FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – Millions of people visit the Grand Canyon each year, taking in the sweeping views from developed areas along the rim, grabbing a bite to eat and hopping on a shuttle bus to other outlooks. Far fewer people venture into the 1.1 million acres that make up the backcountry.
Park officials are trying to get a better handle on how many people head into the canyon and to the most primitive areas with recent proposals to manage the backcountry. They say the trails are becoming too congested and hikers complain of the noise, trash dumped along the routes and long lines for toilets.
The park also wants to monitor relatively new activities like rim-to-rim excursions, canyoneering, climbing and short rafting trips on the Colorado River to get backpackers to the other side.
The proposals aim to reduce conflicts among outdoor groups seeking the solitude of the backcountry and to ensure the park’s resources are protected. Between 30,000 and 35,000 people a year spend the night in the backcountry, according to park officials.
Here’s a look at some of the details of the management proposal: