The Grand Canyon

We headed to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff with a sense of excitement, since it was both of our first visits.  And it has such an epic reputation!  An early morning departure delivered us to the South Rim village in late morning, and we immediately caught a bus to the South Kaibab trailhead ... with nary a peek at the canyon.  So, as we hopped off the bus and started down the trail, we got our first views ... and it's huge!!  We hiked down to Skeleton Point (3 miles, 2000' down), which is about half way to the bottom.  It's a well constructed trail, many switchbacks cut into what are essentially cliffs.  No water after the trailhead, and not much shade, either.  But the views were fantastic!  The crowds were a bit thick near the top, but thinned out nicely as we dropped further.

Heading down the South Kaibab Trail

View looking East from South Kaibab Trail

Cliffs below Mather Point (looking west from South Kaibab Trail)

Indian Paintbrush at Skeleton Point

Snag near Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail

South Kaibab Trail

Switchbacks on South Kaibab Trail approaching the rim.

Later that afternoon after settling into our site at the campground near the village, we had the great idea to take the bus out to the western portion of the rim to watch the sunset.  Great idea, but not so novel ... as we found out trying to catch the shuttle buses.  Standing room only.  But we got out to Mohave Point, and walked for the next several miles on the edge of the canyon to Pima Point.  Constantly changing views, very few people, and some pretty serious drops over the edge! Pretty magical!

Evening light from Mohave Point

The Alligator (and beyond) from near Mohave Point

Ridgeline in fading light

Karen and The Abyss

Last rays of light, from Pima Point

Sunset, from Pima Point

In the morning, we rose fairly early once again to go walk some of the rim in the nice light.  Again, great views that were constantly changing as we walk several miles.  We were pleasantly surprised how engaging the Rim Trail was ... for being flat and essentially constantly along the rim of the canyon.  Just a different spectacular view around each corner!

View from Rim Trail

Canyon detail from Rim Trail

View of Bright Angel Trail from Rim Trail

After packing up camp, we drove towards the east entrance to the park, enjoying the numerous canyon overlooks.  The last few of these overlook the Colorado River entering the canyon.  All if it was just awe-inspiring!!

View west from Navaho Point.

View north from Navaho Point.  Colorado River entering the Grand Canyon

More Photos

Activities

• Hiking
• South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point
• Rim Trail:  Mohave Point to Pima Point
• Rim Trail:  Mather Point to Hopi House
• Sightseeing
• Drive east from Grand Canyon village along route 64

"Oh Wow!" Moments

• Too many mind-blowing views to count!!

Tom's Daily Stress Points

• Nada!

Sleeps

• Mather Campground (Pine Loop).  Pretty loud all night (road noise? deliveries?).