FINALLY....A WORK TRIP TO THE GRAND CANYON!!   For years the Trail Tamers have talked about heading out to this awesome place and our dreams have finally come true!  However, we'll be camping and working on the NORTH RIM which is much less crowded than the South Rim, plus it's a LOT COOLER than you may think!

When most people think of Arizona, they automatically conclude that it's HOT!  However, the Grand Canyon tends to be fairly cool, even in the summer months.  We all know what it's like in Texas during June & July!

The North Rim is about 1000+ feet higher in elevation than the South Rim so you'll want to bring clothing & camping gear suitable for cooler weather.  According to park staff, the weather is beautiful at that time of year with average highs in the 70s and average lows in the 40s. 

Our group will be clearing overgrown vegetation along some of the scenic drives on the North Rim but there may be a few other projects, if time permits.  We'll drive to the work site each day which is a good thing so you can save your energy for all the great hikes you can do on your off hours!

We'll camp at the North Rim Campground for the duration of the work project.  We'll also have access to free showers and laundry facilities in an administrative section of the park, or pay-showers & laundry facilities within walking distance from our campsite.  Plus, there's a convenience store in the campground.

Our volunteers will not be charged park entry or campground fees but will need proper paperwork to gain this free entry.  This will be provided by your trip leader.

Since it would not be economically feasible to rent a van(s), we recommend that volunteers get there on their own by carpooling, if possible.  Flying is another option, if you choose to do so.  However, by carpooling, you can cut travel expenses...especially if each person chips in for gasoline.

We'll rendezvous at the North Rim Campground on June 27 and will work from June 28 through July 1.  After that, we can explore the park on July 2 and check out on July 3.  Many people, who aren't retired yet, have the day off on Monday, July 5 so this should give these folks enough time to do a little sightseeing on the way back home.  For those who are retired....you can go out there as early as you want and come back as late as you want! 

Further details and paperwork will be discussed at a planning meeting to be held a few weeks before departure date.  Those who register online will be contacted as to the time and location of the meeting.  (For directions and information about the North Rim, be sure to click on the website link below.)

This trip is being led by Martha Spetseris and the co-leader is Lynda DeGroot.