OT: Attention Hikers! Need your help...

[SoonerBronco]

Going to hike the Grand Canyon in about a month. What type of shoe/boot do you recommend? Any other tips or pointers you would pass on to a novice like myself would be appreciated.:welcome:

[Beantown Bronco]

I'm very happy with these:

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=gore-tex-mountain-treads&categoryId=50418&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503034&cat4=502767&shop_method=pp&feat=503034-tn

[BMF Bronco]

dont fall in the big hole

[Hotrod]

Something that is snake bite proof.

[SoonerBronco]

dont fall in the big hole

Thanks BMF!

[Alleged Triggerman]

Well broken-in ones.

[Hotrod]

Well broken-in ones.

Thats kind of what I was thinking. Its getting almost to late in the game to get new shoes and have them broken in.

[cmhargrove]

Going to hike the Grand Canyon in about a month. What type of shoe/boot do you recommend? Any other tips or pointers you would pass on to a novice like myself would be appreciated.:welcome:

This question requires more questions.

Are you just rim hiking, or do you plan to go down into the canyon?

Are you day hiking, or will you be carrying gear? If so, overnight gear, or just lunch?

The canyon gets significantly hotter when you descend, so I would usually recommend a full ankle, nylon boot (instead of all leather). It gives all the support, but lets your feet breathe in the hotter conditions. You don't want sweaty feet while going up and down steep grades.
I would only consider a stiffer leather boot if you are planning on carrying a full pack. The support becomes more important then.
Actually, your choice of socks will be just as important as your boots. Make sure and purchase a synthetic hiking sock with really good padding on the bottom. It will help wick away moisture and make almost any boots feel good.
Finally, whatever you buy, you might decide to walk them around the neighborhood for a couple weeks so you can get used to the fit / lacing.

Hope that helps.

[telluride]

Sooner:

This is a pretty good resource:

http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/buyers-guide-summer-2007/indexes/hike.html

[worm]

Rent a donkey Sooner. :)

[SoonerBronco]

cmhargrove and telluride...thank you.

We plan on day hiking, and I will be carrying the pack. I was looking at some merrells, but this gives me a better idea of what to look for.

[crowebomber]

Thats kind of what I was thinking. Its getting almost to late in the game to get new shoes and have them broken in.

These guys have it right. I would rather go in some broken in running shoes, than brand new hiking boots. As a matter of fact, last summer I did Pike's Peak in my running shoes, and my feet were great - even through the snow at the top.

[summerdenver]

Look for something with good ankle support and stiff sole. Try them out before you take them on the hike. If you go to places like REI, they generally have a simulated hiking path which gives you a better indication of how the shoe feels in hiking conditions.

Most important thing with shoes is how comforatble it fits you. Sometimes a shoe fits better with a layer of insole. When i tried my first pair of hiking boots i did not like them but when i tried them with insoles, it was a perfect. I still use the same pair even after 7 years.

http://www.rei.com/product/724384?vcat=REI_SEARCH

[loborugger]

cmhargrove and telluride...thank you.

We plan on day hiking, and I will be carrying the pack. I was looking at some merrells, but this gives me a better idea of what to look for.


I have Merrells I take with me when I go back packing. They arent boots, so they dont have the ankle protection. However, they are water proof, comfortable and cool. I cant beat that. I give em two big thumbs up!

[Kaylore]

You better get your shoes soon and wear them around a lot. Nothing will kill your feet on a hike worse than new shoes.

[loborugger]

On a seperate note...

For this summer, I am wanting to do a back packing trip with a friend. He, myself, and maybe my 13 year old son. Most places in the western US I would open to going to. The only limit we have is my friend suffers from altitude sickness at about 10 grand (we found this out the hard way a couple years back), so any treks directly over the top of the Rockies or Sierras is pretty much out. Anyone got a great place - not crowded and not super hot since it will be July - that they recommend?

Thanx in advance...

[cmhargrove]

On a seperate note...

For this summer, I am wanting to do a back packing trip with a friend. He, myself, and maybe my 13 year old son. Most places in the western US I would open to going to. The only limit we have is my friend suffers from altitude sickness at about 10 grand (we found this out the hard way a couple years back), so any treks directly over the top of the Rockies or Sierras is pretty much out. Anyone got a great place - not crowded and not super hot since it will be July - that they recommend?

Thanx in advance...

How sturdy is the 13 year old, is he an athlete or Boy Scout? Is your friend in good shape? There are lots of neat places, but everyone needs to be honest with their physical limitations if they are going to have a good time.

A couple suggestions in July:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park - Outback department (permit hiking). If you contact the park, they can send you materials about possible routes and camps. It doesn't get crowded because it is not in the campgrounds, it is permit camping within the larger park. There are lots of options of altitudes and difficulty levels, but you usually need to apply early. If things don't work out with the altitude, you can always come back down to Estes Park and day hike. Estes is always great in the summer.
2. Wheeler Peak, NM (Taos Ski Valley). It really isn't that bad of a hike (even altitude wise) and you can take the hike up to Williams Lake either from the Taos Ski Valley, or from Red River. It's also cool, because you can tell the 13 year old you are climbing the highest peak in NM. Once again, if weather or conditions are bad, you can always stay in Red River or Taos for day hiking. Other spots like Bandelier National Park are close for day hikes.

Just my two bits...

[Los Broncos]

Anyone who hikes or camps where you can get easily lost or injured, may want to check this thing out, its pretty awesome.

http://www.findmespot.com/




SPOT. The World’s First Satellite Messenger.
With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don't.

