The Third of The Three Grand Canyons

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We had seen two so called 'Grand Canyons' in Australia - namely Kings Canyon and the Blue Mountains. Now it was time for the real thing and it knocked those other two for six; it was one of the most awesome sites I had ever seen. We first went on a rim tour, but your first glimpse of the Grand Canyon is the most spectacular and then the tour gets a bit repetitive.

To truly appreciate the Grand Canyon, you have got to walk to the bottom and we decided to go for it. Going down was long - about 10 miles - but relatively easy. We started at the top in snow and this gradually turned to mud and then to a dry dessert. In that ten miles, we went down about a mile, most of which was in the first half. We were not looking forward to going back up again.

On the way down, we met several hardened walking snobs who seemed to take great offence at the fact that we had dared to think that we could walk to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in trainers and tee-shirts, and with chocolate-chip cookies for survival rations. They stomped off in disgust when we cracked open some tins of lager that we had with us.

Obviously, there is no way that you would go down and then up again in the same day, so we had booked into the Phantom Ranch at the bottom. At $63, it was the most expensive place we had stayed during the whole year, but well worth it. We had a cabin all to ourselves, but it soon stank of sweaty feet!

We made an extremely early start the following day so that we would be finished before it got too hot. The first five miles to the Indian Gardens were a doodle, but then things got a bit harder. Greg stomped off ahead whilst Mike and I took it easy, chatting to people and enjoying the views. We were a bit bitter and twisted as he was long gone when it came to his turn to carry the bag, but all was forgiven when we got to the top to find some drinks and food waiting for us. It only took us five hours, which we thought was bloody good going, so the walking snobs can go to hell.

Our socks went straight in the bin. There was no way that they were going anywhere near our backpacks!

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Photos

The Grand Canyon
The view from the rim

The Grand Canyon
The view from the rim

The Grand Canyon
Another view from the rim

Bright Angel Trial
There was still snow as we headed down

Bright Angel Trial
All the snow has gone and it is getting warmer as we descend

Phantom Ranch
Outside the range as we leave early whilst it is still cool (and dark)

Phantom Ranch
A visitor whilst we were leaving early in the morning