Alternatively, 1-800-MARRIOTTBelieve it or not, I convinced by wife to start going. She went with her family a lot as a kid so grew to kind of hate it. I took the entire family when the kids were young and I honestly didn't know what I was doing, didn't have the right gear and didn't have a plan. Recipe for disaster and it was. We didn't go for many years after that and it was my own fault. Big regret I have. Anyway, I finally convinced her to go last year to a local state park for just one night. It was perfect and she really enjoyed it.
So, my advice to any of you who want to try it is what I said above:
- Have a plan - check the weather, check out the sites at the campground (is it close to the bathhouse, do you have some isolation from the sites next to you, etc.), check out what is around the campsite - too many people think that if they go camping they must sit outdoors for 24-48 straight hours. We always hit up local coffee houses, breweries, restaurants, etc.
- Have the right equipment - air mattresses or cots can make a huge difference in how you sleep - you don't have to sleep on the ground; bring some of the creature comforts you have at home with you. I maintain a huge packing list of camping and backpacking stuff and I think shuke or GM (always get those two confused) has mentioned several times over the years to have your gear packed and ready to go in totes. Main lessons are make sure you have the gear you need to have a good time and you don't have to rough it. If you are car camping overpack the first time out. It's better to have something you never use than to need something you forgot to bring
- Know what you are doing - kind of a combo of the above two - make sure you know how to use the gear that you bring and also know the campground and area. Tons of videos on YouTube to learn. And again, have a plan for your trip.
Another thing that bothers me. Phone numbers always have 7 digits after the area code, including toll-free codes. But I see when letters are used there are frequently more than 7 used so I don't know what to do since it is not compliant to phone number use.Alternatively, 1-800-MARRIOTT
Well, 1-800-MARRIOT is a scam number to a call center in India. You need to be careful.Another thing that bothers me. Phone numbers always have 7 digits after the area code, including toll-free codes. But I see when letters are used there are frequently more than 7 used so I don't know what to do since it is not compliant to phone number use.Alternatively, 1-800-MARRIOTT
Alternatively, 1-800-MARRIOTTBelieve it or not, I convinced by wife to start going. She went with her family a lot as a kid so grew to kind of hate it. I took the entire family when the kids were young and I honestly didn't know what I was doing, didn't have the right gear and didn't have a plan. Recipe for disaster and it was. We didn't go for many years after that and it was my own fault. Big regret I have. Anyway, I finally convinced her to go last year to a local state park for just one night. It was perfect and she really enjoyed it.
So, my advice to any of you who want to try it is what I said above:
- Have a plan - check the weather, check out the sites at the campground (is it close to the bathhouse, do you have some isolation from the sites next to you, etc.), check out what is around the campsite - too many people think that if they go camping they must sit outdoors for 24-48 straight hours. We always hit up local coffee houses, breweries, restaurants, etc.
- Have the right equipment - air mattresses or cots can make a huge difference in how you sleep - you don't have to sleep on the ground; bring some of the creature comforts you have at home with you. I maintain a huge packing list of camping and backpacking stuff and I think shuke or GM (always get those two confused) has mentioned several times over the years to have your gear packed and ready to go in totes. Main lessons are make sure you have the gear you need to have a good time and you don't have to rough it. If you are car camping overpack the first time out. It's better to have something you never use than to need something you forgot to bring
- Know what you are doing - kind of a combo of the above two - make sure you know how to use the gear that you bring and also know the campground and area. Tons of videos on YouTube to learn. And again, have a plan for your trip.
I suppose it depends on the Marriott, but I'd consider that a good thingAlternatively, 1-800-MARRIOTTBelieve it or not, I convinced by wife to start going. She went with her family a lot as a kid so grew to kind of hate it. I took the entire family when the kids were young and I honestly didn't know what I was doing, didn't have the right gear and didn't have a plan. Recipe for disaster and it was. We didn't go for many years after that and it was my own fault. Big regret I have. Anyway, I finally convinced her to go last year to a local state park for just one night. It was perfect and she really enjoyed it.
So, my advice to any of you who want to try it is what I said above:
- Have a plan - check the weather, check out the sites at the campground (is it close to the bathhouse, do you have some isolation from the sites next to you, etc.), check out what is around the campsite - too many people think that if they go camping they must sit outdoors for 24-48 straight hours. We always hit up local coffee houses, breweries, restaurants, etc.
