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Bright Angel Canyon & South Rim
We left Cottonwood Campground about 9am for a leisurely hike through Bright Angel Canyon.
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Ribbon Falls
Took a one mile (1.6 km) side trip to Ribbon Falls where a huge mound of travertine is built up.
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Monkeyflower
North Kaibab Trail parallels the riparian area along Bright Angel Creek which offers a diversity of life.
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American Dipper
And a tempting place for a snack.
Bee in Grizzly Bear Cactus
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Grand Canyon Lodge on North Rim
I was really surprised to be able to see the Lodge over 5500 feet (1676 m) above.
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Desert Spiny Lizard
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Entering the Box of Bright Angel Canyon
My favorite part of the trail is a narrow gorge1200 feet (366 m) deep. Another hiker and I were almost run over by a charging Mountain Sheep and didn’t have the presence of mind to take a picture.
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Quartz and Mica in the Vishnu Schist
Here we walked past the oldest rock in the canyon, about 1,800 million years old.
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Whipsnake
Day two, we walked 7.9 miles (12.7 km) in six hours and lost another 1534 feet (468 m).
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Phantom Ranch Canteen
After a shower we went to the Canteen for a cold beer and chocolate. I sent a couple postcards that are stamped on the back “Delivered by Mule.”
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That night our boss and her sister made us spaghetti dinner where we stayed in the Park Service bunkhouse, complete with bunk beds that were a bit better than the hard ground the night before.
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The South Rim from the bunkhouse
So now we’d made it to the bottom of the canyon, but it’s still a long way back up.
.jpg)
Ribbon Falls
Took a one mile (1.6 km) side trip to Ribbon Falls where a huge mound of travertine is built up.
.jpg)
Monkeyflower
North Kaibab Trail parallels the riparian area along Bright Angel Creek which offers a diversity of life.
.jpg)
American Dipper
And a tempting place for a snack.
Bee in Grizzly Bear Cactus
.jpg)
Grand Canyon Lodge on North Rim
I was really surprised to be able to see the Lodge over 5500 feet (1676 m) above.
.jpg)
Desert Spiny Lizard
.jpg)
Entering the Box of Bright Angel Canyon
My favorite part of the trail is a narrow gorge1200 feet (366 m) deep. Another hiker and I were almost run over by a charging Mountain Sheep and didn’t have the presence of mind to take a picture.
.jpg)
Quartz and Mica in the Vishnu Schist
Here we walked past the oldest rock in the canyon, about 1,800 million years old.
.jpg)
Whipsnake
Day two, we walked 7.9 miles (12.7 km) in six hours and lost another 1534 feet (468 m).
.jpg)
Phantom Ranch Canteen
After a shower we went to the Canteen for a cold beer and chocolate. I sent a couple postcards that are stamped on the back “Delivered by Mule.”
.jpg)
That night our boss and her sister made us spaghetti dinner where we stayed in the Park Service bunkhouse, complete with bunk beds that were a bit better than the hard ground the night before.
.jpg)
The South Rim from the bunkhouse
So now we’d made it to the bottom of the canyon, but it’s still a long way back up.
It is so beautiful at the bottom of the canyon. Awesome!
Each picture I see I think “Now There is where I want to live” then I see the next one and think the same. LOL!! I know if I went there I would NEVER come out again. LOL!!
A fantastic post Gaelyn. What a great place to work, there is so much beauty surrounging you.
Wow, i love that photo of the cactus.
Whoa, watch out for those charging mountain sheep! I love the gorgeous image of monkey flower plant against red earth and your wonderful spiny lizard and whipsnake shots. I just saw my first coachwhip, a red racer.
I’m enjoying hiking with you in pictures. Wish I could do it on foot.
I’m really enjoying your journey and pictures. I never knew there was such diversity in plants and animals as you are showing. It’s an education for me!
What a fantastic experience. I am fascinated by all the different critters and plants along the trail. Spaghetti dinner sounds heavenly after a hike like that!
You captured great wildflower and wildlife shots, as well as the beautiful scenery.
Oh My..now you have to walk all the way back up..tee hee..
well at least you had a nice bed ..and a home cooked meal.
I would love to do that hike someday.
Wow just wonderful natural sights to take in, whilst avoiding being mown down LOL!