Grand Canyon Adventures - Hermit to Bright Angel

in #travel7 years ago (edited)

GCcover.jpg

We headed out to Arizona for a 6 day backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon! We got to the South Rim of the canyon and headed out Hermit road to the Hermit's Rest trailhead. We descended down the trail from the rim stopping at both Dripping springs and Santa Maria springs. After that we continued down the trail dropping steeply through the "Rock Slides". Just below that we stopped and made the short climb out to 'Lookout point' before continuing down through the "Cathedral Stairs". The views over the Hermit gorge were really incredible the whole way as we dropped over 3600 feet from the rim all the way down to Hermit creek, where we made our first camp.

73589_169401969751386_3649701_n.jpg
Group photo at the Hermits Rest trailhead

68261_173518109346002_743753_n.jpg
Getting dripped on at 'Dripping springs'

gc1.jpg
Views on the upper Hermit trail

IMG_0666.JPG
Santa Maria springs

154967_173518336012646_6301924_n.jpg
Looking back up at the south rim from the edge of the Hermit gorge

gc5.jpg
Lookout Point

hermit.jpg
Getting close to Hermit creek

gc2.jpg
Arriving at our camp by Hermit creek

IMG_0699.JPG
Hermit creek

The next day we left our camp setup at Hermit creek and did a day hike down the creek through the Hermit canyon narrows carved through the Tapeats sandstone, eventually getting all the way down into the Vishnu Schist (the oldest formation in the bottom of the Grand canyon) and finally arriving at 'Hermit rapids' on the Colorado river! We hung out by the river for awhile and got to watch some rafters go through the rapids. That is always super exciting! Then we headed back up to our camp. We got back with enough time to do some swimming in the little pool in the creek by our camp and plenty of time just to relax and really take it all in. We had some dinner and I even made up a little popcorn to share with everyone before we headed to bed for the second night.

47578_173518749345938_8238673_n.jpg
Starting down Hermit creek

74635_173519002679246_6646640_n.jpg
Hiking through the incredible Tapeats sandstone

163626_173519202679226_1242664_n.jpg
Arriving at the Colorado river

gc3.jpg
Hermit Rapids

155655_173519446012535_6642121_n.jpg
Climbing on some giant chunks of Tapeats sandstone

164673_173519549345858_3997834_n.jpg
Hiking back up through the Tapeats sandstone

IMG_0744.JPG
The swimming hole by our camp

74318_169402586417991_3492561_n.jpg
Back at camp after a fun day

IMG_0776.JPG
Popcorn

The next morning we packed up our camp and started hiking east along the Tonto trail up onto the Tonto plateau around Cope Butte and then down to Monument creek which is named for a 130 foot pillar made of sandstone and granite that stands as the center piece of the upper canyon. From there we headed down the creek from the monument through another super cool narrow canyon all the way back down to the Colorado river at Granite rapids. We got down there just in time to see some more rafters go through the rapids! Then we found a nice beach to setup our camp. We swam in the river and relaxed on the beach, then later in the evening we were actually joined by another group of rafters who docked their boats just above the rapids and made their camp there on the same beach as us. We hung out with them and got to hear all their cool stories. So many cool people there. They had a full on kitchen with all kinds of food, fresh fruit and vegetables, sodas and beers, and they even baked a chocolate cake(which they were kind enough to share with us)! We had lots of fun talking with the rafters late into the night but eventually had to get to sleep so we were rested for the next day of our adventure.

IMG_0781.JPG
Hiking along the Tonto trail

plateau1.jpg
Views from the Tonto plateau

DSCF4571.JPG
Views from the Tonto plateau

DSCF4582.JPG
Cope Butte

156718_173520246012455_5362693_n.jpg
Dropping into Monument creek

155832_173520482679098_1348511_n.jpg
Me and the monument

164645_173520622679084_951471_n.jpg
Looking up canyon from the monument

65710_173520716012408_1326699_n.jpg
Drying off after a swim in the Colorado river

40725_169403856417864_4554716_n.jpg
Relaxing at camp

IMG_0839.JPG
The rafters have arrived

162857_173520809345732_3074432_n.jpg
Overlooking Granite rapids

162869_173520899345723_1239356_n.jpg
Me at Granite rapids

The next morning we hung out with the rafters for a bit and took our time packing up camp so we could hang out long enough to see them go through the rapids before we took off. After waving goodbye to our rafter friends as they floated downriver, we hiked back up Monument creek and back on to the Tonto trail where we continued east passed Cedar springs, back up onto the Tonto platform for awhile, and then dropped into Salt creek where we set up our camp and spent the end of the day exploring down the narrow canyon below the creek as far as we could. That night we had a couple mice that were really pestering us while we made our dinner, but we were able to keep them at bay and keep our food safe for the night.

