lost_but_found

I certainly would not count on seeing any water in Boot Springs. The last time I was out there (Sept. '01) the only water I saw was the Rio Grande. And I surely wouldn't drink that water!! But if there is rainfall, there will be water in places. One of my friends said something to me about the water one might find in the Chisos - "The little bit of water you might see would be better left to the area's inhabitants because it is a rare commodity." I somewhat believe in this idea, but if there is plentiful water due to good rainfall, then I don't think you would make a huge impact.

About summer storms, I saw a few when I was there last, but they never passed over me. The ones I saw were definitely extracting quite the electric show though. Most of the hike out to the North and South Rim is fairly well protected. But when you are on the N&S Rim, you are one of the highest points. All of the storms I saw passed pretty quickly. They were basically just one cloud with an attitude.

I would plan on taking your water with you. Watch the weather and see what kind of patterns it may have for the area, i.e. what time of the day storms typically show up, how much rain they drop, and how frequent they are. If there are a lot of showers before or when you go, you may have a good chance of being able to treat some water and lighten the load. And, as always, ask the Rangers when you get there. They will be able to give you a good idea of the chances for rain and water and where they would be.