Guidebook: To the Grand Outdoors

Getting there: Southwest, America West, United and American airlines have nonstop flights from LAX to Phoenix. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $92. You can also fly from Burbank, Orange County and Ontario airports.

The Grand Canyon is about 220 miles (about a four-hour drive) north of Phoenix, via Interstate 17 and U.S. Highway 180. From L.A. it’s about 500 miles via Interstates 15 and 40.

The Grand Canyon Field Institute: P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; (928) 638- 2481, fax (928) 638-2484, https://www.grandcanyon.org. Six different women’s backpacking programs are offered, including the one I signed up for, “Women’s Introductory Backpack: Colorado River,” which this year takes place June 6-10 and Sept. 1-5. Cost: $355, not including food, equipment and accommodations on the South Rim. The institute has 52 other programs for 2002, ranging in price from $95 (“Meet the Canyon”) to $1,325 (“Lake Powell Sea Kayaking”).

Where to stay: The field institute will help participants arrange pre- and post-program lodging at Maswick Lodge in Grand Canyon Village or in several campgrounds. Those who wish to stay elsewhere in the park should contact Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, P.O. Box 699, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; (303) 297-2757, fax (303) 297-3175, https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com. Rooms may be in El Tovar Hotel or Thunderbird and Kachina lodges. I stayed at Bright Angel Lodge, with functional doubles, some with shared baths, $48-$66; cabins $76-$236.

For more information: Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; (928) 638-7888, fax (928) 638- 7797, https://www.nps.gov/grca.