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Category: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

Rim to Rim Grand Canyon ascent to Indian Garden Day 3 – Part 6

Amy on silver bridge Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaAmy on Silver Bridge
We said good bye to new made friends from the trail and Phantom Ranch. Our third day on the trail, we headed for the Silver Suspension Bridge to cross the Colorado River and begin our ascent to Indian Garden camp.
Colorado River Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDownstream Colorado River
Before the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963 the Spanish named Rio de Colorado carried as much as 380,000 tons (345,000 metric tons) of sediment per day. Today, the river carries only about 40,000 tons (36,300 metric tons) daily. This has caused erosion where deposition should occur.
Colorado River Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaUpstream – Silver and Black Bridges
The Black Bridge was completed in 1928 allowing people, and mules, to easily cross the Colorado River. The Silver Bridge was constructed in the late 1960s to support the pipeline carrying water from Roaring Springs to the South Rim.
Desert Big-horn sheep Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDesert Bighorn Sheep along Colorado River
Only my second sighting of the Bighorn and my first photos! From the South Rim these acrobats are frequently seen jumping from one skimpy ledge to another along the canyon walls. They can scramble up a sheer cliff face at 15mph (24 kmph).
Devils Corkscrew Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDevils Corkscrew along Bright Angel trail
After 1.6 miles (2.4 km) of relatively easy River Trail we began to climb 1360 feet (414 m) over 3.1 miles (5 km) to Indian Garden Camp by way of the appropriately named Devils Corkscrew back through the Vishnu Schist and desert environment.
Vishnu schist Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSchist with granite and quartz intrusions
Once I got a pace going I didn’t stop very often to take photos.
Indian Garden camp Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaIndian Garden Camp
After we’d set up camp at Indian Garden we had time to explore the area.
Johnson Jumper spider Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJohnson Jumper
Several seep springs in the area provide adequate water for the large Cottonwoods.
Jan Garden Creek Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJan along Garden Creek
And the same creek that watered crops for people from the past offered respite for us.
Jan and Amy Plateau Point trail Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaJan and Amy
After we had dinner, prepared by Jan, we took another hike to watch the sunset at Plateau Point. No we aren’t masochists; this was only 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip, almost level and no packs.
Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, Indian Garden Camp, National Parks and Monuments , , , , , 19 Comments

The BIG Climb – Grand Canyon NP Rim to Rim hike


Today we’ll be climbing up the Bright Angel Trail 4.6 miles (7.4 km) from Indian Garden campground to the South Rim, 3060 feet (933 meters). The dark green patch way down in the bottom is Indian Garden. The switch back part of the trail is called Jacob’s Ladder. Wish us luck!
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Indian Garden campground, Jacob’s Ladder, rim to rim 21 Comments

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

Lijit

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