Golden aspen line road to Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I got paid to take a fall hike on the Widforss Trail Saturday.

Ferns turning golden brown along Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Well I am a Park Ranger and part of my job is to be available to answer questions. And a lot of visitors hike the Widforss Trail. At five miles each way the first half is forested with views into Transept Canyon.  The second two and a half miles are completely forest with a big view of the canyon at the end.  Camping permits are issued to camp there.

Aspens, pines & firs along Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Occasionally Rangers get a day of project time releasing us from duties at the visitor center and giving programs/talks.

Ripe Juniper berries along Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I’ve posted about hiking the Widforss Trail in summer.

Kaibab squirrel along Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Yet this trail is such a beauty and deserves more press.

Glowing aspen amongst the green from Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Especially as the colors change for fall.

Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I was startled by this stump critter.

Stump critter along Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Until I got a closer look.

Fall aspen leaf nestled in spruce boughs along Widforss trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Hiked for about 2.5 hours and probably didn’t cover more than a couple miles. Such a delight. I’m going to miss this place over the winter. But I won’t miss the snow.