74693_173520986012381_1394367_n.jpg
The rafters getting packed up in the morning

gc6.jpg
Watching the rafters head down river

IMG_0813.JPG
Hiking back up Monument creek

IMG_0950.JPG
Views from the Tonto plateau

IMG_0894.JPG
Overlooking Granite rapids from the plateau

IMG_0889.JPG
Passing Cedar Springs

IMG_0891.JPG
Views of the river from the plateau

salt.jpg
Arriving at Salt creek

164166_173521172679029_3637736_n.jpg
Getting my tent setup at salt creek with the 'Inferno' and the 'Hopi Wall' towering above

saltnar.jpg
Salt creek narrows

narrow.jpg
Exploring the narrows below Salt creek

IMG_0921.JPG
Looking off the drop off at the end of the Salt creek narrows

salty.jpg
Views from the bottom of the Salt creek narrows

76900_169404259751157_5574635_n.jpg
Back at camp making dinner

On day 5 we left Salt creek and continued east on the Tonto trail. Back up onto the plateau around Dana Butte, down through Horn creek, and then back up onto the plateau again going around the 'Battleship', and eventually coming to Bright Angel creek and the Indian Gardens camp. We picked out a camp spot and got our tents setup and then made the hike from there out to Plateau Point, an excellent point on the plateau (hence the name) that had amazing views in every direction including views down to the river in the canyon bottom. We took lots of pictures there and then headed back to camp for our final night in the Grand Canyon.

IMG_0962.JPG
Passing Horn creek on the Tonto trail

gc8.jpg
Views from the Tonto plateau

163003_173521806012299_318913_n.jpg
Arriving to the lushness of Indian Gardens

IMG_0975.JPG
Views from Indian Gardens

IMG_0981.JPG
Mule corrals at Indian Gardens

IMG_0972.JPG
The trail to Plateau point

IMG_0993.JPG
Arriving at Plateau point

DSCF4596.JPG
Views from Plateau Point

72220_169404809751102_6131546_n.jpg
Mom standing on Plateau point

157026_173521886012291_4050624_n.jpg
Group photo on Plateau point

river.jpg
Looking down to the Colorado river from Plateau point

pt1.jpg
Sitting on the edge of Plateau point

162648_173522042678942_5391350_n.jpg
And then I slipped and fell off the point never to be heard from again...

63637_173521969345616_2093387_n.jpg
Just kidding!! There I am, safe and sound.

148862_169405026417747_3675753_n.jpg
Our camp at Indian Gardens

deer.jpg
Deer by our camp

So the next morning we woke up and packed up camp for the last time and began the over 3,000 foot climb up the Bright Angel trail back up to the South rim. I took my time climbing back through all the different geologic layers, the views were just awesome the whole climb. In what seemed like no time at all we were up on the Rim with all the tourists putting and end to our great adventure. We got some photos from the rim and then celebrated our accomplishment with some food and drinks before heading home.

IMG_1053.JPG
Views from the Bright Angel trail

brsrm.jpg
Getting close to the rim

IMG_1076.JPG
Reaching the South rim on the Bright Angel trail

s.jpg
Views from the South Rim

IMG_1079.JPG
Views from the South Rim

65873_173522542678892_1897421_n.jpg
Back on the South Rim

164563_173522616012218_4344145_n.jpg
Success!!

If you enjoy Arizona and the Grand canyon be sure to check out my moms adventure blog @doverland! Solid-Red-Heart-Emoji-5353-810x810.jpg

Thanks for reading!! images.duckduckgo.jpgimages.duckduckgo.pngimages.duckduckgo-2.jpg

SWM.png Map - !steemitworldmap 36.060580 lat -112.212351 long 'Hermits Rest' D3SCR
http://www.steemitworldmap.com

CMA banner3.jpg

https://www.californiamountainadventure.com
https://www.facebook.com/CAmountainadventures
https://discord.gg/g22zkFD

Sort:  

gorgeous photos! truly a world wonder..

Thanks! It is quite the world wonder. The Grand Canyon is really amazing, probably the most amazing place I've ever been. Thanks for the comment, It's really good to see you back posting here on Steemit again! images.duckduckgo.jpg images.duckduckgo.pngimages.duckduckgo-2.jpg

Really beautiful pictures, I'd love to do a trek like that!

Thanks! It was a really fun trek, the Grand Canyon is amazing.

Once, many many years ago, I hitched a ride to San Francisco on a private plane. The pilot/owner asked if I'd ever seen the Grand Canyon. I said no so he corrected this shortfall in my life by detouring through the canyon. I was absolutely blown away by the sights.

I'm too old and decrepit now, but I've often wished I could actually see the Grand Canyon from the ground. Seeing your wonderful pictures and reading your travelogue is the closest I'll actually get.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Trust me, I'm a doctor.

Catweasel.gif

This was an awesome trip!!! Thanks for taking us with you!!!

Wow, Grand Canyon is really something else - I got to give it that. I had only a chance of briefly checking this place out during my quite a small roadtrip within the US of A with my buddies, but I loved what I saw. Unfortunately I'm not from North America, so my options are kind of limited as far as traveling there goes - tickets from Europe are a little bit pricey, but yeah - I know for sure, that I will have to visit this wonderful place once again in my life and spend some proper time exploring it carefully. Great photos, thanks a lot for this post - I will definitely follow you. Cheers!

