Arizona Beaches: Powell, Mead, Mojave and the Grand Canyon

endurance reward the perserverant few with white sandy beaches on the mighty Colorado, and the chance to explore remote, verdant Vasey's Paradise .

While most hikers do this as a 2 or 3 day backpack, quick-movers can manage one long day hike to the river and back. In either case, beware of the heat! There is no shade enroute. Hike in the early or late hours, pack a flashlight and stay well-hydrated. Know your limits.

For permits, driving directions and hiking information call the Backcountry Office at 928-638-7875, Monday - Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.http://www.nps.gov/grca/

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Grand Canyon Corridor Trails - (strenuous)

While it's a long, hot trip down from the Rim, you can plan to hike in the wee early hours and quiet evenings - and then camp by cool, clear, blessed water. A weekend hike down the Bright Angel or Kaibab Trails (either North or South will do) will take intrepid trailsters to sandy beaches, shady coves and rushing rapid overlooks. Be warned - while an imminently enjoyable experience, this is still a very strenuous option, for experienced backpackers only.

Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into: rescues are expensive! For Grand Canyon camping information, call 928-638-7888. A good, user-friendly GC site (check out the trip reports!): http://www.grandcanyonhiker.com/

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Havasu Falls - (moderate)

The oft-photographed blue-green waters and lush waterfall oases of Havasu Falls are located beneath the remote "Western Rim" of the Grand Canyon. Havasu Falls is 120 feet high, a favorite spot for picnics. Mooney Falls is 190 feet high. The thundering pool below is the most popular swimming hole in the Canyon.

The trail descends from about 5200 feet elevation at Hualapai Hilltop to about 2800 feet at the campground near Havasu Falls, a relatively easy eight-mile hike by Grand Canyon standards. Riding a horse is another option. You are expected to carry your own food and water (plus camping equipment) and to pack out all trash.

To reserve your tropical-esque swimming-hole adventure, plan out this excursion with plenty of lead-time. Permits to hike and camp here are tightly controlled and must be obtained through reservations from the Havaspai Indian Nation.

Entry fees are $15 per person and camping costs $15 per night. Reservations require a 50% deposit. Call 520-448-2141. For more information, click to http://www.kaibab.org/supai/gc_supai.htm

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Lake Mead

Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a wealth of

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