After 4.3 miles of leap frogging other hikers, we reached The Tipoff and turned West. Leaving the freeway known as South Kiabab, we embarked onto a single track trail that would traverse the south wall of the canyon along a plateau averaging 3,800ft in elevation. We would follow this trail to the next freeway, Bright Angel, 4.5 miles away.
*Click on photos to enlarge*
Looking West - Can you find the trail?
A whole new environment.
Hotter and more arid, trees were few and far between the scrubby little shrubs.
Off in the distance we spied a huge cottonwood tree. Knowing they symbolize water in the desert, we were excited.
Burro Spring
But we never expected this! Holy Oasis!
Gingerly, Jim steps from rock to rock to avoid soaking his shoes in the boggy mess below.
Damsel Fly
What a delight of color and diversity to find in the depths of the canyon.
Pipe Spring
A bit further down the trail we came across another spring. This one had a wider bed and was actually running. There were more trees and large rocks offering us a comfortable place to rest and eat.
The trail follows the contour of the south wall, going in and out of box canyons. A new perspective of the South Rim's Yavapai Point.
One of the original telephone line poles installed across the canyon a 100 years ago. Comprised of galvanized pipe and glass insulators, they are still standing and have the wires strung between them.
Jim saying good bye to the trail...
and the peace and quiet.
While we were enjoying the Tonto trail, never saw another hiker. We picked up a few bits of trash but never encountered another person (or mule). It was a beautiful experience in Desert Solitaire.
But wait there's more!
We still have to climb OUT of here!
Check back for the final ascent...
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