User:Gurge12/Backpack the Grand Canyon

Backpack the Grand Canyon is a video hiking guide for the Corridor Trails in the Grand Canyon. It took over thirty days and one hundred miles of hiking to film the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail to finish the production. Scenes were shot in all seasons at the Canyon. Temperatures ranged from one hundred two to nine below zero. Additional footage was later filmed on the Hermit and Clear Creek Trails. The 2010 edition includes updated footage from the Bright Angel Trail and the South Rim. The film has been well received by both reviewers and film competitions. It was produced by Real World Productions based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Synopsis
Backpack the Grand Canyon is a detailed guide to the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail. In addition, Bright Angel, Cottonwood, and Indian Garden Campgrounds at the bottom of the Canyon are filmed and illustrated with detailed maps. The Phantom Ranch area is also featured with hikers and mule riders lounging and dining at the Canteen. The film begins by introducing the four main characters--all newcomers to the Canyon at the time, planning their first trip into the Big Ditch. Next, route selection, permit applications, camping equipment requirements and travel planning are discussed in detail. Informative and humorous anecdotes from the hikers are interspersed with the narration making the film more entertaining than typical instructional videos. Tips about meal planning, maps, tents, weather conditions, transportation, clothing and lodging finish off the first section of the film.

The film continues by following two hiking routes recommended for first time canyon hikers. The first is a loop from the South Rim. The hike begins on the South Kaibab Trail and continues to the Bright Angel Campground. The hike is seven miles in distance and 4,800 feet in elevation loss. Bright Angel Campground is shown in detail with a description of campsites and facilities. The hike continues the next day up the Bright Angel Trail stopping at Indian Garden Campground. A short side trip to Plateau Point as well as Indian Garden is illustrated with maps and footage. The day after, the hike resumes continuing up the Bright Angel Trail until reaching the rim near Bright Angel Lodge. The total miles for this hike is about sixteen.

The second hiking route described is what is called a Rim to Rim. The hike begins on the North Rim on the North Kaibab Trail. After traveling down this steep and spectacular trail for seven miles, the hikers spend the night at Cottonwood Campground. The next day the trip resumes with a visit to Ribbon Falls, an oasis in a vast desert canyon. Some of the most amazing footage is seen in the next section of the film. The hikers travel through the area of the trail known as "The Box." This is an extremely narrow and deep section of the trail that can be deadly in the summer. Shortly after "The Box" the travelers arrive at Phantom Ranch and enjoy a home cooked meal and several beers. The next day the hike mimics the previous hike and continues up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim. The total miles for this hike is sightly more than twenty-one.

The last section of the film include instructions for camping on the North Rim in the winter. The only water source on the North Rim in the winter is shown with detailed maps. Since the North Rim is so isolated and few people may be encountered on a winter hike, care has been shown in illustrating resources on this lonely hike. The film concludes with short previews of the Clear Creek Trail and the Hermit Trail. Footage of a private rafting trip negotiating Granite Rapids is a highlight of this section.

Reviews
Hit the Trail website

Hiking Lady website

Accolades
All awards are listed under Real World Productions

The Accolade-Award of Merit

DV Awards-Winner

The Aegis Awards-Winner

The Indie Fest-Award of Merit

Houston Worldfest Film Festival-Gold Remi

DVD Chapters

 * 1) Disclaimer
 * 2) Introduction
 * 3) The Corridor Trails
 * 4) A Few Essentials
 * 5) Backcountry Permits
 * 6) Getting in Shape
 * 7) Weather
 * 8) Travel
 * 9) Lodging
 * 10) Getting to the Trailheads
 * 11) South Kaibab Trail
 * 12) Bright Angel Campground
 * 13) Bright Angel Trail, Part 1
 * 14) Indian Garden Campground
 * 15) Plateau Point
 * 16) Bright Angel Trail, Part 2
 * 17) North Kaibab Trail, Part 1
 * 18) Cottonwood Campground
 * 19) North Kaibab Trail, Part 2
 * 20) Phantom Ranch
 * 21) North Rim in the Winter
 * 22) The Next Step