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MMRF Team For Cures & Conquer The Canyon® 
Grand Canyon Hike & Adventure

May 12 - 15, 2016

 

 

Conquer The Canyon®
Know Before You Go!

THANK YOU for submitting your Pre-hike Form!

Here Is More Important Hike Weekend Information

 

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Step One: If you haven't "Liked" us on Facebook yet, please do it NOW! CLICK HERE! There are a few hundred other people just like you who are challenging themselves by Conquering a Canyon, Mountain or Trail somewhere in the world.

 

Congratulations on your successful fundraising and training for Conquer The Canyon! Welcome to the Mission Celebration Weekend. You and your teammates have worked hard to make this adventure a success and now is the time for you to celebrate your accomplishments with a safe and fun adventure to Grand Canyon National Park. Throughout your weekend our goal is to help you explore YOUR national park and help you learn and enjoy as much of it as possible - SAFELY!

 

When you signed on for this journey - you brought your interests and sense of adventure. We ask that you bring that same sense of adventure to GRAND CANYON and Conquer The Canyon. As we navigate through the weekend together, we ask that you understand that each and every aspect has been carefully planned with the needs and safety of your team in mind. It is difficult, if not impossible to subordinate the needs of the group to the needs of an individual because most every aspect of the adventure has been planned far in advance of your arrival. During your stay with us, if you are having any difficulties or challenges, please tell your Conquer The Canyon Guide or staff member. We will do our best to help you.

 

For everyone at The Walking Connection and Conquer The Canyon, we wish you a safe, fun and rewarding experience. If you have not provided us with your airline schedule, please do it NOW! E-mail a copy of your ticket/itinerary to: info@walkingconnection.com. Please put CONQUER THE CANYON AIR SCHEDULE in the subject line. 

 

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Here is information about your Conquer The Canyon weekend. Please review it carefully.

 

Day One - Your Arrival To Phoenix.

 

PRIOR to your arrival at Sky Harbor International Airport, you will receive an email with exact instructions on what to do. We are compiling the arrival times of all of team members and will combine people into two separate transfers to the host hotel in Phoenix. The ride from the airport to the hotel is approximately 20 minutes depending upon traffic.

 

Conquer The Canyon Host Hotel, Phoenix/Scottsdale

 

Embassy Suites Paradise Valley, Phoenix/Scottsdale

4415 E Paradise Village Pkwy S.

Phoenix, AZ 85032

 

Phone: (602) 765-5800

 

Website: Embassy Suites

 

Check-in time: 4:00 PM

b Depart With Group

 

  • Two Queen beds - non-smoking two room suites.​

  • In-room wireless Internet.

  • Walking distance to Paradise Valley Mall and 30+ Restaurants.

  • Exercise Facility.

  • Managers Reception - includes snacks and complimentary cocktails such as beer, wine, mixed drinks, and nonalcoholic drinks.

 

This all-suite hotel overlooking Stonecreek Golf Course is 5.5 miles from Phoenix Mountain Preserve. 

The contemporary suites have mountain views, separate living rooms with pull-out sofas, microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers, plus 2 flat-screen TVs and WiFi (fee). Most add wet bars; upgraded suites offer free WiFi, kitchenettes and golf course views.

A free made-to-order breakfast is offered daily, as well as complimentary light appetizers and drinks. An on-site restaurant serves American fare. There's also an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a business center and 14 meeting rooms.

 

The hotel is located in the Paradise Valley Mall area. This is the entertainment and restaurant hub for Northeast Phoenix.

 

Area Map - Phoenix/Scottsdale

 

Checking In: Phoenix/Scottsdale

 

Our rooms at Embassy Suites are scheduled to be ready for us by 4:00pm so yours may not be ready if you arrive earlier than that time. Should that be the case, you can check any luggage with the bell captain and make arrangements to have it delivered to your room as soon as soon as it is ready. The pool will be perfect, so this would be a great time to grab a relaxing swim while you wait.

 

Please note: Pease do not alter any of the prearrangements we have made for your fellow travelers. It can cause confusion and may end up with someone not getting a room.

