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Category: Bright Angel Trail

Hiking Grand Canyon 2009 Part 3

Breakfast at the bunkhouse
After a decent night’s sleep on a real bed at the Phantom Ranch bunkhouse we enjoyed a great breakfast prepared by my boss and her sister. Then hit the trail about 10am.

Bright Angel Bridge over Colorado River
Two foot bridges cross the Colorado within one mile of each other. Farther east, the Kaibab Bridge leads to the South Kaibab Trail which runs 6.8 miles (10.9 km) along a ridge up 4780 feet (1457 m) to the South Rim.

South Rim Grand Canyon National Park
We hiked the Bright Angel Trail 4.7 miles (7.6 km) and up 1320 feet (402 m), which was only half way to the top.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Mules hauling mail up from Phantom Ranch
Have to share the trail and mules have right away. The worst of that is following along in the dust and avoiding the poop and pee pools. When one mule stops to pee, the rest all stop at the same place. They can poop walking.

The Devil’s Corkscrew – Bright Angel Trail
Back up through the Vishnu Schist which reflected the sun and made for a hot hike. Of course it’s a lot worse during July and August when temperatures easily reach triple digits in the lower canyon.

Yet the views are all worth the effort.

Side-blotched Lizard
After what felt like 10 miles of corkscrew the trail more easily follows Garden Creek.

Desert Plume

Welcome to Indian Garden
Another hiker and I were the last to arrive in Indian Garden camp at 4pm. After dinner we all hiked out to Plateau Point for sunset.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks and Monuments 11 Comments

Leisurely day at Grand Canyon

Home Sweet Home
It took me half of yesterday to get the 5th-wheel set up and level, then waited for several hours for the phone guy. Never even peaked into the canyon.
Today I went up to the developed area at the end of the road.
Deluxe Cabins
Past the cabins. Must be getting new beds.
Grand Canyon Lodge 
To the east of the Lodge I took the Bright Angel Trail.
Old Utah Juniper along Bright Angel Trail
Western Bluebird
Only saw a few birds.
Brachiopod
Some cool fossils in the Kaibab limestone.
Bright Angel Trail
The park’s not open yet. So I’m alone on the trail and it’s quiet except for the little wind.

Deva, Brahma & Zoroaster Temples at the end of the trail
And of course the Grand Canyon. Hope you enjoyed the walk.

Sure is nice to be back. Tomorrow I report for training at 8am. That sure seems early after a winter of loafing. 

And what is up with blogger? It suddenly has a different mind of it’s own. Or is it just me?

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Park Ranger 6 Comments

Lijit

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