Too Hot to Hike? Think Fall...

With Inner Canyon temperatures reaching triple digits, those in the know are staying on the high ground for the remainder of the summer (unless, of course, you're going on a river trip where relief is just a dip away). Though too toasty to backpack, summer is the perfect time to plan your fall outings at Grand Canyon. Backcountry camping permits for the month of October are now available. Judging by the lines at the Backcountry Office yesterday, they're going fast. I was lucky enough to secure a rim-to-rim permit for the middle of October when I'll be taking my wife and a handful of unsuspecting friends on what's often referred to as the quintessential Grand Canyon trek.

Permits can be obtained from the Backcountry Office in person, by mail, or via fax. Check out Grand Canyon National Park's Web site for details on securing your hiking permit (http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/permit_procedures.htm).