.jpg "Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Karen and I went hiking Wednesday on the Cape Final Trail located on the Walhalla Plateau. Four miles (6.44 km) round trip through Ponderosa Pine forest to several awesome views of the canyon..jpg "Horned lizard Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Mountain Short Horned LizardThis little creature crossed our trail but didn’t hang out long enough for many photos.
.jpg "View NE Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
View northeast into Grand CanyonWe reached the rim and ate our lunch with this magnificent view.
.jpg "Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Then the trail returned briefly back to the forest..jpg "Sego lilies Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Sego LilliesThese beauties waved in the breeze to us as we continued.
.jpg "Karen Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Karen, don’t jump!The end of the trail provides spectacular views.
.jpg "Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Yet you always want to be careful standing on overhanging rocks..jpg "Cactus bloom Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
Prickly Pear CactusAt the rim edge cactus still bloom.
.jpg "View S Cape Final trail NR GRCA NP AZ")
View south across Grand CanyonIt’s about 8 miles (12.87 km) to the south rim as the condor flies. But we had to hike back 2 miles (3.22 km) to the trailhead. We were tired upon our return and Karen’s feet hurt. Need to get out there more often girl.
To read a very funny story about the serious subject of hiking the Grand Canyon check out this article from the Salt Lake Tribune.
Great piccies Gaelyn and I love the advise about overhanging rocks, I'm convinced!!
Great photos.
SQ
Was that little critter a lizard? Also love the little flowers – on what height were you? Sounds you had a good time – of course I expect you to be in great physicial condition, so for you it could have been longer:)Thanks for sharing!
I can't believe you get to live there! What an amazing place the canyon is…
Wow, those are some views! Looks like you and Karen were on top of the world. Cute horned lizard, I still have only seen them in photos.
Gaelyn: I do like to visit the canyon with you.
enjoyed your trek…also clicked through to read that article…it was a hoot.
thanks for sharing.
have a great weekend.
hugs
I'm so glad Karen didn't jump, Gaelyn. But I suppose if she had she wouldn't have had sore feet. (Just kidding, Karen, Really I am!)
I'm glad Karen didn't jump. 🙂
Wonderful pics. That lizard looked cool.
Your adventure looks like a great day hike. What a view for your lunch break!
I enjoyed the Robert Kirby article. I used to read him all the time, back when we got the SLTribune at the house. Can't believe he made that hike in June. That is a little loony.
Saw a survival program on TV about the boy scout disaster about 10 years ago when one of the kids died of dehydration. The scout leaders were so woefully unprepared, it was ridiculous bordering on criminal.
I do understand that the rangers are dealing with all kinds of people, most of whom have no idea what they're doing. So, all the warnings given to hikers are no surprise, and in most cases necessary.
That little lizard is thes oddest thing I have seen for ages and very interesting. Those views over the Canyon are stunning Gaelyn. What a fantastic place to go hiking.
Gaelyn, what a beautiful hike, I wish I were there with you guys. That little lily was smilin' at you! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.
Smiles
I was ok the next day, but had to stand on my feet all day at work, so they were hurting again by the time I got home. I know I need to get out there more often, and now that I won't have to be working overtime anymore, maybe I'll have time to get out there.
I had a marvelous time, and as usual, I was very proud of myself for having done it. Thanks, my friend, for a great day!
Was that a chameleon, it is camouflaged so well.
Wow ..Awesome views! Very cool Lizard. I saw something similar..in southern arizona..but not the same.
love your panoramas!
Hi Gaelyn,
Loved your pics of the rim – tell Karen to stay back! That Prickly Pear was beautiful.
Gaelyn, your photos are terrific. I appreciate seeing the wonderful views and reading you account of the hike.
I also read the article from the Salt Lake Tribune and found it to be an incredibly hilarious account of their journey down the Grand Canyon. I had a good belly laugh 😀
Thanks!
You should have had my Mom with you.. LOL…What a beautiful hike, but I would be hanging on to those rocks with the fingernails for fear of falling off……lol…. Michelle
Thanks for all the great shots of the Grand Canyon. We visited there on our honeymoon. But, I am so afraid of heights that I did not really get to enjoy the vistas. And, all the photos have me hugging a tree for dear life while my husband is standing on the edge causing me to fear loosing him before the marriage hardly begun. Your tour was so much more enjoyable for me.
What a wonderful hike! The pictureof her standing out on the edge makes my stomach a little queasy.I was never like this until I had kids. Danger seems more apparent to me now.
BEAUTIFUL photos!