Amazing post and experience. Thank you so much for sharing beautiful story and inspiring photos with us!

My pleasure Dejan! I'm glad you enjoyed the adventure.

Mehn, how i wish am this Adventure trip with you...

If you would ever like to take a trip in the Grand Canyon I would be happy to be your guide.

i would love to, but am in Africa

Africa! Very cool. I want to go there and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro someday. That would be a dream for me.

Nature is so full of surprises, and Grand Canyon is one of the most awesome ones

I bet it was rather surprising for some of the early pioneers who were just traveling through the woods when all of a sudden they come upon this gigantic canyon in their way. Logistically devastating, yet so beautiful. It's crazy to think about that kinda stuff.

This adventure took way more energy than I'm willing to put out, so I'm glad I got to enjoy it vicariously. Good job on the post. Great job on the photography. I'm glad you guys had a good time. I'm glad I got to watch you do it. I'm glad I got to stay seated for the entire performance. It was unforgettable.

This excellent post was included in our new curation effort The Magnificent Seven -- a collaborative work by @enchantedspirit and @catweasel. You have received a 100% upvote from each of us to show our appreciation for your post. To see your creation showcased here ... and the fine company you keep ... please visit this link.

The Magnificent Seven

We appreciate your support both for our work on this project and for the other creators of exceptional content who make it all possible. (Follow @catweasel to catch our future Magnificent Seven posts. He's really not as annoying as you might think. <--- He always makes me say that.)

Oooo! Thats so awesome. I'm honored that you enjoyed my post enough to share it in your top 7!! Followed you both, upvoted and resteemed the post. Thank you so much for your support!

Looks like an awesome trip - look forward to doing this trail someday!

It was a super awesome trip! I highly recommend doing some backpacking in the Grand Canyon. It's an experience you never forget. Hermit trail is a great intermediate trail, so it's a little bit more difficult then the main trails, but also not as touristy.

beautiful trip of advnature in canyon and i am not sure but i think i seen this place while bear gryles visited in man vs wild so isnt it?

I'm not sure if Bear Grylls did an episode in the Grand Canyon, but I wouldn't be surprised. I don't have a TV so I don't usually get to watch his show, but I have seen a few episodes.

Fabulous photos of your grand adventure! Most people only dream of that hike! #sreemitbloggers

Outstanding photos of an outstanding adventure! Wow!

Thanks!

awesome

Really cool adventure! Amazing experience. Thank you)

The grand canyon is on my bucket list.. looks absolutely amazing.. love your adventures

It really should be on everyones bucket list. At least to go to the rim. When you get that first view off the rim something happens in your brain, you get awe struck by the beauty and instantly humbled by its gigantic size. It's a masterpiece of nature. Truly a very special, very magical place. Thanks for all your support Dave, I like your posts too. images.duckduckgo.pngwink face.jpg

Yeah.. I just found out yesterday that I'm fixing to inherit a chunk of cash so I'm thinking I'll need at least a month to see it all... next summer

Hell ya. Do it man!

Whoa, cool adventure! Tempted to explore the Grand Canyon as well :)

It was a really cool adventure! The Grand Canyon is an incredible place to explore.

😎 and those are nice shots as well!

That was a great adventure. Loved seeing the pictures again.

It was awesome. Love you mom!

Congratulations, Your Post Has Been Added To The Steemit Worldmap!
Author link: http://steemitworldmap.com?author=derekrichardson
Post link: http://steemitworldmap.com?post=grand-canyon-adventures-hermit-to-bright-angel


Want to have your post on the map too?
Add the following inside your post:
!steemitworldmap xxx lat yyy long description d3scr

(replace xxx and yyy with latitude and longitude)

Wonder! Wonder! Wonder! Awesome trip. Great job. Nice pictures. Cheers.

Thank you. The Grand Canyon truly is an awesome wonder. The pictures don't really do it justice, but I'm very glad that you enjoyed them. Cheers!

Congratulations @derekrichardson, this post is the second most rewarded post (based on pending payouts) in the last 12 hours written by a User account holder (accounts that hold between 0.1 and 1.0 Mega Vests). The total number of posts by User account holders during this period was 2385 and the total pending payments to posts in this category was $2735.47. To see the full list of highest paid posts across all accounts categories, click here.

If you do not wish to receive these messages in future, please reply stop to this comment.

Thanks! That is so cool.

Congratulations @derekrichardson! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

Award for the number of comments

Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here

If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

By upvoting this notification, you can help all Steemit users. Learn how here!

Fantastic!!! You may look into my travel serie named ''If We Look From the Viewpoint of Art History''. @atakanoz

Very nice trip with i think! 🙌 I hope you enjoy it @derekrichardson!

Check out our cheap flight deals an save money on your next trip with your friends! 🚀