 

SPECIAL NOTE - WALMART SUPER CENTER - Due to airline restrictions, you may have not been able to pack or carry certain items with you that you would like to purchase after you arrive in Arizona. There is a Walmart Store within short walking distance of the hotel. The Concierge or front desk will help you with directions. This is a good time and place to purchase any specialty food items or general merchandise items you will need during your adventure. We will provide bottled water while you are traveling on the bus between Phoenix and Grand Canyon. If you would like refreshments at any other time, you may purchase themat the multiple stops we will make en route so there is no need to purchase it here.

 

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Conquer The Canyon Host Lodge - Grand Canyon 

(Days Two and Three - Grand Canyon)

 

Hotel: Yavapai Lodge East - Located Inside Grand Canyon National Park. 

Phone: 928-638-2673 

 

Check-in time: 4:00 PM

Check –out time: 11:00 AM


Website: Yavapai Lodge East

 

At Yavapai Lodge®, natural beauty meets the magic of convenience. About a mile walk from the canyon's South Rim and steps from the general store, bank and post office, Yavapai Lodge occupies a prime location in the Park. Of course, it's more than just the perfect place to start your adventure. Its newly-remodeled main lodge makes it a great place to relax and recharge, thanks to cozy seating areas and an outdoor patio.

 

The main lodge is also home to the newly-remodeled Yavapai Lodge Restaurant, which offers a new menu of hearty, Southwestern-inspired meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After dinner, stop by our fully-stocked Yavapai Tavern to plan the next day's adventures over drinks, or share your tales of adventure over a cup of coffee at our Coffee Shop. Hospitality comes first at Yavapai Lodge, which is family-friendly, bike-friendly and pet-friendly.

 

  • Air conditioning

  • Mini fridge

  • Coffee maker

  • Flat screen television

  • Telephone

  • Iron/board

  • Hair dryer

  • Private bathroom with tub/shower combination

  • Accessible rooms are available

  • Accessible room with tub/shower combination and grab bars/bench

  • Accessible room with roll-in shower

 

Hotel Check-in: Group Check In

 

All hotels will require a valid credit card per guest and or/hotel room to cover all incidental charges (phone calls, room service, etc.) which will be required to be paid upon check-out.

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Safety is a shared responsibility - Yours and Ours!

Getting in and out of our van is more dangerous than one would think. 
Please pay attention to where you step and go slowly.

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Transportation Inside The Park

 

Private Transfer - Our van will transfer our group according to the itinerary.

 

Park Shuttle - Once inside the park, there is a FREE park shuttle that provides transportation to every major site throughout the park. We will provide you with a Guide that has maps and the current schedule upon your arrival to the park.

 

Private Taxi Service - Taxi service is available to the Grand Canyon Airport, trailheads, and other destinations. This service is provided daily, around the clock. Call 928.638.2822 or 928.638.2631, ext. 6563.

 

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Packing Tips and Preparation for your Trip

  • Hiking gear (as well as medications and any other essentials) in your carry-on luggage rather than in checked luggage.

  • Bring your favorite snacks, tissues/wipes, zip lock baggies (for waste and paper), extra hiking socks, camera, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses.

  • Proper ID - required for check-in by all airlines.

  • Credit card for incidentals at the hotel.

  • Casual clothing. All Conquer The Canyon functions are casual.

  • Layers for for the cool/cold mornings and evenings. 

  • Bring everything you need , nothing you don't . 

 

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: Make sure you have the REQUIRED equipment for Hike Day. 

 

For all in-canyon hikes, The Walking Connection REQUIRES that you wear SUPPORTIVE HIKING BOOTS, carry a MINIMUM of 2 liters (70 oz.) of water and trail food during the hike. If these requirements are not met, you will not be allowed to hike with Conquer The Canyon. You cannot carry food or water for your hiking companions and they cannot carry items for you. You must be self-sufficient. No Exceptions.

 

Special Note about footwear on the Greenway Rim Trail. The Rim Trail provides several options for you during your hike. There are many paved and mobile chair accessible miles to navigate. If you are walking these in support of a chaired participant, then any athletic shoe you select will be appropriate. There are off shoots all along this trail which provide access to rugged, dirt and rock trails as well. Many are attractive because they afford unique views of the canyon. If you are going to walk on any of these trails, we strongly recommend "rugged walking" shoes or hiking boots. They should have a firm last and deep tread. Good footing is essential on these portions of the trail. The Walking Connection NEVER recommends smoother bottom or "white bottom" walking shoes at Grand Canyon.

