Backpacking is one of my favorite ways to explore and learn about the earth.
Because you are forced to move at a walk, you have the chance to look at things,
to wonder and speculate. Once you become familiar with the small amount you can
put in your pack, and you realize that you have everything you need with you, your
mind is at liberty to enjoy the freedom of a slow pace.
Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau
This region is a wonder for the backpacker. From lofty peaks to narrow slot canyons and everything in between, there is no better landscape in which to be on your feet. The earth's processes become obvious as you make your way through the faults and folds of the land. The relationships between the geologic world and the biological communities living in these landscapes make more sense, as you are forced to live by the same rules. Archeological sites become more than just academic, as you yourself are a dweller, for a time, in these lands.
I run trips for Grand
Canyon Field Institute and Grand Circle Field School in this region. Both organizations run
educational trips of all kinds; largely backpacking-based courses in the natural and
human history of the region. Grand Canyon Field Institute focuses on the Grand Canyon,
while Grand Circle Field School centers its offerings around Glen Canyon National
Recreation Area, Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument and the Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Both organizations offer a wide
variety of classes for all physical abilities. You don't have to be an experienced
backpacker, but you'll need to pick the course that's right for your level of experience. You can
choose from available trips that I will be leading, or we can create a specialty trip for
your group.
Christa's Hiking/backpacking schedule for 2007/2008
Thunder River to Deer Creek Geology-GCFI September 29-October 6, 2007 Tuckup to Toroweap Geology and Nat. History-GCFI October 28-November 6, 2007 Tanner to New Hance Backpack-GCFI March 15-20, 2008 Tonto Trail End to End-GCFI March 23-April 7, 2008 Nankoweap Backpack-GCFI October 18-25, 2008 Whitmore Wash Geology and Human History Exploration-GCFI November 1-4, 2008