I was under the impression that permits were really competitive but I happened to check and there are bunch available multiple days at camp grounds like Bright Angel and Cottonwood. Am I just misinformed, looking at something incorrectly, or just crazy?
My guess is that it’s getting into the much hotter months where the canyon reaches 100+ during the day which isn’t ideal for a lot of people.
It’s pretty rough trying to sleep at the bottom when it’s like 100° after dark. Nothing like marinating in a pool of sweat in your underwear stuck to your sleeping pad. Learned that one from experience lol.
Not much competition in the summer when it’s 115 at the river.
I was there this week and it was so hot at night. I was sleeping in wet clothes to stay cool with no rain fly. I don’t know how anyone goes after May.
I had the same impression and am also surprised that there are still available places for september... I am hoping desperately to secure one in a few hours, when the booking opens!
yeahhhh i entered the lottery and by the time i could reserve it was basically just early september. Going with some folks new to backpacking and I was like I don't want to scar them more then they will be just by the intensity of the hike in nice weather... I'll wait till october :D
Visitation dips in June/July/August. Hot as hell down there.