This is the second time I have done this hike, but the first time I returned via Point Huitzil.  The climb back up was more challenging than I thought it would be.  This hike is not suitable for those with a fear of heights as there are a few spots with medium exposure.  There are several obstacles on this hike:  finding the correct descent point at the rim;  descending the pole at the "Rabbit Hole";  negotiating the Moqui Steps (webbing is almost mandatory);  climbing right to take the bypass at the "Ledge";  and several large chock stones to get past.

     One of the hard things about the Point Huitzil route is finding the proper descent point at the rim.  I plotted our initial course on a topo map and found it to be 307 degrees true.  Since the magnetic variation in this area is twelve degrees east, I calculated the indicated magnetic heading is 295 degrees.  I also put in the following three waypoints in my GPS at approximately 0.6 mile intervals between Pasture Wash and the rim to help guide us to the initial descent point, a small drainage descending to the northwest:

     These waypoints were perfect and took us right to the small descending drainage.  I show the coordinates for the "Rabbit Hole" are N 36° 09.133'   W 112° 25.601'

     Our experience was that handing packs down at the Rabbit Hole was easier than roping them down.  The petroglyphs next to the Rabbit Hole were simply stunning.  It's hard to believe there were that many and all were of great quality.

     Numerous critters such as mice, ravens, squirrels, and ringtails are a threat to attack your food in the inner Canyon.  For many years, there were two widely used defenses against critter attack: the Ratsack Cache bag, a mesh, stainless steel bag, which came in three sizes, and the Ursack, a bag made with a Spectra material.  I bought both, but preferred the Ratsack because it was larger, cheaper, and had a superior Velcro closure system.  Even though the Ratsack company website is still active and will accept your money, most people now indicate they never received their order, their money was never returned, and they could not get the company to return a phone call.  Due to the widely reported difficulties and lack of response from the Ratsack company, that product is no longer carried by the General Store in Grand Canyon Village.  Two new products have recently come forward to fill the void:  the Outsak and the Foodsack.  Both are similar in design to the Ratsack and utilize a mesh stainless steel bag with a Velcro closure system.  The Outsak is a lighter duty version and some people report that animals were able to penetrate it.  The Foodsack is the heavy duty version and appears to be bullet-proof, so it is the product that I recommend.  I have and use the Foodsack.

MAIN INDEX | HIKING INDEX | BACK TO TRIP REPORTS | BACK TO DAY 4