USA, Grand Canyon Trek Event Pack
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
USA, Grand Canyon Trek
Event Pack
General Information
When the first European explorers came to the edge of the Grand Canyon on their search for El Dorado in
1540, they were overwhelmed by what they found. The visual vocabulary for a gorge a mile deep, six miles
wide and 287 miles long was simply not available; the distances were deceptive, the scale unimaginable.
On this stunning trekking challenge we will descend 16km into one of the most beautiful landscapes in the
world, into the heart and gem of the Grand Canyon at Havasu Canyon, to our base camp near Havasu Falls.
From here we will spend another 3 tough days exploring this incredible landscape, crossing travertine pools of
turquoise blue water, jumping into breathtaking waterfalls, traversing massive fields of grapevine and spend
our nights under the stars learning from our hosts, the Havasu 'Baaja’ Native American tribe.
Havasu 'Baaja’ or Havasupai means people of the blue-green waters. This blue- green water is sacred to the
Havasupai. It flows not only across the land, but also through each tribal member. The tribe is well -known for
being the only permanent inhabitants in the Grand Canyon, where they have lived for over 800 years.
Fast Facts
Area: 3.79 million square miles
Population: 308 million people (2010)
Capital city: Washington, DC
People: White 81.7%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian and Alaska
Native 1%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.2%
Language: American English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European
3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7%
Religion: Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 24%, Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%,
Muslim 1%, other 10%, none 10%
President: Barack Obama
Time: - 8 GMT
_______________________________________
Training
Type of training
The majority of those taking part in these type of event are not usually experienced trekkers. It is therefore
imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training in order to get the maximum benefit.
The event is not just a walk; it is a demanding trek in places.
The amount of training you will need to do will depend on your current level of fitness. Training is essential -
these events are meant to be a challenge, but the more you prepare the more you will enjoy yourself! If you
haven’t exercised for some time, you should seek advice from you GP.
How should you start your training?
If you have not walked for some time, you should begin by walking 2-3 times a week for around an hour.
Whatever your fitness, it is better to do four separate hour-long walks than one long walk per week.
As you get into your training, you should increase weekend walks to around three hours, with one or two stops
en route. Build up the hours you are walking, so that one-month before departure you can hike for around 6-7
hours a day over steep terrain.
Outdoors
You should always wear the boots and socks you plan to take on the event, and get used to carrying a small
daypack weighing 4 - 5kg.
Your daypack should include water, snacks, a compass and a small medical kit. You should tell someone
where you are going and take a mobile phone with you if possible.
Ultimate ChallengesUSA, Grand Canyon Trek
Event Pack
It is essential you find stretches of hilly terrain to get used to more strenuous hiking and get your feet and
ankles used to uneven ground. You must also practice walking up and downhill - downhill can be especially
hard on the knees. (Many hikers find trekking poles very useful). If possible, training on sand is ideal for the first
day of the trek.
Indoors
It is always better to train outdoors, but work and family commitments may make this difficult during the week.
In this case, you should do other forms of exercise.
Joining a gym and getting a fitness instructor to set a program is a great way to increase good all round
stamina and fitness e.g. stepping, jogging, uphill walking on the treadmill and aerobic classes are all good
activities plus cycling, swimming and squash.
The trek may seem daunting to some, but it isn’t a race and there are no prizes for getting into camp first
each night. UTC staff and all our guides will offer people plenty of support and encouragement to help you
complete your challenge.
_______________________________________
Typical Day
Whilst camping we will be up at around 6am! There will be tea/coffee available. After an early breakfast we
will normally start walking around 7.30-8am. We walk for 3-4 hours in the morning and then stop for a packed
lunch. In the afternoon we walk for 2-4 hours to our overnight camp. In the evenings, firstly we will have a
drink and rest, dinner will again be served at camping chairs and we will have a briefing each night about
the next days trek.
_______________________________________
Support & Safety
A member of the UTC team will meet the group in London to distribute flight tickets and ensure that the
check-in procedure runs smoothly
UTC will provide you with a Tour Leader throughout the trek (depending on the number of
participants on the event)
Local guides will trek with the group and will be knowledgeable not only about the country and route
but also experts on Havasupai. They are also all trained in Expedition First Aid. The guides will carry
radios/mobiles for safety.
Evacuation is by helicopter from Havasupai:
Minor injuries are flown to Kingman (15-20 min flight)
Major injuries are flown to Flagstaff (45 min flight)
In the event of an injury, you would first be stabilised at one of these hospitals and then flown to either
Las Vegas or Phoenix if necessary.
Health and Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required or recommended for travel to the USA. All travellers should be up
to date with tetanus-diphtheria, measles, chicken pox and influenza. This is a guideline only. You must
seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic.
