Hello:

Myself and three other very experienced hikers are planning a rim-to-
rim hike from the North Rim via the North Kaibab trail, staying
overnight at the Phantom Ranch (to avoid having to haul camping
gear), then up Bright Angel to the South Rim. We wish to do this the
weekend before Memorial Day (5/19-5/20/07).

I have been told to seek permits/reservations for this hike six or
more months in advance, but when I go to the Backcountry Office site,
they say permits can only be made 4 months in advance.

Any recommendations as to how to proceed to have our best chance at
success in securing a permit? Any recommendations as to how to get
back to the North Rim? Anywhere else to stay at the South Rim other
than El Tovar (heard this was very hard to get a reservation at.)

Do you think it would be better to go in the early fall than in the
spring?

Any and all assistance would be most appreciated! I live right next
to Rocky Mountain National Park and would be more than happy to help
anyone out with logistics in this area.

Many thanks!

Chris Bechard
Estes Park, Colorado