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Hiking the Grand Canyon 2009 Part 4

Bright Angel Trail to South Rim (this is yet to come)
After arriving at Indian Garden campground I ate and took a rest. All food must be put into the provided ammunition boxes. And we found out why when one, or more, of the overly obnoxious rock Squirrels helped themselves to a candy bar.

Plateau Point Trail & North Rim Grand Canyon National Park
We hiked out the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to Plateau Point for Sunset.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Me at Plateau Point

View west down Colorado River
The river lies 1300 feet (400 m) below and we could see Horn Creek Rapids just before the bend.
Sunset from Plateau Point

Dung Beetle
On the way back under moon light we spotted this dung beetle. My boss almost stepped on a pink rattlesnake. These are found only at Grand Canyon.

Not my photo
Slept, but not much, on the ground that night. Mostly watched the stars circle round. And thought a lot about the last 4.6 miles (7.4 km) with a gain of 3060 feet (933 m) to top out on the South Rim.
Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park, National Parks and Monuments , 33 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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