Hike to Cottonwood Grand Canyon

In order to get to the Colorado River rafting trip I had to hike 14 miles down the North Kaibab trail. Mike joined me for the first 7 miles hike to Cottonwood campground. Nice to have company and break up the long hike.

During the heat of August isn’t my preferred time to hike into Grand Canyon so we left shortly after sunrise.

Although I’d hiked this section of the rim-to-rim corridor trail before, Mike had only hiked to the Redwall Bridge, 2.6 miles down.

It’s a long and winding trail into Roaring Springs Canyon…

…and 4.7 miles to Roaring Springs where a huge waterfall pours out of the canyon walls.

Then only a mile further a welcome rest stop at the Roaring Springs Ranger residence sitting along Bright Angel Creek.

After a cool down and water refill we crossed the creek.

Walked through the ancient Tapeats sandstone deposited about 525 million years ago near a receding western shoreline.

And enjoyed dipping our toes into Bright Angel Creek most of the hot afternoon at Cottonwood campground.

The next morning I would continue hiking to the Colorado River.