Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Deer Creek-Thunder River Loop in Grand Canyon

Now that its winter time - thinking of the warm backcountry hikes in Grand Canyon. Did anyone try or did this challenging but most awesome loop hike in Grand Canyon? I am ref to George Steck's description of this hike in the book "Grand Canyon loop hikes" Appreciate any info, if you have done it or planning to do it.
Regards
Krishna

Krisna, I haven't done this hike but I've been tempted. Try the Grand Canyon Field Institute site for information as they do it. One difficulty you may find in the winter is getting access to the trailhead which is on the North Rim and somewhat isolated. Lots of snow from late Fall until late Spring.

Another fun option is the Escalante Route on the South side. Take the Tanner down, follow this route (not a trail but it's identifiable)to Horseshoe Mesa and up. This is a really nice trip and more easily accessible than Thunder River. But again, you will probably have snow for the first 1,000 to 2.000 of descent.

Krishna - done this hike three times from the rim and parts of it from the river on river trips three times. You have two options to start. The shorter but higher Bill Hall Trail or the longer but lower Indian Hollow Trail. Once you make the descent to the esplande you will come to another descent into surprise valley. Here there is a large cairn if you go left you will go towards Thunder River (arguably the worlds shortest river) and Tepeats Creek. If you Go right you will go towards Deer Creek and the Throne Room ( an area with large slabs of rock stacked up like kings thrones). I have only done the full loop once. I went to Thunder River first. Once you get to Tepeats Creek you will want to be on the left side of the creek (as you are going toward the Colorado) naturally I was on the right which made for a lot of up and down. Once you get towards the Colorado River cross back over and follow the trail to Deer Creek. It will take you to Deer Creek above the Narrows. You will then want to cross Deer Creek and go left down to the river. There is a pretty impressive waterfall called Deer Creek Falls at the river. On your way back uo the trail will take a right to the Throne Room. Then you will continue back up to Surprise Valley where things will look familiar again. This is one of the most beautiful areas of the Canyon. Before I started going to high places I was a Grand Canyon Junkie. I would say you may want to get a forest service map because there are alot of dirt roads in the forest and finding the trailhead can be difficult. It has been a few years since I have been in there so I don't know the status of road signs. You should also know there is a road just a little ways out of Fredonia (on your right) that becomes dirt but is a pretty good road and will prevent having to go through Jacob Lake and the park entrance - especially if the North Rim is closed. Having said all this you may want to hike to a different area of the Canyon - Krishna Shrine.

Ed, Ligatjoe:
Thanks for the detailed msgs! We (4 of us) are doing the corridor loop on Dec 16,17, 18th (S.Kaibab, BA campground, BA trail back to s.rim)just to enjoy the fall colors. If weather permits we may do part of clear creek just to see those early morning river and Vishnu temple views. Planning to spend some time at the Ranger station on the rim and get all the information re. the DC & TR loop hike details. Sierr club listed this hike for late April 2007 but the only deterrent was the $995/- fee which excludes transportation & airfare. Thank you Gentlemen, especially, Ligatjoe for such detailed descriptions of the trail. Either of You want to join us for early or late April trip? Would appreciate your wealth of experience and knowledge of this hike!
Krishna

I have not done the Deer Creek Loop but have some friends that have from www.arizonahikers.com

also checkout www.kaibab.org and www.hikearizona.com for more info. Have fun, hope your not going with the Sierra Club thats charging a grand for the thing. Thats rediculous, permits are $10 and $5/night per person.

December will be quite cold if you plan to get in the water at all. I was there last December and it got below freezing every night along the river. Next weekend I'm doing the Grandview - Tonto - S. Kaibab loop hopefully.

Enjoy!

-TIM-

Davis:
Thanks for the tips. We are taking poles and crampons for the top snowy / icy conditions of the trail. Last time when I did this in winter, it was icy for 2 miles then it was ok. In fact the cottonwoods were all in fall colors. I dont think I would pay a grand for the DC-TR loop hike. I have several buddies showing interest. But waiting for atleast one person who did this before to join us.
Thanks for the links!
Krishna