 

A note about bottled water. The Walking Connection will provide individual bottles of water for your travels between Phoenix and Grand Canyon. If you would like bottled water to fill your hydration systems you can fill it in your room or purchase it from the convenience stores while at Grand Canyon. We suggest you do this before or after dinner on Day Two.

 

Walking Connection guides will conduct a thorough Gear Check BEFORE you depart for your hike. You must have proper hiking boots, food and the proper amount of hydration fluid (Water/Electrolytes) to last you throughout your day. If you do not have the appropriate items and correct boots, you will not be allowed to hike with Conquer The Canyon. No Exceptions!

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For more information about wearing the correct type of hiking boots required for Grand Canyon, please refer back to the iConquer Online Training Guide here: http://www.iconqueronlinetrainingguide.com/

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Walking Connection Guides Take The Gear Check Seriously. 
You Should Too!

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Important Grand Canyon Websites

Here area few Internet sites with extensive information on the Grand Canyon: 

 

 

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Conquer The Canyon Adventure Hiker & Guest Itinerary

 

Please note that the departure times noted here are our “Wheels Rolling,” times. You should be fully ready to go and on the bus at the specified time. That means that you have gone to the restroom, packed and brought everything you will need. You will have whatever food or beverage you will want – along with your adventuresome spirit. If for any reason you are late and we depart without you, you will be responsible for getting to the next destination on your own and at your own expense.

 

Day One – Arrive Phoenix/Scottsdale

 

Arriving in Phoenix - You will receive exact instructions on what to do when your arrive just prior to that adventure. 

 

Upon arrival at the hotel, go to the front desk and check-in. Your room has been prepaid, but you will need to provide a credit card slide if you plan to charge incidentals, personal items or meals to your room. Check-in time is 4:00pm.

 

5:30pm - 7:30pm - Welcome Reception - Please drop by and check in with the Walking Connection staff and meet other hikers and guests. MMRF leaders and staff will be on hand to meet and answer your questions.

 

Day Two - Travel Day through Sedona to Grand Canyon 
(Times subject to change at management’s discretion, weather and traffic conditions.)

 

6:00am - Breakfast is OPEN! A full American breakfast and buffet are yours to enjoy.

 

8:30am - Depart For Sedona and Grand Canyon. 


11:30am – 1:30pm - Lunch and Sightseeing in Sedona. We will stop in the beautiful red rock country of Sedona where you will have 
lunch on your own. Take in the spectacular sights and shop in the historic market place. Departing for the Grand Canyon promptly at 1:30pm, we will travel through Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff and by the San Francisco Peaks and on to Grand Canyon.

4:00/4:30pm - Grand Canyon Overview & Rim Visit

You will have a chance to catch your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon and learn about this natural wonder of the world at the Visitors Center. An optional short hike along the rim of the Canyon will be available to stretch your legs after the bus trip. Bring your camera!

 

5:00pm - Hotel Check In Check-in at Yavapai Lodge East.

 

All rooms will be pre-keyed. To speed the check-in process, please find your roommate upon arriving at the hotel. Each room will require ONE person to provide a valid credit card for incidentals and personal purchases.

 

6:30pm - Mission Inspiration Dinner - TBA. Join your fellow hikers for an inspiring evening and pasta/buffet dinner located at the hotel. 

 

Day Three - Conquer The Canyon - Hike Day

(Times subject to change at management’s discretion, weather and traffic conditions.)

 

6:00am - Breakfast is OPEN! Yavapai Lodge Restaurant. 

 

6:30am - Meet Your Guide - Trail Lunch Buffet OPEN in front of lodge. 

 

6:50am - Walk to Bright Angel Trailhead. HIKE DAY IS NOW! At this time you should be prepared for your hike day and gear check, in other words – have all of your gear with you and be ready to go.

