Early morning photo before beginning our hike in June of 2002.
Hiking trails are great places to build friendships. Seventeen years ago, an acquaintance learned that I liked backpacking and asked if I wanted to join a group on a trip to the Grand Canyon. I quickly said yes, and thus began several friendships that endure to this day.
Stories resulting from each of our trips become the screenplay of friendship that we enjoy retelling around campfires as if describing scenes from favorite movies. Those who were on the hikes might have heard the stories before but they still appreciate the retelling and remembering.
Below are just a few examples from previous trips with friends.
Lonnie sleeping in the Grand Canyon’s cold Bright Angel Creek
1 A whole foil-wrapped fried chicken in the Ozarks
2 Fifteen-hours of hard rain at Fane Creek
3 Lightshow at Spirits Creek
4 Cold, wet night at the Rock House
5 The often-repeated freeze-dried meal review… “I’ve had worse sh*t.”
6 Rocky Mountain privy with a view
7 Bright Angel Creek napping
Marinoni Scenic Area
Last weekend I had the opportunity to do a day hike with two friends from that first Grand Canyon trip. When I learned they hadn’t hiked into the Marinoni Scenic Area, I jumped at the chance to lead them in using the Dawna Robinson Indian Creek Spur Trail.
As we walked and talked, entertained by Hiker-dog’s prancing, I thought of the pure goodness of friendships. Even if we don’t see each other often, friendships are renewed as soon as our feet hit the trail!
Bernard Kleina began his photojournalism career during the 1960s civil rights movement before considering himself a photographer. This comment he made during an interview captures what I sometimes feel when planning a trip.
This Grand Canyon climb was a confidence-builder even though we were outside of our comfort zone. The best challenges are those we’re not fully qualified to accept.
In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Scale.”
Bluff in the Buffalo River area of Arkansas.
On a recent hike to Hawksbill Crag in the Buffalo River region I was fascinated by a smaller bluff close by. The young lady peeking around into the valley added a sense of scale to the stacked rocks on the bluff.
Little rock in the Grand Canyon
Playing with a small rock in the Grand Canyon.
This photo was from a backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon. I couldn’t resist sharing this older photo because it is another example of imposing human scale into the natural landscape.
I photoshopped my hiking buddy out from under the rock in the first version just for fun. Did the addition of human scale influence your perception of the size of the rock from the first photo to the second?
In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Yellow.”
Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon
I was surprised by the winter yellow/gold of cottonwood trees in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. In this desert environment, the cottonwood grows close to creeks and streams, especially along Bright Angel Creek as shown here. Snow covered Indian Gardens Campground the next night, just a few thousand feet higher in elevation.
Hiking up Bright Angel Trail two days later. No winter gold to be seen up here.
Looks like we’re determined to damage the Grand Canyon. The above picture was from a backpacking trip two winters ago. Our views across the canyon were unimpeded by the development of hotels or other tourist structures. We’ve seen enough development around the Grand Canyon. Present levels of development allow people to enjoy the views safely. I hope the proposed additional development will not go forward.
I took this photo while hiking down the South Kaibab Trail into the Grand Canyon as one of my buddies stood in awe. Part of the irresistible draw of the Grand Canyon is that you fade into the background and become insignificant and small in the face of incomprehensible beauty.
Raven was scoping out our path onward yet downward, wondering if we were up to the task. He seemed rightfully arrogant, knowing he could spread his wings and swoop down that switchback in a matter of seconds. It was his canyon and we were visitors, thankful for the chance to trek through his beautiful home.
Condor in flight off the tip of Plateau Point
Condor showed us how to move forward with grace and ease while we stood transfixed and speechless on Plateau Point. We then stumbled awkwardly back to Indian Gardens, feeling the pull of gravity with every step. As we rested our weary feet, Condor continued his flight to parts of the canyon unknown.
View at dusk the evening we arrived at the South Rim.
The perfect antidote…
Need a remedy for that lethargic feeling you get during the winter months? Here’s an antidote that works for me. The plan? Assemble a group of good friends and hike one of the natural wonders of the world: The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon Crew
Our crew included father/son duo, Scott and Boone Hardy, Bob Cable, Steve Cattaneo, and Dale Fudge. We came from a variety of career backgrounds but were united in our love for the beauty of the outdoors. We’d backpacked the Ozark Mountains together but this would be a more involved outing. A trip of this type is only as good as each participant. By the time you’ve spent a few days backpacking with someone, you know if there are major character flaws. I could vouch for each of these guys and knew they would work well together.
Directions for getting to the canyon are easy; drive west to Williams, Arizona then north. Directions for being ready to enterthe Grand Canyon are a little more complicated. We completed training hikes and runs for conditioning. We requested backcountry permits four months in advance and waited nervously until approved. We combed through piles of backpacking gear in repeated attempts to eliminate all but the most essential items. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after packing four days of food, clothing, and shelter in under thirty pounds.
