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Tag: Devils Corkscrew

07 December 2010

Hiking Grand Canyon – Day 3 Up to Indian Garden

Silver Bridge across Colorado River Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Even after a full day of rest in camp we didn’t rush to get on the 4.7 mile (7.4 k) Bright Angel trail for the day of hiking Grand Canyon and headed for the Silver Bridge at a still chilly below freezing 10:30am.

Mike on Silver Bridge Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The Silver Bridge was constructed in the late 1960s to support the transcanyon pipeline carrying water from Roaring Springs to the South Rim.

Colorado River downstream from Silver Bridge Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

This day, the Rio de Colorado, Spanish for “River of Color,” showed some of its truer ruddy self.

Colorado River upstream from Silver Bridge Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Since the completion of Glen Canyon Dam, sediments are mostly trapped behind the dam typically leaving the river a crystal blue/green.

Brown trout caught by National Park Service biologist in Bright Angel Creek Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Fishery biologist holds brown trout

In addition, some native fishes adapted to the pre-dam warmer, muddier water, are becoming extinct in the cold, clear water which now supports introduced species like trout.

Bucks on River trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Mule deer bucks none to anxious to leave the River trail

The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the River Trail, which continues east to the South Kaibab trail and Black Bridge, between 1933 and 1936 to enable hikers and mule riders to reach Phantom Ranch from the Bright Angel Trail.

Light on canyon walls and quartz intrusions from River trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

The 1.6 mile (2.4 km) River Trail climbs above and follows the river passing through a sand dune habitat with vertical walls of Vishnu Schist rising more than 1400 feet (427 m) above our heads.

Pipe Creek Beach Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Where Pipe Creek enters the Colorado River Bright Angel Trail begins it’s slow 3.1 mile (5 km) ascent to Indian Garden where we spent the night.

Mike on Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

First following the meanders of Pipe Creek including several shallow crossings.

Devils Corkscrew from Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Next comes the switchbacks known as the Devils Corkscrew and the long traverse through the desert-like Vishnu Schist environment. Every time I hike this part it feels shorter.

Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

This tops out into a narrows through the Tapeats Sandstone showing extensive erosion by Garden Creek.

Waterfall along Bright Angel trail Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Groundwater seeping through the rock layers above is stopped by the Bright Angel Shale layer on top of the sandstone and comes out in several springs which have been used by people over a 1000 years.

Bright Angel Trail into Indian Garden campground Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

It’s such a delight to suddenly find myself back in the lush streamside habitat approaching Indian Garden, even with the snow dusted South Rim in sight.

Camp at Indian Garden Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

It was an early dinner and quickly into the tent sort of night as we crawled into our sleeping bags to stay warm with a low of 13F and dream of the next day’s 4.6 miles (7.4 km) to top out on the South Rim.

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Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks and Monuments Colorado River, Devils Corkscrew, geology, hiking, history, Indian Garden camp, rim to rim, wildlife 9 Comments
30 October 2009

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.

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Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, Indian Garden Camp, National Parks and Monuments Bright Angel trail, Devils Corkscrew, hike, rim to rim, River trail, Silver Bridge 19 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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