BAD TRAVELS

Down South Kaibab Trail - Grand Canyon NP

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We started at 6:30 am, got to the campground at about 12:15 pm. Exhausted but proud of the accomplishment. Check out the BLOG!

We’re at the trailhead, it’s 6:30 am and about 50 F. Chilly but it looks like it’s going to be a nice hiking day

Our first look at the GC. Feeling a bit overwhelmed right now.

Thank God the trail is wider than it looked from a distance but OMG, it’s a long, long, long way down

Quick stop to appreciate the view

Legs shaky, heart pounding….nothing to hang on to. No looking down here, no way!

Walking along the ridge, WOW!

Just came down this….shows you just how steep the majority of this trail was. Couldn’t have done it without a good walking stick.

Incredible view!

First rest stop and level ground! 1.5 miles from the top, took us an hour to get here, it’s now 7:30 am

So far so good, we’re down 940 ft.

That last hour was scary for 2 people who really don’t like heights but hey, we’re doing it. Only 5.3 miles to the river but that’s down 3,840 feet. Sure we can do it….can’t we???

Onward and down….look like we’ve got a bit more of flat terrain to enjoy before we have to start back down more switch backs.

Enjoyed this portion of the hike, flat and no huge drop offs

Skeleton point, our first view of the Colorado River. Still a long, long, long way down before we get there.

Still at Skeleton point. While we were taking this picture we heard what sounded like a jet right overhead. When we looked up we saw that 3 condors had just flown by us! Amazing!

Back to the steep drop offs

Seriously? My pack is getting heavy right about now…it’s 8:47 am

Mules with gear on their way back up to the top

Looks easier than hiking but we heard, just as painful…only in different places. Neither of us could do this, had a hard enough time trusting our won 2 feet.

Almost 10 am. Second rest stop at 4,000 ft elevation, meets up with the Tonto Trail at a nice level spot. Happy to drop the back pack and stretch.

BAck on the trail

The Colorado River is getting closer

On top of another ridge, looks like we’re going down on the left.

River closer but man, do you see how far down that next part of the trail is? And there’s more swithc backs….toes getting really grumpy.

11 am, the end is in site….the Bright Angel campground is that group of trees to the right of the river, on the other side of that big rock formation.

Used the rocks when ever possible to rest and help lighten the load on our shoulders. Hard to lift up that extra 30-40 lbs and get going again.

Bridge over the river is now clearly visible….not far now!

Rafters parked on the beach…looks inviting doesn’t it?

Tunnel to the suspension bridge

The Colorado River from the suspension bridge

11:30am. Dave’s legs felt like they were going to give up right about here. Decided to rest, eat lunch and then move on.

Good shoulder stretching spot

Our break only lasted 30 minutes before we had to get out of the way….mules ALWAYS have the right of way.

Indian Ruins along the Colorado River

Decided on this spot, hoping the cliff gives us some late afternoon shade. All the sites had a picnic table, 2 lock boxes for food and a pole to hang packs, towels, etc on.

Boots off, gotta rest for a few minutes

Scenic view on the other side of our campsite

Tent’s all set up, we even had 2 deer friends drop over for a visit. They aren’t shy at all!

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Bright Angel creek….some sites were right beside it but they were all taken when we got here.

Cabins at Phantom Ranch, also at the bottom, not far from the campground. You can book them or stay at the dorm vs. staying in a tent when hike to the bottom.

Just checking our surroundings

5:14pm, temp in the sun is still about 70F. Going to crash pretty early I think.

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