More Grand Experiences

Regarding “Conquering the Grand Canyon,” April 14: My first experience with the Grand Canyon was as a teenager in 1957, when our YMCA group decided to conquer the canyon during Easter vacation. In those days there were no fancy backpacks to buy, so we made ours out of canvas and aluminum.

There was no such thing as lightweight freeze-dried food. We carried water, canned fruit and raisins with our sleeping bags.

The trip started down the steep Kaibab Trail--from top to bottom we took 21/2 hours. We camped at Phantom Ranch under the glorious night sky. The next day we hiked out on Bright Angel Trail. From bottom to top, it took me 61/2 hours. I have taken many backpack trips, through the Sierra and 10,000- to 12,000-foot passes, but the Grand Canyon was by far the toughest of my life.

PAUL HINTON

Valencia

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The Grand Canyon’s beauty can be experienced without reservations or guides. I started with my mom’s input and walked into and out of the canyon in one day, as she had with the Sierra Club.

Despite a late start time of 10 a.m. and hunger pangs toward the end of the hike, I managed to walk the 16 miles in about eight hours. It was a drawn-out and exhausting journey, and it’s not for the faint of heart. But it’s not impossible by any means.

By the way, my mom and her Sierra Club group completed the trek in less than six hours.

JENNIFER LEVINSON

Redondo Beach