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Old 10-30-2012, 11:56 AM   #1
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Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

As a birthday present to myself, I chose to hike from the South Rim, down the Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River and back up the Bright Angel trail in one day. Here is a series of pictures looking mostly across the canyon as I go down.












The first few miles you never seem to get much lower, or much closer to the other side.


These switchbacks get you going down. It took a long time, but I finally figured out the only thing that is worse that switchbacks when you are hiking.

Not having switchbacks would be worse.




Looking up from near the bottom.


The view at the bottom is limited.

Stay tuned for photos of the 'The River', Hiking up, and Looking Back while hiking up.

Mike

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Old 10-30-2012, 12:09 PM   #2
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The River

Views of the Colorado River, both while hiking down and while at the bottom.


It looks more like the Coloverde River.


First view of the Kaibab Bridge


The campground at the river


The Bright Angel Bridge


Looking back to the Kaibab Bridge




From the BA bridge to the Kaibab bridge

Stay tuned for Hiking Up and Looking Back

Mike
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Old 10-30-2012, 12:23 PM   #3
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Hiking Up, out of the canyon

Looking up while hiking out of the canyon.




Yes, hiking into the sun.








First view of the top. The end is in sight!






The last mile is nearly vertical. And a real killer.


To the far left is the Hopi House on the rim. The end is near. When I reached the top, I was so relieved I forgot to take a picture.

Mike
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Old 10-30-2012, 12:41 PM   #4
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Looking back while hiking out

While hiking out, I took pictures looking back into the canyon. I took them, because it was away from the sun and the views are more dramatic.


Close to the bottom it is hard to tell where the river is.


Some of the switchbacks


Above Cottonwood Camp the trail levels out for awhile


Cottonwood Camp is the green area in the middle of the photo


From higher up


At least the last of the hike was in shade


The end

Mike
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Old 10-30-2012, 02:02 PM   #5
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Re: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

Impressive, and by that I mean the hike itself. I might make it to the bottom, but they'd probably have to helo me back out. I know they're always bringing up people by mule who can't make it back to the rim on their own. Mega $$$$.

I need to get in some kind of shape before I attempt that hike.


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Old 10-30-2012, 04:17 PM   #6
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Re: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

Christine has booked us for a six-day raft tour in the GC in May '13. Hike in, raft/camp x 6 days, Hike out. I have lost 34 pounds in the last 5 months in anticipation, and truthfully, am WAAAAY intimidated by the prospect. You have given me inspiration from your pix, I just gotta see all that!
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Old 10-30-2012, 05:30 PM   #7
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Re: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

Quote:
Originally Posted by twogone
Christine has booked us for a six-day raft tour in the GC in May '13. Hike in, raft/camp x 6 days, Hike out. I have lost 34 pounds in the last 5 months in anticipation, and truthfully, am WAAAAY intimidated by the prospect. You have given me inspiration from your pix, I just gotta see all that!
Except for my knees hurting badly, the hike out was not a big deal. Just tedious. Carry plenty of water. The day I went, it was overcast, mid-60's on top and 82 at the river. The day before it was 90 at the river and mid-60's on top. If you come up the Bright Angel trail, you will find water no more than 3 miles apart - at the bottom, at Cottonwood Camp, at the 3 Mile Rest and at the 1.5 Mile Rest. Ask at the bottom about water, because some of it can be shut off late in the season to prevent freezing. I think the bottom and Cottonwood always have water. I carried 5 liters and it was enough for the entire trek. Better too much than not enough. And, I wanted to have enough to give some away if I met another hiker in trouble (I've done that before).

You will make it up, the only question is how long it will take you. Take plenty of walks to prepare. 5 miles a day for several months before you go is not too much.

Mike
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Old 10-30-2012, 07:40 PM   #8
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Re: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

Fond memories. Many, many, many years ago Jo and were down on Tonto Point. A brief rain/lighting storm came over and Jo, worried about the lightning, didn't watch where she was walking. Sprained ankle! Really started stiffening up and getting big. Rapped a triangle bandage on it and put her boot back on tight and made a slow and painful retreat. She carried herself and I carried both packs. Walked up in the moon light. Got to the rim at about 11pm. A long day. Clad to see you made it all the way.
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Old 10-30-2012, 08:22 PM   #9
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Re: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

Glad to see you enjoyed your trek Mike; what a beautiful place. I'd like to just see it from above.
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Old 10-30-2012, 08:45 PM   #10
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Re: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon (Many Photos)

Quote:
Originally Posted by twogone
Christine has booked us for a six-day raft tour in the GC in May '13. Hike in, raft/camp x 6 days, Hike out. I have lost 34 pounds in the last 5 months in anticipation, and truthfully, am WAAAAY intimidated by the prospect. You have given me inspiration from your pix, I just gotta see all that!
Just curious but how does that work? You're either hiking into a river trip or hiking out of a river trip. Not both on a grand canyon trip with an outfitter. If it's out, then May could be hot. If you're hiking in, definitely prepare for 5000' of descending or you'll be too sore for the next 6 days to do much. Some find trekking poles helpful.

GC is indeed an amazing place. Great pics and thanks for sharing! More than two years of my life have been spent on the Colorado River, mostly on work-related river trips, but it's still awe-inspiring.

Here's a view of it from river level taken earlier this month.
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