enjoy this beautiful campsite. Exploiters and Settlers of the Grand Canyon Region.

DAY 4 Coder, Christopher M. An Introduction to Grand A layover day, spent exploring Grapevine Canyon Canyon Prehistory. as it makes its way towards the Colorado River. We hike through Tapeats Sandstone narrows with Pocket Naturalist Field Guide to the Grand Canyon. wonderful little springs and seeps, down through water-polished schist before coming to falls that Price, Greer. An Introduction to Grand Canyon block our progress to the river. Participants also Geology. have the option of staying in camp if they choose, enjoying the beautiful setting and scenery, and Ranney, Wayne. Carving Grand Canyon. perhaps recuperating from the previous days' efforts! Sadler, Christa. Life in Stone.

DAY 5 Thayer, David. An Introduction to Grand Canyon We continue east, obtaining water from the Fossils. Cottonwood drainage before ascending Horseshoe Mesa. Our camp on the mesa is dry, so Whitney, Stephen R. A Field Guide to the Grand we need to carry about 1.5 to 2 gallons per person, Canyon. depending on the weather. We hike up a rugged trail that miners used in the early part of the last South Kaibab & Bright Angel Trail Guides century, and go around to the east side of Horseshoe Mesa, where the group site gives us These books and other interpretive aids can be wonderful views of the Palisades of the Desert. purchased at Grand Canyon Conservancy Time and energy allowing, a hike to the end of the bookstores on the north and south rims, online at eastern arm of the mesa is rewarded by beautiful www.grandcanyon.org, or by calling 800-858- vistas and is a great spot for enjoying the sunset. 2808. GCC members receive a 15% discount.

DAY 6 ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Horseshoe Mesa was the site of intensive mining activity at the turn of the century. We will learn Kory Kirchner, MS about the geologic forces that resulted in the rich Kory is an Arizona native who quickly developed copper ore found here, as well as how the miners a love for the wilderness after his first sought their fortunes. We will explore the Cave of backpacking trip in Grand Canyon at 11 years old. the Domes, a natural cavern in the Redwall He is an avid climber, backpacker, skier, paddler, Limestone, and if time allows, will hike to the end photographer, and videographer. He attended of the mesa's western arm. We finish our journey Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona by hiking up the Grandview Trail, built more than and completed a BS in geology. He continued his a century ago--an engineering and aesthetic education at The University of Texas at Austin, marvel! where he earned his MS in geology. His research, studies, and teaching in the field of geology have Glancing back on our route and our time spent taken him across the Western United States, together, we can reflect on new knowledge, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, South America, and experiences, and friendships as we return to our Antarctica. He is always eager to learn about the vehicles at the trailhead. We then carpool back to geology of new places and to teach others about the Community Building by late afternoon for a the planet we live on. His favorite spot in Grand cup of cocoa and class evaluations. Canyon (so far) is the summit of Zoroaster Temple. Water Notes Each person must be able to carry a minimum of 2 gallons of water as we may have a dry camp at Lonetree and Horseshoe Mesa is definitely dry.