Fall Rendezvous
October 22-23, 2011 (new dates)*
*disregard dates shown in BQR as October 29-30 -- those are incorrect.
Once upon a time GCRG conducted Fall Meetings which were sort of a mini-GTS with some GCRG business thrown in. Eventually we realized that community building and just plain having fun with our river buddies has a ton of value, and the best way to do that after the river season is to get outside somewhere interesting, hike, camp and occasionally even boat with a few speakers along for the ride. So voilà – the GCRG FALL RENDEZVOUS was born! In past years we have taken a tour of Glen Canyon Dam followed by a float trip to a camping spot in Glen Canyon, we’ve camped on the esplanade at Toroweap, and we’ve enjoyed the gorgeous views from the porch of the Kane Ranch. REALLY FUN STUFF! So check out the information below for the upcoming GCRG Fall Rendezvous and sign up now. We hope to see you there!!
2011 Focus: Red Butte & Grand Canyon National Park
What prominent topographical feature do guides pass all the time but few have stopped to hike or learn about? Red Butte! This basalt cap is the only remnant of an ancient lava flow and the only locale in which the layers from the Mesozoic Era and Cenozoic Era can be viewed for quite some distance. Let's camp and hike there, and we may check out the Canyon Mine and the old Red Butte airport (which was the original Grand Canyon Airport used by such luminaries as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart).
Other plans include heading into Grand Canyon National Park for a day-long field trip with two fantastic options:
Field Trip #1) For those hard core hikers – we will hike down the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa (3 miles one way). The mesa is really beautiful, with caves, fascinating historic mines and historic structures. It’s a really great hike but please be aware that the trail is very steep at points and requires caution, but worth the effort! We'll have someone along for interpretation, although the speaker(s) are yet to be determined.
Field Trip #2) For a more relaxed option, we’ll join Ellen Brennan (head of cultural resources at GCNP) to check out the pictographs at Mallory’s Grotto near the top of the Bright Angel Trail (bring binoculars!). Then we will go to Kolb Studio to see the beautiful work of over 30 artists who participated in the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, and tour the studio. Lastly, we'll head over to the site of the Old Grandview Hotel with former park historian Mike Anderson to learn about the bygone days in Grand Canyon.
Schedule: Saturday, October 22nd
9:00 AM Meet at Red Butte campsite & set up camp (scroll down for directions)
9:45 AM Field Trip Groups #1 & #2 leave Red Butte seperately and head into GCNP
(Note: Park fees will be waived -- tell the person at the entrance kiosk that you are coming to work with Science and Resource Management for the day and that you are part of a large group. If that doesn't work, mention Ellen Brennan's name -- head of cultural resources at GCNP)
10:30 AM Arrive at respective trailheads (Bright Angel Trailhead for Field Trip #1, and Grandview Trailhead for Field Trip #2).
4:00 or no later than 4:30 PM All Field Trip participants should head back to Red Butte campsite.
5:15 PM Dinner prep (we will pre-make the main dish so dinner can be easily prepared)
Schedule: Sunday, October 23rd
7:30 - 8:30 AM Breakfast and make bag lunches
9:00 AM Morning hike up Red Butte
11:00 AM Old Grand Canyon Airport and Canyon Mine, plus lunch
1:45 PM or so -- pack up and leave
The cost is $40, and you must be a current member of Grand Canyon River Guides. This is a fun community-building event, so join us! Bring a sack lunch for Saturday but otherwise, meals are provided. We look forward to chillin’ out with you after a great river season!
Fall Rendezvous Payment Form. Sign Up Now!
Cost: $40
Requirement: Must be a current GCRG member!
Food: Bring a bag lunch for Saturday, but all other meals will be provided by GCRG.
Bring: A sack lunch for Saturday, binoculars, camping gear, head lamp, camp chair, water bottle, mug, musical instruments, and stories...
Dress warmly and in layers, and we suggest you check the weather outlook beforehand. No tellin' what it will be!
Hiking: Those people doing the Horseshoe Mesa hike should wear proper hiking boots and carry sufficient water, snacks and food for 6 hours (bring your own lunch). Trail is steep in sections with some exposure.
Assumption of Risk: Participation in all Fall Rendezvous activities is at your own risk. You assume all responsibility for your voluntary participation and understand the inherent risks involved in camping, hiking and recreating in a wilderness environment.
Max number: 40 people, so send in your $$ right away by check or pay on the GCRG website.
Carpooling: We encourage carpooling so contact GCRG if you'd like to carpool with other participants.
Questions? Call Lynn at work (928) 773-1075 or on her cell at (928) 856-4307, or email us at gcrg@infomagic.net.
DIRECTIONS
We will meet up at Red Butte at 9:00 AM on 10/22/2011
- From Flagstaff, take Highway 180 towards Grand Canyon and turn right at Highway 64 (Valle).
- Go ten miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 320 (mile marker 224).
- Take a left at Forest Service Road #340 towards Red Butte.
- Then right on 340A (there will be a sign for Red Butte Trail).
- Look for all the cars!
- Do not camp right at the trailhead (there is a rule against that).
- Do not pull very far off the dirt road. In the case of motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping, motorists can drive up to 30 feet from the side of all open system roads.
- Lynn's cell phone is (928) 856-4307 if you need it.