Bison hybrids in meadow Kaibab National Forest Arizona

What better to do with a two day weekend than go camping at Fence Point for free. Just before heading out of the park we saw a herd of beefalo.

 Leaning tree over jeep FR222 West Kaibab National Forest Arizona

The slow drive through the Kaibab National Forest took a couple of hours.

Fence Point parking area FR293 Kaibab National Forest Arizona

And ended at Fence Point.

Rainbow Rim trail sign at Fence Point FR293 Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Just one of the awesome western Grand Canyon rim points along the Rainbow Rim trail.

Campsite on the rim at Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Camping gear was hauled no more than 1/4 mile from the parking area in a couple trips to the free campsite along the canyon rim.

View South to West of Powell Plateau, Steamboat Mt, Great Thumb and canyon west from Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

To enjoy this view.

Ancient Juniper & Pinyon near Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Ancient junipers and pinyons surrounded the campsite.

The Esplanade in Grand Canyon from Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Mostly I just sat and absorbed the canyon. Thinking about the sedimentary  layers deposited millions of years ago by environments of sea, delta, dune and beach that seem so alien today. Then later uplifted and exposed to continuous erosion. (OK, I also dreamed of looking up at these formations from the Colorado River next month. I’m a geonerd, what can I say.)

Light & shadows on Steamboat Mountain from Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

I could sit for hours watching the light and shadows change on the canyon walls.

View west in last light from Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

As the sun slowly westers leaving the canyon in depths of shadow.

Clilffrose in last rosy light at Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

And last light turns the world a rosy hue.

Steamboat Mountain, Great Thumb & West view from Fence Point Kaibab National Forest Arizona

In the morning, it looks like a different place. Time to pack.

Ponderosa Pine forest Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Then drive back through the forest.

Lupines Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Stopping to smell the lupines along the way.

FR22 sign Kaibab National Forest Arizona

And finally head towards town to buy groceries for another day.