Jim and I are coming up on our 7th anniversary. When we got married we honeymooned at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Since then we have gone back to celebrate our anniversary somewhere in the park. This year I got a three day weekend (albeit a few weeks before than our anniversary), so we decided to celebrate early. I scored a cancellation hotel room for Saturday night and we camped out under the stars Friday night. On Saturday we did a 17 mile hike down into the canyon, staying along the south wall, and explored some trails we had seen signs for but never had the time to hike. Follow us along the trail for some amazing views...
~ Click to enlarge photos - way worth it! ~
Saturday Morning Sunrise
(taken from a moving truck window)
South Kiabab Trail Head (parking area)
South Kiabab Trail Head (actual)
When asking strangers to take a picture, we tend to take a couple, who knows which ones will or will not turn out.
The far off North Rim from the top of the trail.
Descending...
Did we mention it was crowded?
O'Neill Butte on the right.
At Skeleton Point we came across an artist, Joshua Been.
As it turns out we were at the park during the 6th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art. It's a week long event featuring many artists painting "En plein air", a French expression that means "in the open air". They were scattered across the rim and a few in the canyon, providing onlookers with a peek of creation in motion. There were demonstrations scheduled, exhibits and of course items for sale. After a few words with Joshua, we discovered he is a neighbor of sorts. He hails from Salida Colorado, funny what a small world it is.
A view down and across the south wall at the trail we will be traversing on soon.
The steep and exposed switchbacks are constructed so beautifully. I can't imagine being a part of the trail crew that built these trails about 100 years ago with such basic tools and crappy footwear. I love my feet and we invest in excellent shoes for adventures such as these. When I look at the black and white archival photos of the history of the canyon, my toes and heels cringe at the broken down old boots that adorn their feet. Imagine the bleeding blisters!
South Kiabab is considered one of three corridor trails leading in/out of the bottom of the canyon. It's well maintained and heavily travelled. It is the shortest and steepest of the three. Starting at 7,260 feet in elevation then dropping down to 2,480ft at the bridge that crosses the river, that's -4,780ft over a quick 7 miles. It's like descending flights of stairs in some sections. It is located East of the Main Village area and one must take a shuttle to get there, due to it's "out of the way" location it's less crowded (only slightly) than the other South rim trail, Bright Angel.
Check back for more miles and views to come your way soon, as we start our traverse across the south wall.
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