You should bring your own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first
aid kit (see packing checklist below)
As a precaution at dusk, it is wise to cover up exposed parts of the body and use a good repellent
such as Mosi-guard.
You should advise UTC of pre-existing medical conditions. These details will be passed to the trek
Doctor accompanying the group; she/he may wish to contact you prior to the event to clarify the
condition.
Ultimate ChallengesUSA, Grand Canyon Trek
Event Pack
Packing checklist
People’s main luggage bag should weigh no more than 20kg (and no more than 12kg on the trek) and
should be in a soft rucksack or holdall that will get dirty on the horses. It is also a good idea to wear your
hiking boots on the plane, just in case any luggage goes astray on the flight out!
We can leave items not needed on trek in a secure locked vehicle at the trailhead.
Equipment
Head torch e.g. Petzl with spare batteries
2/3 season sleeping bag (please see below for more info)
Sunglasses with UV protection
25-35 litre day sack/rucksack with good waist strap to carry your water, camera, snacks etc during the
trek
Medium sized soft rucksack or a holdall not a suitcase for main luggage
Water bottles – Camelbaks (with dust cap), aluminium Sigg bottles or polycarbonate Nalgene bottles –
enough for 3 litres
Trekking pole(s) – optional, but past participants have found them very helpful
Camera/battery packs/memory cards
Disposable waterproof camera (optional)
Lightweight trekking towel
Clothing
Base layers or t-shirts that will wick away moisture – approx. 2
Leather, or waterproofed fabric, ankle high walking/hiking boots (must be worn in) with thick soles and
spare laces
3/4 pairs of specialist trekking socks (worn in) and inners socks if you use these
Sandals for river crossings and the wet routes (Teva’s are ideal)*
1 pair of shorts/1 pair of trousers for trekking
Fleece/warm jacket for evenings
Swimming costume + Sarong
Wide brimmed sun hat/cap, scarf to cover your neck, woolly hat
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Sweatshirt/warm trousers for evenings
Casual clothes for the Gala dinner
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are rated either by season (1, 2, 3, 3+,4, 4+) or comfort level (upper limit, comfort, comfort
lower limit or extreme). Stores will differ to how they rate their sleeping bags. A silk liner will also aid warmth
within your bag. We would recommend the following:
Season Level 2/3
Comfort Level (comfort 10 °C)
*Sandals
You will not be allowed to swim without protective footwear. Flip flops or sandals such as Birkenstocks will not
be appropriate, sandals must be supportive and comfortable enough to wear while trekking short distances.
Trainers can work just as well as long as you don’t mind getting them wet. It is also a good idea to wear
synthetic socks with your sandals to help prevent blisters and chafing.
Boots
It’s imperative that you get your walking boots well in advance of the trip in order to break them in and get
your feet used to them. Walking boots with tough moulded soles are the best all-round solution, protecting
the feet and keeping them warm and dry, providing grip and supporting the ankles, essential on steep slopes.
We recommend getting your boots properly fitted at an outdoor store and advise to buy one size larger than
normal.
Ultimate ChallengesUSA, Grand Canyon Trek
Event Pack
Hiring Equipment
Anyone concerned about the costs of buying all the kit, should check out hiring some equipment from Trek
Hire or Outdoor Hire who provide good quality kit. www.trek-hire.co.uk and www.outdoorhire.co.uk.
_______________________________________
Travel Insurance
At least 4 weeks before travel you must provide us with all your insurance details.
UTC can recommend the following insurance companies:
Preferential Insurance – Tel: 0843 208 1928 / www.preferential.co.uk
Snowcard – Tel: 01295 660836 / www.snowcard.co.uk
Virgin money - Tel: 0844 888 3900 / www.virginmoney.com/Travel_Insurance
**Please advise them that you are travelling to the USA**
There is no obligation for you to take out this insurance. However, you must be covered by travel insurance to
go on the event. You should explain fully to insurance companies what type of trip you are undertaking e.g. a
trek at sea level and below, which includes air evacuation and repatriation. Please send a copy of your
insurance policy to UTC.
_______________________________________
Food and Drink
All the water on trek should be bottled water. Bottled water is available to buy in the hotels. Water in America
is safe to drink in hotels.
Meals will be substantial, but it is still a good idea to bring energy bars, snacks, etc..., to keep you going during
the day, remember never to leave them in your backpack or tent and leave it unattended, animals may
chew through either to get your food – locked boxes are available at the camp for food storage.
If you are a tea lover it’s a great idea to bring your own supply of teabags for the duration of the trek.
Breakfast will be tea, coffee, herbal tea, pancakes, French toast, fruit, bacon, etc. A typical lunch will be
sandwiches - ham, chicken, turkey, cheese, salad, crisps, fruit, chocolate, trail mix etc. For our evening meal
there will be pasta, meatballs, barbeques, rice, potatoes, vegetables etc.
