2gypsies wrote:
The North Rim doesn't open until May 15 so plan accordingly for access to the North Kaibab trail which is a biggie - 28 miles round trip. I hope you're a highly experienced hiker for some of the hikes you have planned. You've picked some difficult ones. Going DOWN the canyon is just as difficult as hiking back up. :)
There's a very nice national forest campground just outside the North Rim park gate called DeMotte. It's right on Hwy 64. It doesn't open until May 15. The first road south of this campground F.S.22, leads to many nice boondocking spots.
Here's info on DeMotte campground with a map. Zoom out and you will see F.S. 22. There are other forest service roads in the area but this one is easy access, flat and good sites.
Have a good trip!
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recarea/?recid=11699
ON EDIT: I just looked at your blog - wonderful pictures and write-ups. I now see that you are a very experienced hiker/biker. :) :)
Thanks for the info in your reply especially the camping aspect. I remember your description of backpacking from North to South Rim. Quite the experience. You are also correct in stating the difficulty in hiking rim to river to rim. Even experienced canyon hikers can sustain an injury during the hike which makes going back up to trailhead a serious challenge.
Dave