- Have the right equipment - air mattresses or cots can make a huge difference in how you sleep - you don't have to sleep on the ground; bring some of the creature comforts you have at home with you. I maintain a huge packing list of camping and backpacking stuff and I think shuke or GM (always get those two confused) has mentioned several times over the years to have your gear packed and ready to go in totes. Main lessons are make sure you have the gear you need to have a good time and you don't have to rough it. If you are car camping overpack the first time out. It's better to have something you never use than to need something you forgot to bring
- Know what you are doing - kind of a combo of the above two - make sure you know how to use the gear that you bring and also know the campground and area. Tons of videos on YouTube to learn. And again, have a plan for your trip.
You don’t get to wake up with this little fella at the Marriott!

I'm honestly shocked at this landslide.
Voted no because I didn't this year although pretty much have every year prior. Wife just doesn't like it any more and prefers getting a cabin.
there's some sort of resort at the bottom!Speaking of backpack camping. A rim to rim to rim (that's 3 rims) hike at the grand canyon is definitely on the short term bucket list. Was originally thinking rim to rim in one day, but the logistics just stink and saw a few folks posting about R2R2R hikes with camping which actually sounds appealing to just be able to do it across multiple days at a gradual pace.
I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
I've never done it, but have several friends, family, and colleagues who have. Don't do it in one day and I'd suggest going with a guide/group.Speaking of backpack camping. A rim to rim to rim (that's 3 rims) hike at the grand canyon is definitely on the short term bucket list. Was originally thinking rim to rim in one day, but the logistics just stink and saw a few folks posting about R2R2R hikes with camping which actually sounds appealing to just be able to do it across multiple days at a gradual pace.
There's an actual tribal "town" at the bottom (Supai - home of the Havasupai tribe).there's some sort of resort at the bottom!Speaking of backpack camping. A rim to rim to rim (that's 3 rims) hike at the grand canyon is definitely on the short term bucket list. Was originally thinking rim to rim in one day, but the logistics just stink and saw a few folks posting about R2R2R hikes with camping which actually sounds appealing to just be able to do it across multiple days at a gradual pace.
Yeah, seen some beautiful pics from facebook group users, but the permits are so limited. The r2r2r2 has become more of a goal, but maybe after that I'll see if the permitting is easier in the off season.There's an actual tribal "town" at the bottom (Supai - home of the Havasupai tribe).there's some sort of resort at the bottom!Speaking of backpack camping. A rim to rim to rim (that's 3 rims) hike at the grand canyon is definitely on the short term bucket list. Was originally thinking rim to rim in one day, but the logistics just stink and saw a few folks posting about R2R2R hikes with camping which actually sounds appealing to just be able to do it across multiple days at a gradual pace.
ETA: Here's their website, which also provides information for a hike and stay (including mule rides!).
Official Havasupai Tribe Website
theofficialhavasupaitribe.com
if you're referring to phantom ranch, resort is a serious stretch; more like bunkhouses.there's some sort of resort at the bottom!Speaking of backpack camping. A rim to rim to rim (that's 3 rims) hike at the grand canyon is definitely on the short term bucket list. Was originally thinking rim to rim in one day, but the logistics just stink and saw a few folks posting about R2R2R hikes with camping which actually sounds appealing to just be able to do it across multiple days at a gradual pace.
Is 2 as in me and you considered a group? Name the week.I've never done it, but have several friends, family, and colleagues who have. Don't do it in one day and I'd suggest going with a guide/group.Speaking of backpack camping. A rim to rim to rim (that's 3 rims) hike at the grand canyon is definitely on the short term bucket list. Was originally thinking rim to rim in one day, but the logistics just stink and saw a few folks posting about R2R2R hikes with camping which actually sounds appealing to just be able to do it across multiple days at a gradual pace.
I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Sounds intriguing... but playing golf and sitting on a nice recliner to watch a game under a nice blanket with an electronic foot massager running and eat some food made by modern kitchenware seems way more appealing!I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature. Other cultures have this figured it out. Take for example the Japanese:
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
Working a grueling job is an argument FOR getting away from your modern comforts and connecting with nature.
