Hiking to the river

After hiking 7 miles down the North Kaibab trail and staying at Cottonwood campground my hiking companion had to hike back up 4170 feet while I headed another 7 miles down to Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River where my rafting adventure would being...

Hike to Cottonwood

In order to get to the Colorado River rafting trip I had to hike 14 miles down the North Kaibab trail. Mike joined me for the first 7 miles to Cottonwood campground. Nice to have company and break up the long hike.

During the heat of August isn’t my preferred time to hike into Grand Canyon so we left shortly after sunrise.

Although I’d hiked this section of the rim-to-rim corridor trail before, Mike had only hiked to the Redwall bridge, 2.6 miles down.

It’s a long and winding trail into Roaring Springs Canyon…

…and 4.7 miles to Roaring Springs where a huge waterfall pours out of the canyon walls.

Then only a mile further a welcome rest stop at the Roaring Springs Ranger residence sitting along Bright Angel Creek.

After a cool down and water refill we crossed the creek.

Walked through the ancient Tapeats sandstone deposited about 525 million years ago near a receding western shoreline.

And enjoyed dipping our toes into Bright Angel Creek most of the hot afternoon at Cottonwood campground.

MWT - The Box - Rim to rim Grand Canyon Day 2 - Part 4

Gopher snake
We left the beautiful Ribbon Falls behind and returned to the canyon’s Sonoran desert. This, the only snake seen along the trail. I would have liked to see the pink rattler found only in the Grand Canyon, from a distance.  Read more here.

Scenic Sunday - Fall colors along North Kaibab Trail Grand Canyon

The fall colors were almost gone on the North Rim when Amy, Jan and I started down the North Kaibab trail over a week ago.

Gambel Oak
But within 1400 feet (445 meters) down we entered Indian Summer.

To see other beautiful scenes from around the world, or to share your own, go to Scenic Sunday by clicking here.

Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Day 1 - Part 2

Amy and Jan
The Redwall Bridge crosses a chasm in Roaring Springs Canyon.   as we decended into Grand Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail.  Follow us deeper into the canyon on the North Kaibab trail here.

Hiking Grand Canyon - Day Two

Bright Angel Canyon & South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park

We left Cottonwood Campground about 9am for a leisurely hike through Bright Angel Canyon to Phantom Ranch...

Hiking the Grand Canyon - Part One

North Rim Park RangersWe started at the North Kaibab Trailhead, 8,250 feet (2,515 m) about 10am...