We will need to know in advance of any special dietary requirements to advise the airline and our cooks in
the hotel and on trek.
_______________________________________
Accommodation
The room configuration in the hotel is likely to be twin share. Whilst we are trekking we will be sleeping in two-
person tents. Please specify in advance if you wish to share with someone you know also taking part in the
trip.
_______________________________________
Weather
From April to July and also September and October, the canyon receives very little rain. During these times,
you should plan for warm, sunny days. The temperature in the canyon is cooler than Phoenix and warmer
than at the Canyon Rim. Remember, it is a dry heat. Amazingly, the stream next to our base camp and the
streams that create the waterfalls are a constant 70 degrees throughout the year. You can check
up-to-date weather conditions prior to departing for the trek at www.weather.com and enter “Supai,
Arizona” for the city.
_______________________________________
Passports and Visas
You must have at least 6 months validity on your passports from the date of return to the UK.
Ultimate ChallengesUSA, Grand Canyon Trek
Event Pack
To obtain authorisation please register at the following email address:
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
This is valid for up to 2 years, for multiple visits to the United States and costs $14 (£8.75).
The application process should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and authorisation is normally
granted immediately but can take up to 72 hours. We strongly recommend that you apply for authorisation
at the time of booking or at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure that you are able to travel. All other
nationalities should check with the Embassy.
_______________________________________
Money
Currency: US Dollars ($)
Exchange rate: £1 = $1.61 (as Jan 2013), you are advised to bring $ in small denominations.
Traveller’s cheques can be used in the majority of shops in the cities as currency.
Credit cards – Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised in the major cities and useful to have in
emergencies. ATM’s are widely available and give good rates of exchange.
Approx. £100-150 spending money is sufficient for drinks, tips and some souvenirs.
_______________________________________
Things to buy
There is a café, general store, and post office at the Village. The Supai Post Office is where visitors can buy
stamps, mail letters and post cards. All mail goes out on the only pack train mail delivery in America. Every
piece of mail will bear a special postmark to this effect. The Village establishments all operate on a cash-only
basis. Gifts are widely available in Las Vegas!
_______________________________________
Photography and video
If you wish to bring your own video/digital cameras there are no opportunities to recharge batteries on trek so
please bring spares with you.
Out of respect for the tribal members, never take photos of individuals or homes without asking permission
first. Many will allow it, however, please be respectful of the fences and their privacy.
_______________________________________
Phone coverage
There is no mobile phone coverage whilst on trek.
_______________________________________
Tips and Gratuities
If at the end of the challenge participants would like to show their appreciation we suggest a tip of $50 -$60
per participant . The guides appreciate gratuities and divide them equally. We pride ourselves on our
outstanding crew and they are there to meet all your expectations.
Ultimate ChallengesUSA, Grand Canyon Trek
Event Pack
Social and environmental impact
The overseas challenge event experience is like no other; the sights and sounds we encounter are
captivating and we want to keep them that way for many more generations to come.As a company run by
people with a passion for travel, the natural world and different cultures, it may not be surprising to learn we
have long been committed to supporting community and conservation projects, and to minimising our own
effect, or footprint, on the environment.
With regards to carbon offsetting, we support Social Change and Development, a community based charity
in India who have established an innovative scheme to absorb greenhouse gases through their small -scale
community led tree planting scheme.
Of course being a responsible travel company is not just about the environment. It’s also about having a
positive effect on the lives of the people and communities where we travel.
To help achieve this all of our ground operators overseas are asked to sign up to The Ultimate Travel
Company’s ethical code. We employ only the best agents, and our code ensures that their high standards of
service are mirrored in their employment ethos so that everyone, from drivers to porters, is treated fairly and
with respect. The code also outlines our expectations for health and safety, applied with respect for local
cultures and the local environment.
_______________________________________
Airport Tax
UK Airport tax per person is payable in advance. We will advise how much this is nearer the time. It is
approximately £382 per person (Jan 2013).
_______________________________________
Flight Extensions
Anyone wanting to stay on after the trek should contact UTC on either of the following:
T: 020 7386 4680
E: events@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk
The cost of extending the flight is £95 per person and is strictly subject to availability. If you wish to extend
please contact UTC as soon as possible and no later than 12 weeks before the departure date.
_______________________________________
Luggage labels
UTC will provide 2 luggage labels per passenger. We recommend one for main luggage and one for hand
luggage.
_______________________________________
Useful websites
Foreign office: www.fco.gov.uk
Lonely planet: www.lonelyplanet.com
Currency converter: www.expedia.com
CNN weather: www.cnn.com/WEATHER
Ultimate Challenges
The Ultimate Travel Company, 25 - 27 Vanston Place
London SW6 1AZ
T: 020 7386 4680 E: events@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk
Ultimate ChallengesYou can also read
