August 7
Coconino Outlook, N. Kaibob Trail, Grand Canyon North Rim
The ranger at the Visitors' Center discouraged us from original plan of Buckskin Gulch slot canyon hike due to moderate chance of t-storms, and therefore flash flood danger and a more treacherous approach road. So we headed for the Grand Canyon (North Rim) instead.
On the approach road to the Grand Canyon, we could smell smoke from current wildfires, and we went through many spots scarred by past wildfires. A herd of 50+ bison also provided entertainment for our drive. The travel was just under two hours (1.5?).
The North Rim is over 8000 feet, and it was overcast, which made it a bit cold in the morning. There were other visitors in winter coats. We thought they were overdoing it a bit, but we were wishing we had our long-sleevers with us.
A short half-mile walk on a paved path brought us to Bright Angel Point, an excellent introduction to the Grand Canyon. Karen held Brady's hand most of that walk out onto the end point; couldn't lose him on our very first hike. We then had our lunch on the patio of the GC Lodge next to the visitors' center, which overlooks the canyon. Great spot for a bite.
A short drive brought us to the North Kaibob Trail, which can take you the thirteen miles to the Colorado River and the Phantom Ranch. We didn't go nearly that far, but hiked 1:20 (2 mi) to the tunnel (not as dramatic as it sounds). It's a must to hike into the canyon. You get a long, close-up view of the rock formations and colors that are hard to notice when you're just viewing the full expanse from the rim.
Thanks to the cloud cover and our timing, the heat and the mules weren't nearly as oppressive as they had been on our last visit (1991), and the hike out wasn't bad at all. Another ~1:20 - although that was surprising since hiking up and out is so much tougher than hiking down. We did get maybe fifteen minutes of moderately hard rain, which added an element of excitement and kept us cool.
The kids loved that they could stick their noses into the Ponderosa Pines and smell the vanilla. That's a good remedy for the effects of the mules - which we did witness on the trails.
After enjoying the pool, went for fantastic food and fun atmosphere at the Rocking V Cafe. Didn't expect to find 'upscale' in Kanab, but dinner qualified. Although Callie had to settle on pasta when there were no hamburgers on the menu - dinner she had been talking about since mid-day. She's made us promise to find it tomorrow night.
Observation of the day
Callie: (When snapping a picture of the grandest of all canyons.) "It's annoying because you can't take a picture and have it look like it looks. You have to actually see it."
On top of a rock spire at Bright Angel Point
Was the North Rim crowded? When we did the South Rim, there were hoards of tourists. Your day was cool. Ours was hot and dusty. Callie is right -- it's hard to take it all in. How about those 2 billion years of geological history? Glad your plans changed, and you were able to witness this "grand" site.
ReplyDeletePeople, but not crowded. V. small visitors center w/ maybe a dozen people in it. Many people on paved trail to Bright Angel Point, but not "crowded." Easy to get photos, for example. Same w/ NKaibob, maybe fifty cars in the full parking lot, but not crowded.
DeleteAt least we did more than just peer over the rim, but still we saw only small fraction. You'd have to spend weeks here to start to appreciate and comprehend the size. Maybe someday a visit to the Phantom Ranch...
Love the hats! And I know the kids chose those T-shirt colors so they would go perfectly with the rock formations in the background. Way to style, M&C&B.
DeleteI think you're a bunch of cowards. Rain! Pah! Think of the body surfing you could have done in Buckskin Gulch! It's Kaibab, by the way. How is the new camera working out? Are you using it for these pix? I had no idea there were buffalo (OK, bison) down that way. That's cool!
ReplyDelete