THE BIG WATER AVAILABILITY POST How To Create a Step By Step Water FIll Up Plan for Below the Rim Most people will not be able complete a R2R(2R) without refilling along the trail as part of their run (or choose not to carry all the water they need from one rim to the other). There are two main sources of water to fill up from: 1. Creeks and Rivers (natural untreated water sources) 2. Parks Water Stations (treated water from spigots and drinking fountains) There are two main variables that affect water availability: 1. seasons (both for natural and Parks water; but affects Parks water availability more) 2. working or broken water pipeline - or under repair I see two common attitudes among runners as it relates to water fill up and availability (including in our group): 1. insecurity/concern about water availability (e.g. what happens if the pipe is broken, or, what if its turned off at Cottonwood? Am I going to run out?) 2. confidence about knowing where to get water and able to execute an alternate plan without skipping a beat In my opinion, the first attitude relies too much on an urban mentality of expecting an external organization (in this case NPS) to supply critical resources, just like at home for most people. While water spigots are extremely convenient and a first choice option for most people, myself included, the Grand Canyon still is a Wilderness, and switching to more of a Wilderness Mindset can help calm down concerns about needing to rely on artificially supplied drinking water at all times. Here are some sequential steps you can use when planning for where/when/how to fill up in the Canyon. WATER AVAILABILITY PLANNING: A. get to know the general timeline for when the seasonal water stations are turned on/off. The Corridor Trails map shows which stations are year round and which seasonal (Pump House is listed as Seasonal, but is open for most of the year). nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/corridor_map.pdf B. Check with the latest Parks Updates and those of fellow members in our group: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm goo.gl/VJh7bC C. Think of the Natural Water Sources as your primary source, and Parks water as your secondary (but in most cases, preferred) source. It is recommended for Natural water to treat or filter it first before drinking it. The Sawyer Mini seems to be the filter of choice for many group members. D. Always carry enough capacity to fill up as much as you need to get you safely and prudently to the next water spot. Use a bladder, hard or soft bottles. I recommend at least 2 L/70 oz capacity total, and more if you are out during hot temperatures for a prolonged period of time in the hotter months of the year. PRIMARY WATER SOURCES I like to call these primary because they will always be available, whether the pipe system is working or not, and in most cases regardless of the time of the year. The information listed below is based on personal experience, official publications and observations from others. Always do you own research first and rely on that, first and foremost. NOTES: 1. there is no water on South Kaibab trail (6+ miles). Thus, going down SK and up Bright Angel trail makes more sense from a water availability perspective. (or both BA up and down). This takes on more significance the longer one it takes (especially at hiking speeds) 2. the bigger the river, the greater the chance of pollution. Avoid drinking from the Colorado unless you have a really good filter. If you dont have a filter/treatment, find a smaller creek or tributary and preferably from a spot flowing over rocks. 3. Along North Kaibab trail, there is water all the way from Phantom Ranch to Pumphouse in the form of Bright Angel Creek, which flows year-round. You will never go thirsty for lack of water. Filtration/treatment is be prudent. 4. On North Kaibab trail there is no natural water source past Roaring Springs (1/4 mile turn-off the main trail) until the North Rim (5 miles). BTW, Parks water at North Kaibab trailhead is seasonal, but there is water available year-round at the Backcountry Office (1/2 a mile west from the trailhead). 5. On Bright Angel trail, starting at the bottom at River Rest House and heading up, Pipe Creek runs mostly year-round along the trail for the first mile. It dries up, the higher up you go. There is about a 1.5 to 2 mile stretch until the top of Devils Corkscrew with no direct access to the creek. 6. On Bright Angel trail, from the top of Devils Corkscrew to Indian Garden, Garden Creek runs year round alongside the trail. 7. There are no natural water sources to count on past Indian Garden until Bright Angel trailhead on the South Rim, 4.7 miles and 3,000 ft up. This is an overview of the primary water sources along the Corridor Trails. Be ready to use them if you need them. SECONDARY WATER SOURCES (in most cases preferred) The Parks water stations are there for your convenience but should not essential for you to complete a R2R(2R). They are convenient and the water is pre-treated with chlorine to kill any harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens. Odds are, if you plan right, that you will be able to rely on these Secondary Sources the entire way for your Grand Canyon run. The information listed below is based on personal experience, official publications and observations from others. Always do you own research first and rely on that, first and foremost. NOTES: 1. Find out the latest reports on which water stations are open. That can change at any time, and possibly without notice. 2. A pipeline break can happen at any time. Being prepared, that will not be an issue because you will be able to switch over to your alternate/back up plan without a glitch. Check the NPS updates page (see top of post) or call them the day before your run, but be prepared to show up at a water station that is supposed to be on, but is shut off. 3. The first water station that can be closed for winter is at NK trailhead on the North Rim. This happens if there is an early frost. If so, fill up at Supai Tunnel, get to the Rim, go back down and fill up at Supai Tunnel again. If no early frost, it can stay open longer than Supai Tunnel. 4. The next stations on the south side to be closed are 1.5M and 3M Rest House on Bright Angel Trail. Fill up at Indian Garden and at Bright Angel Trailhead. 5. On the north side Supai Tunnel is next to be shut off. Fill up at Pumphouse. Re: Pumphouse; be prepared to make it up to the North RIm and back (~ 11 miles and multiple hours) on the water you fill up there. 6. Up next to be closed is Cottonwood Campground. Pumphouse usually stays open a lot longer and possibly year round. They are only 1.6 miles apart. Its about 8 miles from Phantom Ranch to Pumphouse and 5.5 miles from Pumphouse to the North Rim. 7. Phantom Ranch area and Indian Garden stay open year-round, and Pumphouse most of the year (if shut of, it will be in the winter). In conclusion, with good preparation and planning it is almost impossible to run out of water. OVERHYDRATION Be Aware: there is a growing number of people who are getting unwell because of hyponatremia (overhydration without adequate electrolyte replenishment). Stay up on your electrolytes and make sure you get enough water - not too little, but also not too much. Runners are most at risk for Hyponatremia during conditions with greater than normal electrolyte loss (high heat, sweating and other factors). Symptoms of overhydration/electrolyte depletion. Some of these similar to dehydration! Monitor your water/electrolyte input consistently and maintain the right balance and amount during your run. more on Overhydration/Hyponatremia/Water Intoxication: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication coolrunning/engine/6/6_1/1179.shtml This is a limited example of how to plan the water fill up and availability part of your Corridor Trails R2R(2R) run plan. Dont copy it verbatim but use it to create your own plan with. You are on a self/unsupported run and taking responsibility for your hydration needs is one of many parts of that. Have a great run!
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 04:57:07 +0000
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