Ever do Boundary Waters? That's my lone experience of truly roughing it. I enjoyed the first couple of days, but we were out there for like 6-7 days. I've never been so glad to take a warm shower or receive a text message in my life. I don't regret the trip and I'm glad I did it, but I haven't had the desire to do anything similar since.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water
Haven't done it yet, but those group bike tours always seemed very appealing. Like from an outfit like western spirit. Have someone hauling your gear around, setting up your campsite, cooking your food while you're riding all day. Don't know anyone that would go which is what is really holding me back. I really just need to say eff it and do it just to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water
Sounds intriguing... but playing golf and sitting on a nice recliner to watch a game under a nice blanket with an electronic foot massager running and eat some food made by modern kitchenware seems way more appealing!I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature. Other cultures have this figured it out. Take for example the Japanese:
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
Working a grueling job is an argument FOR getting away from your modern comforts and connecting with nature.
Ever do Boundary Waters? That's my lone experience of truly roughing it. I enjoyed the first couple of days, but we were out there for like 6-7 days. I've never been so glad to take a warm shower or receive a text message in my life. I don't regret the trip and I'm glad I did it, but I haven't had the desire to do anything similar since.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water
You and my wife would get along. She thinks the same and loves this sort of ****.Sounds intriguing... but playing golf and sitting on a nice recliner to watch a game under a nice blanket with an electronic foot massager running and eat some food made by modern kitchenware seems way more appealing!I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature. Other cultures have this figured it out. Take for example the Japanese:
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
Working a grueling job is an argument FOR getting away from your modern comforts and connecting with nature.
I'd argue that there's room in your life for both. You strike me as a very competitive person - from working long hours in a competitive field to competing on the golf course to old man baseball or whatever it is you play. And that's good! You want to be competitive but at the same time, it's a stress factor, especially for males entering the middle ages of their lives. Spending time in nature without electronic devices, without your luxury items, with just you and the family and the great outdoors....it's a factory reset. And, it's also a bit of a challenge that a guy like you I would think would welcome. Discover ways to cook with kitchenware designed for the outdoors. Cozy up next to a campfire with a blanket. Listen to a babbling stream nearby. See how many species of wildlife you can find. Teach your kids to skip rocks, sharpen sticks, build a fire. Embrace nature, don't shun it.
I'd argue that there's room in your life for both. You strike me as a very competitive person - from working long hours in a competitive field to competing on the golf course to old man baseball or whatever it is you play. And that's good! You want to be competitive but at the same time, it's a stress factor, especially for males entering the middle ages of their lives. Spending time in nature without electronic devices, without your luxury items, with just you and the family and the great outdoors....it's a factory reset. And, it's also a bit of a challenge that a guy like you I would think would welcome. Discover ways to cook with kitchenware designed for the outdoors. Cozy up next to a campfire with a blanket. Listen to a babbling stream nearby. See how many species of wildlife you can find. Teach your kids to skip rocks, sharpen sticks, build a fire. Embrace nature, don't shun it.

Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature.
Am I allowed to take my fan?
You're inviting me?!!Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature.
Am I allowed to take my fan?

I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature. Other cultures have this figured it out. Take for example the Japanese:
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
Working a grueling job is an argument FOR getting away from your modern comforts and connecting with nature.

I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature. Other cultures have this figured it out. Take for example the Japanese:
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
Working a grueling job is an argument FOR getting away from your modern comforts and connecting with nature.
I’m in if I can do Forrest bathing!
![]()
Must resist... other... jokes...As an Assistant Scoutmaster, camping happens. No special beverages allowed.
As an Assistant Scoutmaster, camping happens. No special beverages allowed.
Must resist... other... jokes...As an Assistant Scoutmaster, camping happens. No special beverages allowed.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature.
Am I allowed to take my fan?
+ weedSounds intriguing... but playing golf and sitting on a nice recliner to watch a game under a nice blanket with an electronic foot massager running and eat some food made by modern kitchenware seems way more appealing!I rough it all week with long hours and stressful issues/events. WTF would I then want to "rough it" on my weekend?Shocked at the outcome in here. Some of you dorks would benefit from unplugging and roughing it for a weekend. Get in tune with nature. Shut off your phone. Some cookie dough softies up in here.
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature. Other cultures have this figured it out. Take for example the Japanese:
Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, is a practice or process of therapeutic relaxation where one spends time in a forest or natural atmosphere, focusing on sensory engagement to connect with nature. https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
Working a grueling job is an argument FOR getting away from your modern comforts and connecting with nature.
I'd argue that there's room in your life for both. You strike me as a very competitive person - from working long hours in a competitive field to competing on the golf course to old man baseball or whatever it is you play. And that's good! You want to be competitive but at the same time, it's a stress factor, especially for males entering the middle ages of their lives. Spending time in nature without electronic devices, without your luxury items, with just you and the family and the great outdoors....it's a factory reset. And, it's also a bit of a challenge that a guy like you I would think would welcome. Discover ways to cook with kitchenware designed for the outdoors. Cozy up next to a campfire with a blanket. Listen to a babbling stream nearby. See how many species of wildlife you can find. Teach your kids to skip rocks, sharpen sticks, build a fire. Embrace nature, don't shun it.
