|
Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking
|
|||||
|
|
SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL (GRAND CANYON)
If you have hiked the Bright Angel trailhead and are looking for something a little more picturesque, than the South Kaibab trail may be for you. This hike is located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. From Flagstaff, take HWY 180 north towards the Grand Canyon. Once you enter the park, you'll head east on the East Rim Drive (Yaki point turnoff). The trailhead is closed to parking, so you'll need to take the free shuttle bus from multiple points in the Grand Canyon village to get to the trailhead. There are pit toilets, but no water at the trailhead. Be Aware of: Outrageous elevation changes, extreme temperature changes. Lack of H2O. Mules. If you are camping you need a back country permit from Grand Canyon National Park. 30 yr old Recommendation: If you are hiking downhill with a full pack, this hike is Strenuous. If you are hiking uphill, this is a Death March. A 5000 ft elevation gain will get your attention... trust me! The views from this hike are much more impressive than on the longer and flatter Bright Angel trail. This is one of those hikes you will never forget. Kids in good shape can make this hike with adult experience and supervision. Don't even mention this hike to Grandma... it would probably give her a heart attack just listening to the description. She can listen to the nice Ranger at the rim talk about geology. Elevation change: A monster 5000 ft !
Distance: 7.3 miles one way to the Bright Angel Campground. Time: This is a full day hike one way. Time of year: All year (SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER TIMES!) Solitude: This trail is in the Corridor area of the grand canyon. Translation: lots of people use this trail (though not as many as on the Bright Angel trail). Expect to meet 30-50 people this day. Map: Click here for a map Backcountry permits from the National Park Service must be acquired prior to this hike. See www.nps.gov for details. You can reserve up to three months in advance. This is a well hiked and well maintained trail in the Grand Canyon. I prefer descending the Grand canyon from the South Kaibab and going back up the Bright Angel Trailhead. The views are amazing, as this is one of the few rim to river trails that stays along the ridgeline. Chances are you'll be hiking from one photo opportunity to another. Simply put, this trail is steep. Flat doesn't exist on this trail. We have to share this hike with mules. When a mule train approaches, move to the side and wait for them to pass. Wave to the nice guides and sore bottomed people as they admire your amazing stamina in hiking the Grand Canyon. After about 1.5 miles of hiking, you will reach Cedar ridge. There are some wonderful views here to enjoy, which makes this a popular spot for day hikers. There are also toilets here. After 4.4 miles of hiking from the rim, you'll reach the trail junction with the Tonto trail (also known as 'The Tipoff'). There are bathrooms here as well. The Tonto trail parallels the river and is a popular route for creating loop hikes between the trails that descend from the rim to the river. After much hiking, you'll reach the Colorado River and a really cool suspension bridge (Black Bridge) to cross to get to the campground. You will sleep good that night! Spend a few days in the canyon before climbing back out. You'll be glad you did. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR WINTER AND SUMMER TIMES:
[this way!]
[Snowy trail]
[View of O'Neill Butte]
[View from Cedar Point]
[South Kaibab trail as seen from Skeleton Point]
[Watch out for the mules!]
[Black Bridge]
[On the bridge]
[Deer welcoming us to Bright Angel Campground] This hike was done in late January 2009 |
||||
