|
|
| Post Number: 1
|
cfrun02 
Group: Members
Posts: 18
Joined: May 2012
|
 |
Posted on: Dec. 10 2012, 9:03 pm |
|
   |
I decided to change plans on a previous trip and am doing the Boucher - Hermit loop over a 3 days span. What kind of weather should i prepare for? Also, is water access ok with all the streams there in December? Thanks!!!
|
 |
|
|
| Post Number: 2
|
TigerFan
Group: Members
Posts: 2096
Joined: May 2010
|
|
Posted on: Dec. 10 2012, 9:32 pm |
|
 |
I assume you have a permit? What camps/use areas are on your permit? Boucher is mostly at-large camping while Hermit is all designated camping. Where you plan to camp dictates what kind of temperatures you should plan for. I would expect temperatures at the river to be in the 50's during the day, mid-30's at night. But I would prepare for below-freezing temps. You need to watch the forecast for rain. If you see snow, it will only be in the upper elevations. If it's in the forecast, you should probably pack some traction devices for the hike out.
All of the water sources on the route -- Boucher Creek, Hermit Creek, Santa Maria Spring -- are perennial. The tub under Santa Maria Spring does freeze but my understanding is that the spring doesn't.
--------------
Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
|
 |
|
|
| Post Number: 3
|
steve t
Group: Members
Posts: 495
Joined: Jul. 2006
|
|
Posted on: Dec. 10 2012, 9:33 pm |
|
|
Water is not a problem along this route. You be able to find water by walking up the Dripping Spring drainage to the spring, in perennial Boucher Creek and Hermit Creek, at the river should you decide to camp at the beach, and at Santa Maria spring on the hike up the Hermit Trail. And if you stay at Monument instead of Hermit camp (recommended) there is water in perennial Monument Creek.
Take caution if there is a winter storm within a couple weeks of your hike start and bring microspikes or some other reliable traction device. The initial section of the Hermit Trail is "paved" with in lay stones and very slick when icy, and the section along the Dripping Spring trail hugs the cliff edge. Spikes on this section provide a confidence boost.
The beach at Boucher Rapids is beautiful, and if you aren't too tired well worth the extra distance. Hermit Camp is a dump; since the section along the Tonto is short I prefer walking the extra 3 miles to Monument. The Hermit Trail intersects the Tonto about 1/2 between Hermit Camp and Monument so the exit hike is unchanged. And if Monument is empty, snag the group campsite and its superior views.
Temps can be quite moderate to quite cold, plan accordingly. Watch the weather and forecasts.
Enjoy this. Boucher/Hermit is my favorite South Rim loop hike.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 4
|
|
|
| Post Number: 5
|
cfrun02
Group: Members
Posts: 18
Joined: May 2012
|
|
Posted on: Dec. 11 2012, 3:30 pm |
|
|
Thanks for all the excellent info!! Glad to hear water is not a problem. Also, I dont mind walking the extra 3 miles to Monument. Is it just a much better view and and put together campsite???
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 6
|
|
|
| Post Number: 7
|
High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39800
Joined: Aug. 2005
|
|
Posted on: Dec. 11 2012, 5:23 pm |
|
|
Interesting, from some 70's climbing buddies I did get the vibe the Grand Canyon people were more proactive, seems they've kept that up.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 8
|
steve t
Group: Members
Posts: 495
Joined: Jul. 2006
|
|
Posted on: Dec. 15 2012, 10:38 pm |
|
|
Hermit camp is just severely overused. Monument gets less use, and the smaller campsites are nearer the creek so there is more vegetation and seclusion between the sites.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 9
|
OnDaRox
Group: Members
Posts: 27
Joined: Jan. 2009
|
|
Posted on: Jan. 04 2013, 1:19 pm |
|
|
How was your trip? What route and campsites did you end up using?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
