Grand Canyon: Same View for Less

On the south rim of the Grand Canyon, young travelers with tight budgets can find low-cost lodging and camping within walking distance of spectacular viewing points.

A hitch is that the inexpensive youth hostel and camping facilities fill up fast. So try to arrange lodging in advance.

Hostel staff say most young visitors arrive by bus from Flagstaff, an 80-mile trip that costs $11.75. You don’t have to worry about an entrance fee if you arrive by bus. If you drive in your own vehicle there’s a $2 charge.

To be assured a bed will be held for you at the hostel you can make a reservation while at a youth hostel in Flagstaff, Phoenix or Las Vegas. You pay for the long-distance phone call.

The Grand Canyon youth hostel also accepts mail reservations. You must include your first night’s fee. Address your request to the Grand Canyon International Hostel, P.O. Box 270, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023.

Handy Location

The youth hostel, a former ranger dormitory, has room for 20 guests in five rooms. It also has kitchen facilities guests are welcome to use. Located at Apache and Tonto streets in Grand Canyon Village, it is only 10-minute walk from tourist services and the canyon rim, less than a mile from shopping and banking services.

Because this hostel is in a national park, you do not need a special membership. There is no age restriction but guests are limited to two-night stays. Nightly rate is $7.25.

You can camp in the Grand Canyon Village area of Mather campground for $6 per site. Reservations can be made through Ticketron outlets or by writing to Grand Canyon National Park, Box 129, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023. If you are driving a recreational vehicle, Trailer Village offers sites with hook-ups for $10 for two people. For reservations, contact Grand Canyon National Parks Lodge, P.O. Box 600, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023.

After settling into inexpensive lodging, you’ll find a variety of low-cost activities. Hostel and camping are within walking distance of pick-up points for a free shuttle service to local viewing points.

It is a short walk to the South Rim Nature Trail, part of a nine-mile rim path that is serviced at both ends by the shuttle bus. About 3 1/2 miles of the rim route is paved. You can pick up pamphlets explaining the canyon’s geology and biology at either end for 25 cents.

Free walks and talks are offered by park staff. Details and information on other park services are covered in “The Guide,” a 10-cent publication available from the tourist information office. It also lists commercial tours and the times for the spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Taking a Hike

Most young travelers do some hiking while here. If they arrive alone, they tend to form small groups at the hostel and travel on day hikes or overnight trips to the bottom of the canyon together.

Be prepared to stay overnight if you are going to hike to the bottom of the canyon. Hikers can stay at the three campsites free but a permit is necessary. These can be obtained free from Backcountry Reservations Office, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023. If you arrive without a permit you have to take your chances on a waiting list.

If you don’t want to camp at the bottom you can stay overnight in dorm rooms at Phantom Ranch for $16 a night. Phantom Ranch can be reached by the two popular trails--Bright Angel (about 9.5 miles) and the South Kaibab (about 7 miles). Reservations can also be made through Grand Canyon National Parks Lodges.

If you intend to hike, keep in mind there is usually a 30-degree temperature difference between the rim and the canyon floor. Summer temperatures in the canyon average 104 degrees, so plan to hike in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and always carry at last two liters of water per person.

If you don’t plan to hike to the bottom of the canyon and are not sure just how far you should go, here’s an easy rule. When one-third of the time you have allotted has passed, turn around and begin to hike out.

If you want to ride a mule into the canyon or take one of the many river-running trips you’ll have to contact companies well in advance for reservations. You can get lists of them and further details on area services by writing Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 82023.