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Without the Kids

By Susan Oloier

Found in: | Outside | Canyoneering | Hiking |

Hiking poles in hand and crampons fastened to our boots, we made the descent into the Grand Canyon, which remained shrouded in fog and blustery flurries. At its uppermost sections, the trails were covered in a new layer of snow from a recent storm. Tourists who stopped at the roadside to take pictures or catch glimpses of the expansive beauty of this national park were met only with disappointment. Fortunately, we knew we would eventually descend to a place where the views would open.

Jeff and I were there for an annual trip to Phantom Ranch, planned by one of our close friends. Twenty of us made the trek down to the bottom of the Canyon where we stayed for two nights before making the ascent back to the top. Needless to say, our two boys were not with us. They remained back at home with their grandparents. That is not to say that it is impossible to hike into the Grand Canyon with kids. During our three-day trip, I saw several on the trail, and one at the bottom. However, they were old enough to make their own informed decisions about hiking; they were physically able enough to do it without being toted in a carrier, and they were mature enough to appreciate the feat of getting into and out of the Grand Canyon under their own power and sheer determination.

As the National Park Service Web site states, "the Grand Canyon, above all else, is a place of extremes." The weather can be extreme - as was proven when we arrived to catch the last shuttle bus before service stopped due to road conditions, and the hiking can be extreme, especially if you are not prepared. For me, it requires a sufficient amount of work to remain responsible for myself and my own backpack. When young children and their numerous accessories are added to the picture, the venture becomes a bit daunting. If the thought of taking the boys at the ages of six and three ever crossed my mind, they were quickly suppressed by an overheard conversation at Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail. Two middle-schoolers remained glued to the rocks that outlined the perimeter of the scraggly cedar where ravens and jays tried to mooch food from hikers. "I don't think I want to keep going," pronounced the girl to her mother. Her brother also voiced reluctance to continue down the trail, stating that it seemed hard. A well-intentioned hiker told the kids that the accomplishment they would feel and the bragging rights they would hold would be worth the venture: few their age can claim to have hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out. But it seemed unfair to push the kids when they already expressed concern over continuing, even though they seemed well outfitted for the round-trip journey. However, the parents ignored the protestations and seemed fixated on their own desires to get into the Canyon instead of respecting their children's limitations. The family continued on.

The Bright Angel Trail - the most popular means of getting into and out of the Grand Canyon from the south rim - is a nearly 10-mile hike; the South Kaibab Trail is seven miles long. Both have numerous switchbacks and areas of steep ascent/descent with an elevation gain of approximately 4,800 feet. It is important to know your limitations when you embark on these trails. Ours begin when we introduce the idea of taking our sons. Even though we are firm believers in including our children in our outdoor pursuits, we draw the line with such undertakings as descending into that great chasm.

The NPS Web site also says that "hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities have successfully hiked the canyon." Certainly, after my recent trek out, I nursed sore calves. Even in the best of conditions, I would not be willing to make that hike with 20 to 40 more pounds strapped to my back - especially if the squirmy pounds complain about the elements or beg for snacks. I often wonder if the small children mentioned on the Web site completed the flat, 12-mile Rim Trail vs. the more exerting ones into the heart of the Canyon.

I think it will be an amazing experience to take Justin into the Grand Canyon when he is old enough, willing, and able to take on the venture without coercion. But, for now, such outings with remain something to experience without the kids.