Yes, Boy Scout Troop 282’s next High Adventure Trip will be to the Grand Canyon. 

A Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike allows a scout and a scout leader to experience breathtaking views and the vast expanse of the canyon. There are few experiences more spectacular than seeing both the North and the South Rims at the same time from the bottom of the canyon. This Grand Canyon hiking trip has you backpacking from over 8,000 ft. in elevation from the North Rim to the almost 7,000 ft. South Rim. Along the North Kaibab trail, you will pass a couple of waterfalls (Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls), hike along Bright Angel Creek, visit Phantom Ranch, dip your toes in the Colorado River and see evidence of ancient civilizations that once called Grand Canyon their home. 
Anyone can participate in this trip, even if you are a first time backpacker with an above average level of fitness. If you don’t currently feel you are in shape for such a hike, the High Adventure Trek group will be training to get everyone into shape for this once in a lifetime trip. The group will be hiking the main trails of the canyon where there are amenities such as toilets, running water and even a canteen at Phantom Ranch where you can buy lemonade or a Snickers bar! The trails we will be hiking are well maintained and over 6 feet wide in most places. 

Day 1 
Let the adventure begin! Today you will be off to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We will begin with a 6 hour drive from the pick-up location in North Scottsdale Arizona. From the trailhead, we will hike 7 miles and 4,200 feet down to Cottonwood Campground. We can then jump into Bright Angel Creek to cool down or wander along the shore for a relaxing evening. The average time to reach Cottonwood camp is approximately 5 hours. 

Day 2 
After breakfast, we will follow Bright Angel Creek another 7 miles and 1,500 feet down to Bright Angel Camp. On the way, we will drop the packs for a side hike to Ribbon Falls – a 100 foot water fall that spews out of a side canyon. Bright Angel camp is nestled between the Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek. It will take us approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to reach Bright Angel Camp, including the time to hike to Ribbon Falls. 

Day 3 
After our gear is packed, we will start the hike out of the canyon along Bright Angel Trail. After 5 short miles, we will set up camp at Indian Garden. The hike will take us 1,400 ft. up in elevation. Since the hike only takes about 3.5 hours, we will have time to take a side hike to Plateau Point for stunning sunset views of the inner canyon and the Colorado River or one of many other side hikes available. 

Day 4 
We have reached our final leg of the trip. Up, up and away! Although this hike is only 4.5 miles, there is a 3,000 ft. increase in elevation. This leg of the hike will take us approximately 4.5 hours to complete and take us to our final destination, the South Rim. The group should have a couple of hours to grab a bite to eat, souvenir shop and hang out with all the bus tourists before heading back to Scottsdale. 
What is the next Step? 
If you are interested in taking part in the 2017 High Adventure Trek to the Grand Canyon with your scout: 
• Add your name to the participant list in the scout room 
• Speak with Mr. Wyatt regarding your interest in participating 
• Start attending the High Adventure Trek meetings 
• Complete an ‘Agreement’ form 
• Take part in the fundraisers 
The next meeting will be August 10 at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall of Trinity.