Herb, taking a short rest break as the canyon opens up before us.
At least once in your life, visit the Grand Canyon. Stand at the rim and gaze at the Colorado River deep within the walls of the canyon. Watch the sunset cast a glow on the walls and spires that form the grandest natural wonder on our planet. Better yet, take a walk below the rim to the river that carved out the maze that lays before you. The vision will be embedded in your memory for the rest of your life.
Lee and Heidi, looking down on the Tipoff, and the final steep descent to the Colorado.
Boater’s Beach just below our campsite and Phantom Ranch.
Ranger’s Cabin as we head to our campsite where we will spend two nights.
Lee and Herb as we start our hike on the Bright Angel Trail. The first couple of miles gently rises above the Colorado until we turn away from the river and head up the trail through narrow side canyon and lose sight of the Colorado.
There are rest houses along the trail, with shade and restrooms. As we climb out we find lush greenery and sparkling creeks, even a couple of waterfalls.
Back to the rim. The morning after our climb out we get up at sunrise to take in the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Already we all want to go back, spend more time and explore other trails. Note the tiny white specs under the orange glowing walls, that is Indian Garden Campground.
We took this trip in April and lucked out with mild temperatures and ample water. On our climb out the sun still low in the spring sky, was just behind the walls on the Bright Angel Trail making much of our ascent in the shade.
We hiked down the South Kaibab Trail and crossed the Black Suspension Bridge to our campsite at Bright Angel Campground, where we would spend two nights. Our second night we dined at the famous Phantom Ranch Cantina.
Up before sunrise on the third day at the bottom of the canyon we packed up and headed out on our journey back to the South Rim. We would climb half the distance back to the rim but eat up only 1400 feet of elevation. Our last night below the rim was at Indian Garden Campground. Then the final push up the Bright Angel Trail.