Among other pilgrims, we met three commercial groups. Two of which were backpacking, starting down at 11:30. I would not start a group of newbies down a non-maintained trail at 11:30. Indeed, I would not start a group down a maintained trail that late.
I elbowed my way through a half-dozen backpackers before the guide giggled, "Oh, yes, (tee, hee), uphill has the right of way." The next guide was telling his group that "of course, I am slowing my pace down for you". Real professional. Then he turned to me.
"You folks go to the Creek and back?"
"15 miles round trip, hardly."
"Oh, I bet folks have done it!".
Yeah, don't patronize me, punk. Although assuming I could hike 15 miles before 11:30 is pretty flattering, I suppose.
To obtain a CUA (commercial use authorization} one fills out a form, pays $300, and gets liability insurance. One must have a WFR and have hiked the trail one is leading on at least twice.
There are a plethora of CUAs at Grand Canyon, some more competent than others. Indeed, I turned in one group that I was sure was illegal, only to be told that, unfortunately, they did have a CUA.
One ranger complains that the CUAs do not have desert experience, much less Grand Canyon experience, and they hike to Phantom Ranch on a day permit. When someone in their group is in trouble, they send them to the Ranger station.
The new backcountry management plant would establish two concessionaires for backcountry hikes, both of which would be subject to more restricting. The Park Service would also get a cut of the profits. Needless to say, the CUAs don't want this.
One company brags that their enrollment has increased 300 percent. This group also claims that the vast majority of people cannot hike the Canyon without a guide.
My response is, sure, with an attitude like that. Tell your clients that they can't do it without you, and they will probably believe it
Going with a guide because they have the permits, because they carry the gear, because they fix the food, okay. Signing up for a class in geology, or photography, or history, sure. But not able? Cannot? Choose to, more like.
I have been on commercial Mountain Bike trips because they arranged the route and provided a sag wagon with all supplies. Could I have done these trips myself? Absolutely. Was it worth hiring support? Oh, yeah. Were the guides professional? Five out of six, yes. The interpretation was another matter. But that is the subject for another blog.
