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Category: South Kaibab trail

12 December 2010

Scenic Sunday – Where’s the trail?

01 Rock cairn & view N from Cedar Ridge overlook along S Kaibab trail GRCA NP AZ (1024x766)

Pay close attention to that rock cairn. Bad place to make a wrong turn. The trail to a dead end overlook at Cedar Ridge is off to the right. Sure got great views looking west over Grand Canyon from here. One of many photo ops along the South Kaibab trail.

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Cedar Ridge overlook, Grand Canyon National Park, rock cairn, Scenic Sunday meme, South Kaibab trail 13 Comments
04 December 2010

Scenic Sunday – Ooh Aah

a321 Ooh Aah Point & O'Neill Butte S Kaibab trail GRCA NP AZ (800x600)

There are no bad views of the Grand Canyon. I tell visitors this all the time when asked “where’s the best view?” I just keep finding more “best” views. The above seen when hiking on the South Kaibab trail last Saturday as we approached Ooh Aah Point, a mere .9 miles (1.5 km) from the South Rim.

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Grand Canyon National Park, Ooh Aah Point, Scenic Sunday meme, South Kaibab trail 14 Comments
03 December 2010

Hiking Grand Canyon – Day 1 on the South Kaibab trail or It’s all downhill from here

Gaelyn & Mike at S Kaibab trailhead South Rim Grand Canyon National Park

Being only a 7 mile (11.1 km) hike down the South Kaibab trail to Bright Angel campground us “retirees” were in no rush to hit the trail at the crack of a below freezing dawn.  Instead we started hiking Grand Canyon at 10:30am.

South Kaibab trail switchbacks called The Chimney South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Only a little snow on the rim and trail but we still put on our ice grippers then dropped over the edge to descend along switchbacks called The Chimney through the 270 million year old Kaibab and Toroweap limestones.

O'Neill Butte S Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

O’Neill Butte

We continued our descent 1140 feet (348 m) past the 275 million year old Coconino sandstone to Cedar Ridge which sits on 280 million year old Hermit shale. This is a popular 3 mile (4.8 km) round-trip day hike destination where we stopped to snack and enjoy the spectacular views. Already two hours into our hike and only 5 miles (8 km) to go. Feeling good!

O'Neill Butte South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

O’Neill Butte up close

This butte was named after Buckey O’Neill who prospected in the canyon during the 1890s and promoted the railroad to the South Rim.

Gaelyn South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The endless views stopped us in our tracks almost every step of the way. Or was it the subtle aching in our knees?

Panoramic view N & NW from Skeleton Point South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

From Skeleton Point (don’t ask why it’s named that) I could see the North Rim in the far distance and with binoculars just make out the Grand Lodge.

The Tonto Platform & North Rim above Phantom Ranch from South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Looking over the edge I could even see Phantom Ranch, our destination for the next two nights, nestled in the fall colored trees. So close yet still 3.9 miles (6.3 km) away.

The Red and Whites switchbacks South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The next 500 vertical feet (150 m) of switchbacks, called The Red and Whites, drop along the 340 million year old Redwall limestone.

Natural Arch from South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I had to remind myself to look back up once in awhile and was rewarded with this natural arch high above.

Mike at The Tipoff South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Yet most important was keeping my eyes on the trail, like at The Tipoff which plunges into the 1600 foot (488 m) deep Granite Gorge. Only 2.3 miles (3.7 km) to go.

Colorado River West from Panorama Point South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

With more views…

Panorama Point South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

…at Panorama Point.

Switchbacks above tunnel South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Then only 1200 feet (366 m), straight down, plus just over a mile more to the tunnel, Black Bridge and Colorado River through the 1.7 billion year old Vishnu Schist. Oh no, not more down. By now my right knee was very tender.

Sunset over confluence Colorado River and Bright Angel Creek and Phantom Ranch from South Kaibab trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Once again I could see our destination and it seemed so close at hand. But it wasn’t until after sunset that we walked into Bright Angel campground, 7.5 hours after having left the South Rim.

Mike on Black Bridge Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

We were exhausted. This is the first time I’ve had problems with my knees going downhill. Thank goodness we could enjoy a complete days of recovery in the bottom of the canyon before making the climb back out.

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Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks and Monuments, South Kaibab trail geology, hiking, rim to rim 17 Comments

Hi, I’m Gaelyn, the Geogypsy

I retired after 29 summer seasons as a Park Ranger, traveling solo for 40+ years. My passions include travel, connecting to nature, photography, and sharing stories.

I started exploring US National Parks in 1977 and 20 years later became a seasonal Park Ranger.  I’ve lived full-time in a RV for 30 years working summers and playing winters.  I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow old, other than grow up.

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