This was our second time hiking the Grand Canyon. The first time, we started at the North Rim, hiked down to Phantom Ranch, stayed one night, and hiked out the South Kaibab Trail in the morning. That's the rim-to-rim route, and one night at the bottom wasn't nearly enough.
This time we're doing it differently. We'll hike down the South Kaibab Trail — steep, exposed, and seven miles of nonstop views — stay two nights at the bottom, and use the second day for a day hike along the river without a full pack on our backs. Then we'll hike out on the Bright Angel Trail, which is longer but gentler, with water stops and shade along the way.
There's nothing like waking up at the bottom of the canyon. The river runs all night, the walls glow at first light, and the rest of the world feels very far away. If you've never done this hike, it's a must.
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This is our video of the day, but our photos tell the whole story!
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May 1st
Our crew minus Kenny and his family, they started earlier
From left, Blake, me, Byron, his wife, Kia, Chris, Jean, Kent, and my brother Reed
The boots that will do all of the work
A short bus ride over to the trail head
How anything grows out here is beyond me!
Better get that last bathroom break in
We had not stood here in 11 years
Off we go
This is livin!
Still smiling!
Me and my buddy Byron
Just a mile into our 9 miles today
Reed getting the perfect shot
Does it get any better than this?
King of the hill
Me and my girl
What a life
This is where the day hikers turn around
You only go further if you are going to the bottom
Some well deserved rest
I loved this view from the toilets
On to the bottom
What an amazing view
What are you guys looking at?
Another nice resting place for the whole group
This is the most amazing view of the trail ahead
You can see the switch backs from here
The switch backs are just starting to reveal themselves
Best view in the entire park
The first time we climbed out of the canyon on this trail, I was holding onto the wall!
What a view
This is the scariest part of the hike!
Kia hiked down in her finger toe Vibrams
The last rest stop before the drive to Phantom Ranch
Reed needs a rest
Nice that they have a phone here
A hiker and his mountain
Our first peak at the Colorado River
Hello over there
This never ends
You can just see the bridge we will cross to hike out
Our first glimpse of the bridge
So close, but still a bit to go
You can just see the start of Phantom Ranch down there
Another mile?
And yet we still have this to get to the tunnel
The bridge to Bright Angles Trail
Our bridge
Kia and Blake are already crossing
I am the last man on the trail!
Still around a mile to go
The mighty Colorado River
Looking back at our bridge
The final trail to camp
In 2000 we camped out here
Looking back at where we started
These guys carried our bags down
We made it!
No tents for use, we have dorms this time
BUT, see that white pail? The water to the toilets is broken, so you have to fill the bucket and carry it with you to flush the toilet!
One day down!
That is how it's done!
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May 2nd
Rise and shine
Kenny is ready for the day
Getting ready for breakfast
Kia, Blake, and I decided to hike towards the North Rim
Kenny and the reat of the group hiked up to Ribbon Falls
Never ever give up!
I remember this bridge from our hike down in 2000
Off to the beach on the Colorado
Everything is going just fine
What could go wrong
What are you doing?
Until Reed decides to take a wade into the powerful Colorado!
Everyone is having such a great time
Until I asked
Who planned this?
The decent
So pretty looking back at Phantom Ranch in the early morning
Taking a short rest
Here come our bags
What is in this cave, a bear?
Run for your life
It's just me
Bright Angels is no where as beautiful as the Kabob Trail
No way!
That and more!
And then we came upon this guide who hikes the canyon in flip flops!
Shade
Are we there yet?
We made it!
This is very close to the top
