Jim and I spent Thanksgiving weekend at the Grand Canyon. When we arrived on Thursday it was snowing ! The elk and deer were eating right outside our hotel window.
Friday we hiked the rim trail from the village to Hermit's Rest. Although the view of the canyon was spectacular the almost seven mile hike is a mostly asphalt path right next to the road. At Hermit's Rest we decided to hike down into the canyon a few miles. It was my first hike down and I could not believe how beautiful the canyon is from the inside. Thankfully, we got a ride back to the village. I was so glad not to have to walk back.
Saturday was our big hiking day. We went down in the canyon via the South Kaibab trail ( about seven miles ) , across the Colorado River, to Phantom Ranch. As the sun came up the canyon was red and orange.
The trees at Phantom Ranch were changing colors too.
From Phantom Ranch we went up the Bright Angel trail back to the village. The first seven or so miles of the trial are not too bad. You are going slightly uphill but there is plenty to see and a creek to cool your toes.
BUT, the last three miles are a killer, zigzagging up the cliff to the top of the canyon. Here is the view from the bottom of the trail.
I really did not think I was going to make it back out. I was so tired ! But, one foot in front of the other is all that was necessary. I just kept going until I was done. Here is a picture of Jim and I after the hike-
We look tired because we were !