 

RE: Lunch Buffet: There will be sandwiches (meat and vegetarian) chips, fruit, and other snacks. There will be peanut butter and jelly for those who would like to make your own sandwiches. If you have specialized dietary requirements or prefer other items not provided, please bring them with you. We realize that you won’t be able to bring many food items onto the plane, but you will be able to shop at a super market that is not far from the Embassy Suites in Phoenix. We strongly recommend that you go there to purchase any items you will need on NIGHT BEFORE departing Phoenix for Grand Canyon. There is a small grocery store in Grand Canyon, but it can have a limited selection so please plan accordingly.

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A note about bottled water. The Walking Connection will provide individual bottles of water for your travels between Phoenix and Grand Canyon. If you would like bottled water to fill your hydration systems you can fill it in your room or purchase it from the convenience stores while at Grand Canyon. We suggest you do this before or after dinner on Day Two.

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HIKE DAY - Regardless the trail you choose to hike/walk, plan for an all day adventure.

We plan for you to be on the trail for 7 - 9 hours. 

 

7:00pm - Celebration Dinner - TBA


Day Four - Sunrise Visit - Travel Day to Phoenix 

(Times subject to change at managements discretion, weather and traffic conditions).

 

5:15am - Sunrise Visit - One last visit to Grand Canyon.

 

10:00am - Depart for Phoenix or points beyond

 

12:00 (Noon) - Camp Verde - Lunch On The Road - Stop for a lunch to go (on your own) Subway, McDonalds, C-Store) 

 

2:30pm - 3:30pm - Approximate time to Sky Harbor International Airport.

 

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Trail Descriptions...HERE ARE THE TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE TWO TRAILS WE HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR HIKE. There are maps, reliefs and images from the trails. Please read this carefully. 

 

On The Trail...

 

We want your day to be a fun, safe and rewarding adventure. To that end, there are a few rules and regulations we all must follow. As a special use permit holder in Grand Canyon National Park, some of these rules are issued by the park, and some are based upon our experience of safely leading more that 5000 hikers into, around and out of Grand Canyon SAFELY! We ask that you read these rules and comply with them 100% of the time.

 

Hiking With Your Expert Grand Canyon Guide

Hiking safely is the most important aspect of your adventure at Grand Canyon. We say that a lot, yet it seems like we can never say it enough, especially on HIKE DAY! So plan on hearing it even more over the next week or so. Here are a few simple principles to follow that will make your day enjoyable.

 

1) You are hiking with a team and each small group is treated as a team. If you are a faster or stronger hiker than others on your team, support them by lending a hand or offering advice that may help them. The hike is for the benefit for all participants as a team and there aren’t any individual awards for going farther or faster, or for hiking on a trail that is not appropriate for you.

 

2) Your Walking Connection guide is your trail leader. They are seasoned professionals that are trained in all the aspects of Grand Canyon hiking safety. They operate within very strict guidelines, safety protocols and emergency response procedures established by The Walking Connection and Grand Canyon National Park. As the trail leader your guide may be aware of and acting on a teammates circumstance that is unknown to you. Please be respectful and follow their lead and directions at all times – they know what they are doing. The Guides decision is FINAL!

3) Your trail selection and mileage destination is ONLY a guideline. Your selection has been used only as a guideline for putting you in a group of like-minded hikers who share your interests for the day. YOUR GUIDE will ultimately determine how far you go and the speed that you will hike. Using time, observation and professional discretion YOUR GUIDE will ultimately determine the turn-around point for the team.

 

Hike Distance = Team/Time/Guide

Hike Distance on ANY TRAIL will ultimately be determined by the ability of the Team, the predetermined Time allowed for the hike, and the sole discretion of the Guide. For your safety and the safety of others in the group, regardless of distance or destination goal, turn around when the guide instructs you to do so.

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4) Communicate With Your Guide. You self-evaluation and your training hikes are only your perspective on your ability to hike in an environment that is not anything like Grand Canyon. Desert hiking on the magnitude of Grand Canyon will be unfamiliar to you. On the other hand, your guide is a Grand Canyon hiking expert. He or she has hiked countless miles in Grand Canyon with many people over many years. Some hiking guests will have been more or less fit and prepared than you, so your guide has an educated perspective on how the desert can and may affect you as you hike. Your communication with YOUR GUIDE is critical to yours and your team’s success. Talk to your guide often and tell them how you are feeling throughout the day. If you think you are having a problem, tell your guide right away. He or she can help you resolve it before it becomes a larger and more dangerous problem.

