Hiking - 2016 11 - Grand Canyon

I packed camp and headed off for the Bright Angel trail to take me down into the Canyon. To make things a little easier on the way out I parked at the visitor centre and took one of the free shuttle busses to the trail head. I'll still need another bus ride upon finishing, but it will only be one shuttle instead of having to take two.

There was a group gearing up for a 3 day mule trip into the canyon. Strapping on my pack I couldn't help but think it might have been a better idea... Luckily I started just before them and was going a little faster. As it was I could still hear the leader yelling instructions to both the riders and hikers on trail to make way. Which lasted for about 2 miles before I was far enough away.



Beautiful views of the canyon the entire way down but the best views were probably from a little beach right on the river. I took a side trip to another viewpoint, Plateau Point, to extend the hike down a little but still arrived at camp before 2pm.

Fortunately to kill time in the arvo they have a fully stocked bar down here... as long as you like Budweiser tinnies or Red Goon (boxed red wine.) Still the beer was nice and cool, just to get that real backcountry experience... I also learnt that I could have a mule pack out my gear for the low low price of $75!

Back to camp for dinner and after the sun set I tried my hand at some silhouette/starlight photos. It wasn't long until it was time to head to camp and go to sleep.



In the morning I set off up the North Kaibab trail towards the north rim. This side canyon is much narrower than the main one which is cool. Towering sheer cliffs either side as you wind along with the creek.



I had origonally thought I would like to hike out he north rim but logistics with a hire car were too difficult or expensive so today was just a round trip to the Ribbon falls. They have an impressive moss covered limestone build up and a great little cave under them.

Back to the Phantom Ranch at the Bright Angel campground just after lunch for a few more beers before an early night. Tomorrow is going to be a big climb out, only 7 miles but ascending 4700 ft, so I'll need my rest.

Despite wanting to get an early start the comfort of bed kept me until I was able to break free about 650. By 735 the pack was on my back and I strolled out of camp. Crossed back over the river via a cool suspension bridge that leads you directly into the cliff face. A short tunnel before the steep climb back out began.



It wasn't long before I was overtaking some of the people I had beers with yesterday, they had left at 6am. In their defence the youngest in their crew was 58... and I have just gone through a pretty rigorous 5 month training hike...

A few more mule pack trains as well. Plenty of evidence left behind by their predecessors. Nothing quite like working hard, huffing up a hill, and getting a huge wiff of mule dung and urine... Did give motivation to keep moving though...

Made it back to the top in just under 3 hours, not too shabby when the park info has the average descent taking 4-6 hours. Taking a breath to enjoy the views once more before heading off for a shower and then moving onto the next destination.