A couple months ago, I was presented with an opportunity to join a group of five guys in a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in early May.
Who could pass that up?
The story in photos:
(Hint: Click on the first photo, and navigate through)
Early start in snow!
More snow!
Donner party of six?
Over the rim we go…
Definitely a wet trail heading down the canyon wall.
Within a couple of miles of descending, the snow started tapering off.
Lucky for us, it didn’t really rain much the rest of the 7.3 mile hike to our campsite.
See the rafters down below?
Black Bridge. We used this one to cross over to the north side of the Colorado River.
Don’t dally!
Our campsite, one of many near Phantom Ranch
Went on a 13 mile day hike the next day. This is looking back at the South Rim, from where we came.
Our goal for the day hike? Ribbon Falls. Along the way, we were treated to many great views in the box canyon and then up towards the North Rim.
Another shot back at the south rim, and a constant reminder of what would have to be climbed the next day.
Ribbon falls is spectacular, and by itself made the entire trip worthwhile. Of course, there were at least five other reasons too.
Photos don’t do it justice. Suffice to say, I believe the falls made my top 10-15 list of most beautiful views.
According to my map, this is the lower of the three sets of falls: Ribbon Falls, Upper Ribbon Falls, and Upper Upper Ribbon Falls. It appears it starts from a spring.
Heading back to Phantom Ranch.
Looking over the Ranger Station towards the South Rim.
Another 5a breakfast at the Ranch to fuel up for the ~9.5 mile hike back to the South Rim. Then over the Silver Bridge to the south side.
Indian Gardens is about 1/2 way, and this was where the crowds of people started to increase. Although, the numbers didn’t get annoying until about the two-mile-out mark.
Looking back down at Indian Gardens
Yes, we’re going up there.
And up…
The tunnel near the top.
We recognized what she was saying: Go get some ice cream.