 

5) Your team will hike together at all times. NO ONE HIKES ALONE - EVER! Stay in direct line of sight with the guide at all times.

 

Here are some more helpful considerations

 

Sometimes in the enthusiasm of a fantastic adventure, we lose sight of some simple common sense things that could make our trip better. Here are a few things to consider:

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  • Assist other hikers - you may need their assistance later on in the hike.

  • Don't tempt the edge of the trail. People who jokingly act as if they are falling over the edge, frequently do.

  • When a mule train is passing in either direction, stand on the INSIDE edge of the trail and don't move until they have passed. DON'T stand on the outside edge, EVER!

  • Someone may be having a problem that they have shared information confidentially with the guide. Even though you may be unaware of it, your guide will be factoring that information into his or her decisions while on the trail. Please respect others privacy and your guides decisions at all times.

  • Thirst is a poor indication of hydration. By the time you are feeling thirsty, you are well on your way to dehydration.

  • Eat constantly while on the trail. Salty and high carb snacks are best. 

  • Don't pass litter on the trail. Please pick it up and carry it out. It is OUR national park and we want it beautiful.

  • Don't pick the daisy's or any other flower. Leave the rocks where you find them. Don't touch a petroglyph.

  • In the Arizona desert, if it is green, it has spines or stickers, many of which can cause an irritation if handled. Don't touch them. If it crawls or slithers, it might have a stinger or can bite. Both hurt. Don't touch them. Simply walk away. They won't chase you.

  • DON'T FEED the cute little ground squirrels, especially around Bright Angel Lodge. They are disease carrying rodents and a small bite can cause you big problems. Leave the feeding to the tourists who don't read the signs.

  • Leave NOTHING else behind - including toilet paper. That is how the little squirrels and other wildlife get infected.

  • Share a great story about yourself, how and why you came to get involved for this great cause.

  • Take tons of pictures and share them with as many people as possible.

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Guest Information

 

Guests are welcome to explore the Grand Canyon National Park at their leisure. Enjoy the Village, Visitors Center, Rim, and even hike on their own. We suggest The Rim Trail located adjacent to Bright Angel Lodge.

 

We will provide you with information at the beginning of the adventure about the numerous programs, self-guided walks and hikes in the park that are available during the day. There are ranger programs, talks, condor viewing and art walks, galleries and museums.

 

Non-fundraising Guests are not allowed on any CONQUER THE CANYON hikes for any reason. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. Guests may wish hikers good luck from the hotel or breakfast. 

 

Please note that hikers in the canyon may (usually) take longer than estimated. If you plan to meet a friend or family member at a specified time and they do not show up, DO NOT worry or panic. Your loved ones are with a group of people and have a trained professional with them at all times. They may have chosen to hike longer than they originally planned and/or the Bright Angel Lodge area of the park can be very busy and crowded at times, so you may have simply missed your connection. Please be patient and give your companion time to catch up with you.

 

Weather

 

During our hikes we do not anticipate inclement weather. To reduce the effects of heat, our hikes begin early in the day to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and shade provided by the rocky cliffs. Typically the hottest part of the day is mid to late afternoon. The typical high for this time of the year can be 80+ on the Rim and as hot as 105+ degrees on the trail during late morning and throughout the afternoon.

 

Though unlikely, should it rain our hikes will proceed as planned. Keep in mind that rocky surfaces become slick and that trails can become slippery and muddy. Proper boots and attention to where you are stepping become much more important.

 

Here are several sites to help you gauge what the weather will be. Grand Canyon South Rim | Phantom Ranch

 

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Guide Gratuities: Gratuities are a private matter and at your discretion. Your guides will be with you during your entire journey and work to make your road trip as entertaining, informative and enjoyable as possible. On the trail, they will work very hard to be sure you have a safe, fun and rewarding experience. If you would like to express your appreciation with a gratuity to them, it will be graciously accepted. Thank you very much.

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On behalf of Conquer The Canyon, The Walking Connection, our volunteers, and staff, THANK YOU! We wish you safe journeys in the future and hope to see you at Conquer The Canyon in 2016!

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