Star Party on the North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Trip

The North Rim not only offers unique, expansive, breathtaking views of one of the world's largest canyons, it is now the host of one of the biggest, public-accessible stargazing parties on the planet! By day you can take in views that’ll take your heart away. At night we’ll have an extraordinary opportunity to view the sky through several telescopes set up by the Phoenix Saguaro astronomers! See an informative slide show before the sun goes down -– then step outside to see a star-filled sky. This annual gathering is a great place for the layperson to learn about planets, stars, and galaxies, as the host group loves to inform and educate its audience.

The less visited North Rim has much to offer you as a Sierra Club member, from beautiful old ponderosa pine to the quaking aspen. And if you’re a flower lover, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Many plants are in bloom in June: lupine, Indian paintbrush, white geraniums, and cliff rose to name a few.

As Sierra Club members, we will have a chance to share the responsibility for ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to form their own connections with Grand Canyon National Park. We will be providing much needed support and help in maintaining and enhancing the Grand Canyon’s infrastructure on the North Rim.

The Project

We will be involved in various projects on the North Rim. This could include assembling and painting picnic tables or brushing trails and improving campgrounds. Our days will start with us eating breakfast, packing lunches, and assembling for work assignments. All tools and equipment -- as well as training in the use of tools -- will be provided by the Grand Canyon National Park staff.

Getting There

You are responsible for your transportation to and from the Grand Canyon North Rim campground. The cost of this transportation is not included in the price of this trip. The closest airports with regular commercial service are in Las Vegas, NV; Salt Lake City, UT; and Phoenix, AZ. There are also smaller regional airports in Flagstaff and Tusayan, AZ; and St. George, UT. These might also meet your transportation needs. In any case, it is suggested that you contact other attendees with the possibility of sharing transportation costs from any of these airports. Transportation while at the Grand Canyon will be provided by the park service. More detailed information regarding routes to the North Rim will be provided to those who sign up for this trip. Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member.

Accommodations and Food

The first meal will be dinner on the first day. The last will be breakfast on the final day.

The trip staff prepares menus, and every effort is taken to accommodate various dietary needs. Any special needs -- especially food allergies -- should be noted on the questionnaire sent to you. Meal preparation will be directed by staff and assisted by trip members. All trip members can plan on one full day of commissary chores. Mealtimes and daily commissary assignments will be posted and announced on the first day.

We will be camping in a developed campground area. You will need to bring a tent, pad, sleeping bag, and whatever else you may need for your comfort. Showers are only five minutes away.

The normal temperatures this time of year dip down to freezing at night. During the day, temperatures can rise to over 70 degrees. However, temperatures have been known to drop to as low as 5 degrees during the night at this time of the year. You need to be adequately prepared for such fluctuations.

Trip Difficulty

This will be a moderately strenuous trip. Be in good shape and prepared for lots of hard work and fun. Anyone who doesn't live in mountain/high desert environs must have a healthy respect for the altitude. Many concerns about having an enjoyable trip are tied to the altitude. At 8,000 feet, your lungs must work harder to get extra oxygen. This accelerates water loss, even before you add a little healthy perspiration.

As your body strives to adjust, the altitude may affect your attitude. You may experience common, but not long-lasting symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, or mild dehydration. The physical impact of high-altitude exertion cautions all of us to work at our own pace and rest when necessary. No one will be pushed past his or her limits -- the need to accomplish a goal does not preclude doing so safely and in an orderly manner.

If you haven't seen your doctor in the last five years, schedule an appointment. Please ask him or her to sign the medical questionnaire. Minor medical conditions are no impediment to having a full, enjoyable experience. Also, do not forget: all participants must have a current tetanus shot. This vaccine -- currently given in the combination Diptheria + Tetanus -- is in short supply. If you require a shot or booster, contact your physician. You should not go on a service trip without this shot.

Equipment and Clothing

Trip members are expected to furnish their own day pack, comparable to a student book bag, not a fanny pack. Bring at least three one-liter/one-quart containers for carrying water, your own supply of Moleskin and Band-Aids, sunscreen, insect repellent, and lip balm. Bring clothes and boots (not running shoes) that are comfortable. Bring clothes that are broken-in, but not worn out, and that can be easily layered for warmth and removed as the day's temperature increases. The only special item you must bring is a good pair of gloves. Gloves, like boots, serve best when broken in early.

References

• Butchart, Harvey, Grand Canyon Treks.
• Blakey, Ron and Wayne Ranney, Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau.
• Aitchison, Stewart, Grand Canyon's North Rim and Beyond: A Guide to the North Rim & the Arizona Strip.

Conservation

The three developed viewpoints on the North Rim offer a sense of looking across the expanse of the canyon rather than into its depths. Views of the Colorado River are rare and distant. But these intriguing views call out to many visitors as they explore the less visited North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Because this area is less visited, the services and facilities at this location are a bit more primitive. For this reason and because of the occassional harsh winters at the North Rim, extra effort has to be put into maintaining the North Rim facilities. Our volunteer time will be spent helping to maintain this unique area for those who take the extra effort to visit this side of the Grand Canyon.