[BMF Bronco]

Anyone who hikes or camps where you can get easily lost or injured, may want to check this thing out, its pretty awesome.

http://www.findmespot.com/




SPOT. The World’s First Satellite Messenger.
With the SPOT Satellite Messenger, you and your loved ones have peace of mind knowing help is always within reach. SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location – with a link to Google Maps™ – and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help. Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology, SPOT works around the world – even where cell phones don't.

Jesus, what ever happened to a trail map and compass?!

[Los Broncos]

Jesus, what ever happened to a trail map and compass?!

Yeah, but we always hear about hikers, boy scouts, fisherman etc getting lost every year.

Maybe this will eliminate some of these accidents.

[Beantown Bronco]

Jesus, what ever happened to a trail map and compass?!

Can a map and compass call your emergency contact if you fall, break a leg or get caught in a freak winter storm or something?

[Hotrod]

Around 300 people each year have to be rescued in the Grand Canyon. Myself I did the drive by version.

[BMF Bronco]

Can a map and compass call your emergency contact if you fall, break a leg or get caught in a freak winter storm or something?

nope, but if you fall and break a leg, you're stuck either way, and yes they can come get you and depending on where you are, that can take as much time for them to come get you as it would if you were to light a signal fire. It's all about preparation and telling others where you're going to be. With the right preparation most of that **** can be avoided.

[SoonerBronco]

We got to fly over it on our way to Vegas one time and my wife was hooked from then on.

[BMF Bronco]

I had some friends take a mule trip down the Canyon last fall and it was amazing, said the mules walked right on the edge and felt like they were going to go over.

[loborugger]

How sturdy is the 13 year old, is he an athlete or Boy Scout? Is your friend in good shape? There are lots of neat places, but everyone needs to be honest with their physical limitations if they are going to have a good time.

A couple suggestions in July:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park - Outback department (permit hiking). If you contact the park, they can send you materials about possible routes and camps. It doesn't get crowded because it is not in the campgrounds, it is permit camping within the larger park. There are lots of options of altitudes and difficulty levels, but you usually need to apply early. If things don't work out with the altitude, you can always come back down to Estes Park and day hike. Estes is always great in the summer.
2. Wheeler Peak, NM (Taos Ski Valley). It really isn't that bad of a hike (even altitude wise) and you can take the hike up to Williams Lake either from the Taos Ski Valley, or from Red River. It's also cool, because you can tell the 13 year old you are climbing the highest peak in NM. Once again, if weather or conditions are bad, you can always stay in Red River or Taos for day hiking. Other spots like Bandelier National Park are close for day hikes.

Just my two bits...

Grew up in Northern NM, I am familiar with Wheeler Peak and its definitely too high. Been to Bandelier numerous times. However, Rocky Mtn National Park is pretty cool. I might have to go that route.

When I was a fire fighter for the Forest Service, we did a fire near the Twisp, Wenatchee and Okanagon, Washington. I dont remember the exact area, just that we were in a Wilderness and we were east of Lake Chelan. It was a glacier canyon, and one of the most greatest places on earth. At the top of the canyon there was a meadow and then it plummeted down into Chelan. If I have enough time to drive that far north, I think I might try and find that place again.

Thanx for the 411.

[Los Broncos]

I had some friends take a mule trip down the Canyon last fall and it was amazing, said the mules walked right on the edge and felt like they were going to go over.

Nice, would love to do that.

Although, when i lived Utah i would go out fifty mile road, it was pretty amazing.

[BMF Bronco]

all this talk about hiking has motivated me to go this evening. That's the joy of living here in Bozeman, be in the mountains in five minutes!

[Los Broncos]

all this talk about hiking has motivated me to go this evening. That's the joy of living here in Bozeman, be in the mountains in five minutes!

Same here, but we just bought new beach cruisers.

I now like riding the bike trails near home.

[Hotrod]

all this talk about hiking has motivated me to go this evening. That's the joy of living here in Bozeman, be in the mountains in five minutes!

I'd need snowshoes still.

[BMF Bronco]

but you live in Gunnison, snow shoes are required there in July.

[Spider]

On a seperate note...

For this summer, I am wanting to do a back packing trip with a friend. He, myself, and maybe my 13 year old son. Most places in the western US I would open to going to. The only limit we have is my friend suffers from altitude sickness at about 10 grand (we found this out the hard way a couple years back), so any treks directly over the top of the Rockies or Sierras is pretty much out. Anyone got a great place - not crowded and not super hot since it will be July - that they recommend?

Thanx in advance...
3 miles in any direction from Casper Wyoming .......... ;D

[Cito Pelon]

Going to hike the Grand Canyon in about a month. What type of shoe/boot do you recommend? Any other tips or pointers you would pass on to a novice like myself would be appreciated.:welcome:

As I'm sure people have said - ride the burros and enjoy the guided three day trip. Your footwear is emergency only, but you better be able to go ten miles without blisters in that footwear.

[MrPeepers]

water. sunscreen and more water.

i was at the canyon last sunday. they are closing the road between bright angel lodge and hermits trail this week to expand the road. so plan accordingly if your doing the hermits trail.

[Lev Vyvanse]

3 miles in any direction from Casper Wyoming .......... ;D

Yea thats Beautiful country.:spit:

[Dedhed]

Going to hike the Grand Canyon in about a month. What type of shoe/boot do you recommend? Any other tips or pointers you would pass on to a novice like myself would be appreciated.:welcome:

For serious backpacking, La Sportiva makes the best boots out there. My advice to you would be to get your boots immediately, and where them around as much as possible over the next month. You don't want go into the field with new boots on your feet.

Other advice would put everything you think you want to pack out on the floor. Then pack about 1/3 of it. You do not want to be carrying extra weight. I don't know how long you're going for, but you'll be amazed at how little you need once you get out there. Food should make up about 95% of your load.