The first thing you learn when hiking in Grand Canyon is that, contrary
to what you originally think, going up is easier than going down. Back country
here is very different from other parks since you are often within sight
of populated areas (but it can still be impossible to get there). All travel
below the rim depends on water. Either where it is for drinking or how much
there is for rafting. Almost all the trail traffic is on the 3 trails that meet
at Phantom Ranch. --
Bright Angel, North Kaibab, and South Kaibab.
South Kaibab Trail, Top.
The trail starts at the side road on the Yaki Point road. Access is via the
shuttle or the special early morning hiker shuttle.
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On the way down and around Cedar Ridge, you pass Ooh Aah Point.
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The views slowly change.
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Past Skeleton Point, and the first good view of the river, the color changes
and the drop continues.
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The Tonto Plateau looks so flat from above, but don't be decieved. All
it means is that the switch backs end, the trail is just as steep.
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At the end of the Plateau, the final drop begins at the Tipoff. Panorama Point
provides views of the canyon and the river below.
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North Kaibab Trail, Top.
The trail starts in the Roaring Springs side canyon. Unlike the South Kaibab,
you start in the Pines.
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Not that there is much water, but there is a bridge. It does save some
down and up at the crossing.
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The trail continues down the narrow side canyon.
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As you reach Bright Angel Creek, the trail flattens out and becomes an
easy walk.
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Cottonwood Camp has tent sites, water and a Ranger Station.
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The lower trail slowly descends along the creek to Phantom Ranch.
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Bright Angel Trail, Top.
North Kaibab Trail goes down Bright Angel Creek.
Bright Angel Trial does not go down Bright Angel Creek.
The trail starts at the west end of the village, across from the shuttle
stop for the Hermits Rest route.
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Rock Boundary, Coconino and Shale
Any trip down into the canyon is a geology lesson.
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Going up the name is obvious. The Wall. But you just rested at Indian Gardens
and can seen the top. Going down you have just started.
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The 3 Mile Resthouse provides a place to stop and rest.
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Bright Angel Trail has shade, a stream, actual trees, and shade. It is longer
than South Kaibab so is not the standard route down. Going up there is water
at several stops. Also many more people.
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It should be the Verde, not the Colorado River.
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