Weighing packs at the Back Country Office
Too much weight could be a trip-ender while attempting to hike up the nearly 5,000-foot elevation gain from river to rim, the equivalent of climbing more than 500 office building floors while covering miles of uneven terrain and ever-changing conditions in winter. As Bob said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather… just the wrong clothes. Pack wisely.” A small percentage of the nearly five million visitors who see the Grand Canyon each year hike below the rim and several hundred of those are rescued inside the canyon. Lack of preparation is commonly cited in trips that end badly.
South Kaibab Trail
We entered the Grand Canyon on December 28, 2012, on the South Kaibab Trail. Temperatures ranged from the teens on the rim to the forties at the bottom of the canyon. We spent two nights at the Bright Angel Camp Ground, allowing time to explore the Clear Creek Trail on the north side of the Colorado River. Then came a strenuous climb up to Indian Gardens Camp Ground. At the top of a series of brutal switchbacks called “Devil’s Corkscrew,” Boone said, “That section of trail definitely lived up to its name!” The final day would include about 3,500 feet of elevation gain during the hike up to the South Rim.
Devil’s Corkscrew on Bright Angel Trail
A visual feast…
Having dined on holiday food during the previous weeks, we were now enjoying a wide menu of visual feasts. That first night Scott was full of energy and wanted to explore the silver bridge since we’d crossed the more historic black bridge earlier on our hike into the campground. This turned into three miles of night hiking but was well worth the effort. While standing at the Colorado River, we watched a full moon rise over the canyon rim. Reflections of moonlight softly painted inner canyon walls and reflected on the churning river’s surface.
Moon rise from the Colorado River
On day two we hiked Clear Creek Trail, filled with remarkable rock formations every step of the way. The trail seemed to pull us along sweeping views of the river and inner canyon. Scenes continuously opened up and changed with the steady passing of the sun. While pausing at one overlook, Dale, who was visiting Grand Canyon for the first time, said, “I’m so thankful that I got to do this trip. I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s just amazing!”
Along side of Clear Creek Trail
View of the Colorado River from the Clear Creek Trail.
A constant companion while camping at the bottom of the canyon was the soothing sound of Bright Angel Creek, named by John Wesley Powell during his exploration of the area in 1869. It is clean, clear, and cold! I took an hour to explore the creek with my camera, wishing for a longer day as the sunlight faded.
Bright Angel Creek flowing through the campground.
On our third evening in the canyon, a short hike from Indian Gardens Campground turned into a wildlife outing on Plateau Point. A California condor enjoyed showing off his aerial finesse, swooping so close that I heard a deep whoosh from his wings slicing through the air. The introduction of condors into the park appears to have had some success and this condor exemplified confidence in his new canyon home. Several mule deer were grazing close to the trail. They gave me a dismissive glance as if stoically accepting my visitor status in the canyon.
Condor at Plateau Point
Mule Deer
A winter wonderland…
After a dinner of homemade dehydrated pasta at Indian Gardens, a light snow began to fall as darkness came over the canyon. All sounds were muted except the gentle crackle of icy snow against the roof of my tent. The next morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. Several of us softy sang the song by that name as Steve, the early riser, fired up his stove for coffee and oatmeal. Then it was time for the final push up Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim. This would be a personal test for me physically and I felt some nagging anxiety about the severe elevation gain on a snowy route.
Breaking camp at Indian Gardens for the for the hike up the Bright Angel Trail.
As we progressed up the trail I found myself walking slower and slower, not from the climb, but from a desire to make the experience last longer; I didn’t want it to end! Every few minutes I’d stop and stare as the sky and light changed our view back into the canyon. One minute the canyon appeared dimly through a frame of clouds. Moments later, clouds would dance gracefully as they roamed freely through the upper canyon, sunlight slicing through and settling along the face of fire-red walls trimmed with snow.
View while hiking up Bright Angel Trail
One elderly dayhiker said in passing, “I ran out of adjectives a long time ago!” Pictures and words fail in the presence of the Grand Canyon. Reaching the rim I continued to gaze into the chasm for a few last visual morsels from the beauty below. I paused and bowed slightly toward the canyon whispering, “Thank you.” Then I turned to walk away from the edge, carrying images that will nourish my spirit and fill my memories for years to come.
View from close to the top of Bright Angel Trail
To learn more:
Grand Canyon National Park web site: nps.gov/grca
Ozarkmountainhiker.wordpress.com
Published in the February, 2013 issue of Urban Magazine, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Always feel a sense of accomplishment after packing 4-days of food, clothing, and housing. Our group of six had mostly clear sailing on I-40 past Oklahoma City and on to the Grand Canyon in spite of recent snow. We were ready to burn some Christmas calories!
My pack weighed in at 27 lbs. without water. Anything below 30 pounds is where I like it. I was afraid my Equinox backpack wouldn’t hold up when I purchased it five years ago but it is still going strong which pleases me given its light weight.
