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North Rim Park Rangers
We started hiking the Grand Canyon at the North Kaibab Trailhead, 8,250 feet (2,515 m) about 10am.
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North Kaibab Trail Roaring Springs Canyon
It’s about two miles (3.2 km) down to Supai Tunnel where there’s water and compost toilets.
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Plateau Lizard
By then it was hot enough to sun on a rock, or at least reduce a layer of clothing.
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North Kaibab Trail
We’d also walked past four rock layers representing about 100 million years of sedimentary deposits.
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Agave
I’m so amazed by the variety of plant life.
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Western Redbud
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Roaring Springs
Roaring Springs pours out from the bottom of the Redwall Limestone and provides all water needs for both North and South Rims.
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Bright Angel Canyon north
From here we turned south to follow Bright Angel Canyon and Creek.
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Bright Angel Creek
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Prickly Pear Cactus along Bright Angel Creek
We got into Cottonwood campground about 4pm. Our first day 6.8 miles (11 km) and about a 4,000 foot (1,270 m) drop.
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Cottonwood Campground
I was feeling fine, ate tuna and crackers for dinner. All were in sleeping bags under the stars by 9pm. It just barely sprinkled but not enough to bother. Unfortunately, the cheap sleeping pad I bought is useless so only slept on and off. Thank goodness the next stretch to Phantom Ranch was a bit easier.
We started hiking the Grand Canyon at the North Kaibab Trailhead, 8,250 feet (2,515 m) about 10am.
.jpg)
North Kaibab Trail Roaring Springs Canyon
It’s about two miles (3.2 km) down to Supai Tunnel where there’s water and compost toilets.
.jpg)
Plateau Lizard
By then it was hot enough to sun on a rock, or at least reduce a layer of clothing.
.jpg)
North Kaibab Trail
We’d also walked past four rock layers representing about 100 million years of sedimentary deposits.
.jpg)
Agave
I’m so amazed by the variety of plant life.
.jpg)
Western Redbud
.jpg)
Roaring Springs
Roaring Springs pours out from the bottom of the Redwall Limestone and provides all water needs for both North and South Rims.
.jpg)
Bright Angel Canyon north
From here we turned south to follow Bright Angel Canyon and Creek.
.jpg)
Bright Angel Creek
.jpg)
Prickly Pear Cactus along Bright Angel Creek
We got into Cottonwood campground about 4pm. Our first day 6.8 miles (11 km) and about a 4,000 foot (1,270 m) drop.
.jpg)
Cottonwood Campground
I was feeling fine, ate tuna and crackers for dinner. All were in sleeping bags under the stars by 9pm. It just barely sprinkled but not enough to bother. Unfortunately, the cheap sleeping pad I bought is useless so only slept on and off. Thank goodness the next stretch to Phantom Ranch was a bit easier.
WOW!! What a great post again Gaelyn. I have always heard of the Agave but never known what it looks like. Thanks for the pic. Wild flowers are so beautiful. I always wonder why there are so many which have not been cultivated.
I simply LOVE that waterfall. Can I bring my tent and park next to it for the next 100 years? :)I would never budge an inch from it.
It looks like a great days hike and what nicer than to end it by sleeping under the stars. Too bad about the sleeping bag though and a sprinkle never hurt anyone. 🙂
Absolutely fantastic and can’t wait to see the rest of it. Thanks for sharing. I need to ask you a favor but will send it per e-mail….
I love the layers and colors of the rocks, and blue belly patches on the Plateau Lizard. Redbuds at the Grand Canyon, I had no idea. Indeed, a fascinating variety of plants. Marvelous creek and waterfall too. Hard to imagine seeing all that awesomeness in just one day!
The Grand Canyon in early spring is truly a magnificent place. I’ve always been surprised by the variety of plant life there, too.
Beautiful photos and great description of the hike. Good to hear you came through Day 1 in good shape. I’ve never had a ground pad that works. Thermarests are nice at first, but they always seem to get a hole in them and lose all the air by the middle of the night!
Oh good…I am glad to see you are back and in one piece..tee hee.
Sorry about that sleeping pad..I suppose you didnt sleep to well the rest of the trip.
I look forward to reading more…Tuna and crackers for dinner..easy..I like that..especially after hiking such a long way.
I really want to hike the canyon, but I know my limitations. It won’t be this year for sure, unless I can loose at least 50 pounds. I am living vicariously through you. Thank you so much for posting your story.
Beautiful scenery! My back hurts reading about your inadequate sleeping pad. And this was only the first night. I doubt very much that I am as tough as you are.
Loving this trek via blogging. all the flowers are so beautiful!
PS: Is it not amazing that you can take photos in the depths of GC and then share them with us nearly right away?