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The Grand Canyon
No picture can show accurately the sheer size of magnificence of this place. We arrived at the Grand Canyon at about 3pm and eager for a backcountry pass so that we could head down into the canyon and camp at the bottom, we headed straight to the backcountry office without even seeing the canyon itself. When we got to the office we were informed that the last backcountry pass had gone only moments ago. Extremely disappointed we started to discuss with the ranger what other options were available. He said that he could put us on the waiting list for Saturday- two days away when we planned to be in Vegas, so this was no good. We discussed other trails and campsites but none got us to the bottom. Then against all warnings we decided that we could hike down and up the canyon in a single day, the ranger strongly urged us not but we were so keen to get to the bottom we were not going to be dissuaded. Then after about an hour when we were just about to leave the office a backcountry pass became available for the following night. - Perfect just what we were after, we jumped at it! We left that office with absolute delight.
For
Outside Grand Canyon
First night fire. Camping in a forest outside the Grand Canyon National Park. our first night we camped for free just outside the park in a forest. We were able to get a fire going and had music playing and it was a really nice relaxing evening. We got up fairly early the next day and made our way to the backcountry office again in order to start our descent into the canyon. We had emptied out our rucksacks and were only taking the bare essentials, the tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and a change of clothes, despite this diet the bag still weighed quite a lot.
The route we decided on was the steeper but shorter 6-mile Kaibab Trial down into the canyon and the Longer but less severe 9.5-mile Bright Angel Trail back up. With no water points on the way down and only one on the way back up, we had to carry all our water. Believe me water is extremely heavy you need a good 3-6 litres for the journey as not only is it incredibly strenuous but the canyon temperatures can sore.
The first view of the canyon is awe-inspiring and is better than you can imagine, it really is breathtaking. The sheer size and depth
Camp fire drinks
Enjoying a camp fire drink the night before our descent into Grand Canyon. of the canyon and the complex formation of rocks creating shelves and cliffs at multiple levels is staggering. The beautiful colours of the rock that change as the sun moves and as you descend into the canyon cannot be captured in a picture nor adequately described by myself. From the top the content of the inner canyon gorge is hidden, the mighty Colorado river also cannot be seen from the top as well as the lush greenery and wildlife that live at the base. For a real Canyon experience you must travel into the canyon itself, its only then do you experience the Grand Canyon, the changing rock tells a story of the earth and as you walk down the 5000ft to the bottom you walk further back into time. Different rock formations, different colours and different views create a unique experience.
At about two thirds down the Colorado river reveals itself and appears as a small stream gradually increasing in size, the trees and greenery become more so and the views looking back up the canyon are just as awe inspiring as the views from the top. As you enter the lower canyon (finally 1,500ft) the upper portion
Starting the descent
The pair of us at the edge of the canyon moments before we started the 5000ft 6.5 mile descent. Im wearing my fetching leather cowboy hat. of the Grand Canyon disappears out of sight and you enter a different place. The canyon becomes much smaller and humbler and you gain a sensation of relaxation and tranquility. The area in completely un-spoilt and only a few descend down this far. At the bottom you reach a small footbridge that crosses the mighty river and you finally hit the campsite. We selected a beautiful spot next the river and surrounded by wild deer and squirrels that enter the site. We set up the tent and bathed our tired feet in the river socking up the atmosphere and the surroundings as best we could.
From early on in the trip we met a guy called Felix originally from Germany and now a resident in Mexico he was equally taken away by the magnificence of the canyon. He made for an interesting travel companion as we descended the canyon and we shared stories and experiences.
In the evening the park ranger stationed at base camp, Ranger Russell gave a fascinating lecture on the geology and formation of Grand Canyon. Amazingly the canyon, situated 2,000ft above sea level could still be getting deeper and could end up being 7,000ft
Looking up
A view of the canyon looking up at the top ridge. in depth.
The following morning we got up at dawn as did everybody else, we quickly packed and departed the campsite at 6.20am. We knew we had a lot to fit in, we had to climb the canyon which we were told would take 7-8 hours and then drive 300 miles to Las Vegas stopping off at the Hoover dam along the way. We decided to really push and make the top as quickly as we could. The 9.5 mile trail went up 5,000 feet of elevation and was supposed to be a gradual incline, the first 4.5 miles went well and we made the half way marker in under an hour 45 minutes. The next portion of the trail was not gradual and contained around 4,000 feet of elevation. This really killed us both and we really started to tire. Nearing the top the rest breaks become more and more and it started to become really painful and exhausting. We eventually made the top in an impressive 4 hours 40 minutes, we estimate about an hour of that was the total cumulative rest breaks. The sense of achievement was awesome and from the top we looked back down
Looking down
A view of the canyon looking down at some of the path yet to walk. again, the sheer size and magnitude of the canyon imposes itself on your sight and upon your senses and the beautiful tranquil hidden lower canyon is lost.
The entire Grand Canyon experience was thrilling and blew my mind. Those who take the journey into the canyon are truly rewarded with some of the most attractive and awe-inspiring views Mother Nature can craft. The lower canyon resembled a lost hidden world untouched by technology and human construction. Leaving the canyon really did feel like leaving behind something very special, the atmosphere at the Grand Canyon oozes magic and intrigue and can only be truly experienced by those few who make the incredible journey to the bottom. This for me has been by far the best part of the trip so far.
After a short rest at the top we stopped for a much-deserved hamburger and chips before making the long 300-mile journey to Vegas. Stopping just shy of Vegas by 30 miles is the Hoover Dam, one of mankinds greatest achievements. This mighty dam, which took the lives of so many really imposes itself in the valley where it stands. We first walked across the dam and then drove
The lazy way down
For those who have the money and who can't handle the walk they can take the donkey express. across the dam which doubles as the boundary for Nevada. Although no aesthetically pleasing the dams sheer size and shape make it an impressive structure to gaze at. After an hour or so we departed, tired and weary we made the final push onto Vegas.
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Transient Sapiens
Bravo
One hell of a trip! Kudos.