Grand Canyon National Park

Not all Grand Canyon views are seen within the National Park. When visiting the North Rim other options for viewing the canyon can be found in the Kaibab National Forest. Several points are accessible by gravel roads and although I cruise in a 2-wheel drive pickup truck these roads may be traveled by any high clearance passenger car or SUV, with caution.

I’ve previously visited some of the western viewpoints like Crazy Jug, Fence Point and Fire Point but am trying to see them all. So I drove out to Timp Point the other day. From the paved State Route 67 I followed Forest Roads 22, 270, 222, 206 and 271 for 16 miles. All very well signed along the way but I still recommend a Kaibab National Forest map. The road gets narrower and rougher the closer you get to the point. From FR222 on it’s an extra wide, one lane gravel road through forest of aspen, pine and fir. 15-25 mph was my average speed to be safe and I constantly watched for sharp pointy rocks and the occasional vehicle coming the other way.

Had to slow down a little for extra rough spots but the 1.5 hour gravel drive is certainly worth it. The views spectacular.

From the parking area a short trail of maybe 1/4 mile each way leads to a rocky outcrop which I chose not to boulder hop too far out on.

Views to the south across canyon, to the north to the canyon walls and west down canyon and beyond.

I only met two people along the trail and we stopped to chat. I answered a few questions because that’s what Park Rangers do even when off work.

The Rainbow Rim trail joins the many points from Parissawampitts to Timp for a total of 18 miles one way. This trail is for hiking, biking and horse traffic only. Picking a middle point and going out either way from a base camp would be ideal. There is no water so bring lots.

Just a few, 3 maybe 4, sweet camping spots along the southern rim of the point are private, spacious and have enough room to easily turn around. I saw one small trailer in a site. Sure would have to take it slow to tow out there.

So, when will I learn to bring all the camp gear when I go for a ride to explore a new place?

I sat at the edge of Grand Canyon watching an ant. One ant persistently trying to move a carcass at least 8 times its size. Would have made good macro video if I’d been able. That ant was kicking up dirt. Finally had to go for reinforcements.

I listened to the wind whisper in the pines, like ocean waves, very meditative. The smell of the Cliff Rose wafting in the air. Bird sounds, until a jet flew over.

A peaceful place to relax in the moving shade of a few giant old pines and enjoy a personal slice of the canyon.

Hiking Cathedral Wash with friends and co-workers proved to be a great way to get out of the office.

Downstream on the Colorado River from Lee’s Ferry boat launch

We usually hike rim-to-rim, from north to south, across Grand Canyon during training but this year we struck out into the surrounding area for a day. Always good to know what there is to see outside the park to better help our North Rim visitors. After touring the Lees Ferry area we hit Cathedral Wash, the shortest of the Marble Canyon tributaries to the Colorado River at only 1.25 miles (2 km) one way.

This canyon is a great way to see and get close to erosion in motion. Of course you don’t want to enter it if there’s any chance of rain within 50 miles because of the possibility of flash flood. Blue sky overhead doesn’t mean it’s not raining up stream.

The stair step walls and dry falls created by eons of water and erosion have to be climbed with caution and I’m glad we watched out for and helped each other along the way. Well at least a hand for me once in a while. Previous hikers placed rock cairns to mark their preferred route which we didn’t always agree with or follow.

I’d rate this moderately difficult but no ropes were needed over the 200 foot change in elevation. Still, I don’t recommend doing this solo.

The canyon descends through the Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formations of the Grand Canyon Group which are loaded with fossils left from ancient seas. But honestly, I was watching my step so much I didn’t look for any. I frequently see the usual brachiopod, sponge and crinoid fossils on the Kaibab Plateau.

The reward at the end included marvelous views along the Colorado River.

We hung out for a bit to absorb the grandeur and could have stayed longer except our tummies were growling for lunch instead of just trail snacks.

So before long we headed back up canyon.

My advice

The parking area is not easy to spot. Might be best to go to the end of the road and explore Lee’s Ferry first then drive back 4 miles (6.4 km) and look for a wide gravel shoulder on the right with an interpretive sign.

Although a short trail with little change in elevation that can be completed in 3 hours round trip, why hurry. Hike slowly and carefully, take lunch and plenty of water. During the heat of summer go early to avoid possible 120 degree days. Watch for rattlesnakes.

No camping is allowed in this area of Grand Canyon National Park. However a campground is located at Lee’s Ferry and free camping abounds on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land a little further to the west. Also no pets are allowed.

Please remember, collecting specimens of any kind (fossils, plants, reptiles, flowers, rocks, etc.) is prohibited in a National Park. Instead collect memories and photos.

This post is part of a blog carnival hosted by More Time to Travel along with a group of travel friends. I hope you’ll check out more of their group travel stories. You just might get some travel ideas and find new blogs to follow.

Geogypsy

Grand Canyon views from Timp Point in the Kaibab National Forest

Hiking Cathedral Wash with friends

Opening the North Rim 2013