I know a guy who has biked coast to coast around 2 dozens times with a tour group. I think they mainly stayed at hotels. He's in 70s and still does a few legs with them but age is catching up. He loves it and recommends others to do it too. I'm not sure which company he goes with.Haven't done it yet, but those group bike tours always seemed very appealing. Like from an outfit like western spirit. Have someone hauling your gear around, setting up your campsite, cooking your food while you're riding all day. Don't know anyone that would go which is what is really holding me back. I really just need to say eff it and do it just to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water
Because it's good for you? No, seriously - it's in our best interest to detach from work, life, the grind, electronics and just co-exist with nature.
Am I allowed to take my fan?
I thought you were ridiculous with this fan until I learned that my SIL and her family went camping and also brought their fan. Must be a midwest thing.
Thank you for the info. Probably wouldn't be until 2025 earliest. I make an annual trip to arizona and this march gonna be exploring more around phoenix and tucson. I got lucky because i did that s kaibab/bright amgel loop this past march and i wouldn't have thought to check for closures.Just a heads up the infrastructure work they have been planning for years appears to finally be happening. There will be intermittent closures and restrictions on the corridor trails over the next 18 months or so.Yeah, seen some beautiful pics from facebook group users, but the permits are so limited. The r2r2r2 has become more of a goal, but maybe after that I'll see if the permitting is easier in the off season.
Currently Bright Angel Trail and Havasupai Gardens (Indian Gardens) campground are closed until April 2024, Plateau Point trail is closed until 2025, Ribbon Falls bridge has been removed. I am pretty sure there will be closures on South & North Kaibab as well as Bright Angel campground at some point in 2024-2025.
Critical Backcountry Updates - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictionswww.nps.gov
The good news is that they are moving the reservation system from the archaic fax machine method to recreation.gov for all 2024 reservations and beyond. Just be sure to keep in mind closures as you plan your route and reservations.
Those road riders are a different breed. Curious to know how long it takes them.I know a guy who has biked coast to coast around 2 dozens times with a tour group. I think they mainly stayed at hotels. He's in 70s and still does a few legs with them but age is catching up. He loves it and recommends others to do it too. I'm not sure which company he goes with.Haven't done it yet, but those group bike tours always seemed very appealing. Like from an outfit like western spirit. Have someone hauling your gear around, setting up your campsite, cooking your food while you're riding all day. Don't know anyone that would go which is what is really holding me back. I really just need to say eff it and do it just to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water
It's around 2 months, I will see him later today, I'll ask.Those road riders are a different breed. Curious to know how long it takes them.I know a guy who has biked coast to coast around 2 dozens times with a tour group. I think they mainly stayed at hotels. He's in 70s and still does a few legs with them but age is catching up. He loves it and recommends others to do it too. I'm not sure which company he goes with.Haven't done it yet, but those group bike tours always seemed very appealing. Like from an outfit like western spirit. Have someone hauling your gear around, setting up your campsite, cooking your food while you're riding all day. Don't know anyone that would go which is what is really holding me back. I really just need to say eff it and do it just to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water
is he a teacher? so they're staying in a hotel for 2 months straight? that's nuts. let me know what you find out.It's around 2 months, I will see him later today, I'll ask.Those road riders are a different breed. Curious to know how long it takes them.I know a guy who has biked coast to coast around 2 dozens times with a tour group. I think they mainly stayed at hotels. He's in 70s and still does a few legs with them but age is catching up. He loves it and recommends others to do it too. I'm not sure which company he goes with.Haven't done it yet, but those group bike tours always seemed very appealing. Like from an outfit like western spirit. Have someone hauling your gear around, setting up your campsite, cooking your food while you're riding all day. Don't know anyone that would go which is what is really holding me back. I really just need to say eff it and do it just to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else.Love it. Do a 3-4 day canoe camping thing every year with some friends. Just spent 4 nights on Cumberland Island camping with my two young kids and wife. Will do a 3-4 day bikepacking trip solo every year, and do another 2-3 day one with friends, and another 3-4 with my fam.
Also - it's not roughing it. I'm not out there slaying animals to survive or drinking filtered puddle water