This is Dale’s pack which came in at 29 lbs. without water.
We began our hike into the Grand Canyon on the South Kaibab Trail on Dec. 28th. We spent two nights at Bright Angel Camp Ground which allowed some time to explore Clear Creek Trail. Then we hiked to Indian Gardens and camped one night before hiking up Bright Angel Trail on our final day.
Roads were mostly clear from Alma to Gallup, New Mexico. The first falling snow we saw was in Gallup. A highlight of the day was our dinner at WOW Diner in Grants, NM. It had lots of character, good service, and an interesting location sandwiched between a truck stop and federal prison. Our appreciation goes out to Scott for the amazing marathon driving and arranging hotel rooms for us.
The WOW Diner
Backcountry Office scale
After a night at Maswik Lodge on the South Rim, we caught the hiker express shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead. We were pleased that all packs came in at about thirty pounds including food for four days and water to get us down South Kaibab Trail.
South Kaibab Trail
The hike down was beautiful. Beginning temps were in the low teens warming up into the 40s by the river.
View toward inner canyon from the South Kaibab Trail
Black bridge tunnel
Moon rise from the Colorado River
It was a thrill to watch the moon rise and reflections of moonlight on the canyon walls. The only picture I could get was this one just prior to the moon peaking over the walls. My tripod was the black bridge. Probably about a 6-8 second exposure.
Along side of Clear Creek Trail
The dayhike on Clear Creek Trail was a joy. Interesting rock formations every step of the way and sweeping views of the river and inner canyon. I hope to return and camp in the Clear Creek area in the future.
The Colorado River and South Rim as viewed from the Clear Creek Trail
Bright Angel Creek
Our constant companion while camping at the bottom of the canyon was the soothing sound from Bright Angel Creek, named by John Wesley Powell. It is clean, clear, and cold.
Wayne Ranney with Scott at Phantom Ranch
Scott was reading a book from the Phantom Ranch lending library when he discovered that the author, Wayne Ranney, was present. Wayne, geology professor in Flagstaff, and his wife were hiking the canyon. Carving the Canyon is a great book for those wanting to better understand how the canyon came into its present form. The writing style is entertaining and makes difficult concepts more easily understood by non-scientists like me.
The hike up Bright Angel Trail was quite a climb. Devil’s Corkscrew was an appropriate name for this series of switchbacks. The overall vertical gain in elevation from the river to the rim of the canyon is over 5,000 feet which we covered in two days of hiking.
Devil’s Corkscrew on Bright Angel Trail
The Grand Canyon is massive and literally overwhelms the eyes, but you’ll find unexpected beauty and interest as you narrow your focus to take in smaller scenes. There were several locations where ice crystals formed over gently flowing water. I like to call them ice puddles.
Ice puddle along the trail
Clear water shimmered over rocks in a small portion of Pipe Creek.
Pipe Creek
From Indian Gardens Campground we hiked out to Plateau point where a condor seemed to enjoy putting on a show for us. A park employee named Shores had told us we might see a condor here but we never imagined we’d get such a performance. His tag number was L4. The introduction of condors into the park seems to be having some success.
Condor at Plateau Point
Condor at Plateau Point
Several deer were grazing close to the trail as we passed on our way back to the Indian Gardens Camp Ground.
Mule Deer
Dusk at Indian Gardens
After dinner I roamed the area and took some relaxing photographs as darkness came over the canyon. Our last night in the canyon we had 1-2 inches of snow.
Bright Angel Trail
Our last morning we hiked up Bright Angel Trail in a winter wonderland. In fact, we sang this tune softly as we came out of our tents.
View while hiking up Bright Angel Trail
I found myself walking slower and slower, not from the climb, from a desire to make the experience last longer; I didn’t want it to end. Every few minutes I’d stop and stare as the clouds and light changed our view back into the canyon. For a few minutes the canyon appeared through a “cloud frame.”
View from close to the top of Bright Angel Trail
We topped out on the South Rim sooner than I’d expected at the end of day four. The hike out didn’t seem as difficult as in the past. Pictures and words fail in the presence of the Grand Canyon. As one day hiker said, “I ran out of adjectives a long time ago.” The sun sparkled as it reached the edges of stone bluffs while clouds seemed to dance and bend gracefully as they roamed freely around the upper canyon. As soon as I reached the Kolb Studio on the rim I began to mentally plan a future trip into the Grand Canyon.
A word about our crew. Couldn’t be a better group to backpack with. We represent a variety of career backgrounds, skills, and I suspect, a variety of political and philosophical views, but we’re united in our love for the outdoors and appreciation of our beautiful planet. I can also provide character references for any of these gentlemen because backpacking tends to reveal character flaws that may not be obvious in day-to-day activities. I can recommend each of these guys without hesitation!
The Grand Canyon Crew
This video includes a humorous discussion of the items Scott ended up not needing in his backpack.
Ozarkmountainhiker 