We started our Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon hike from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon at about 7:30 am on September 21, 2002. We were all rested and ready to go. The North Kaibab trail started inauspiciously in the pine forest. Here is Steve looking eager with Connie, Tarry, Bill and Margaret following. As we first entered the canyon the immensity and grandeur were striking. But as we looked down at the multiple switchbacks we knew that we were in for more than a mere hike around the block. The steepest part of the trail was in the first couple of miles. A this point, most of the group was still together. We experienced our first tunnel about a mile into the descent.
A pack of mules preceded us down the trail. Luckily for us, this was a rare encounter on the North Kaibab trail. By this time we were well into Bright Angel Canyon as shown by the steep walls above us. And here we are taking the first of many breaks. Part of our trail was literally carved out of the walls of the canyon. Each switchback on the trail was rewarded with broad vistas such as this. Steve, Connie and Candy enthsiastically forged ahead and our party started to spread out as blisters and other aches slowed some of us down. Here John and Verleen make their way down a switchback.
It was about noon California time when we could hear Roaring Springs as we approached. Here Candy, who had never hiked before, is found leading the way. We reached a private residence near Cottonwood Camp where we each refilled our water containers and had a refreshing rest prior to proceeding. From the left are Connie, Candy, Warren, Bill, Steve, John, Verleen, Margaret, Gary, Tarry, Nicole and Cooper as taken by a friendly stranger. Here John and Verleen and Warren cross one of the many suspension bridges that crisscrossed Bright Angel Creek just before we reached our destination for the night at Phantom Ranch, where dormitory style bunk beds and a beef stew dinner awaited our aching bodies.
About 7:30 we reluctantly left Phantom Ranch and its restful accomodations. In a few moments we reached the Colorado River. and looked back from whence we came. Perhaps on my next trip I will take a raft trip down the river. I apologize for the lack of photos on the arduous trip up Bright Angel trail (a view looking downward from half way up the trail) but is was too difficult to take pictures when your only thought was to put one foot in front of the other as we made the 4200 foot climb to the top of the South Rim.
All photos accessible through this page are ©Warren Xato 2000-2002
