The more I reflect on June’s hike, the more I realize I have to go back. I went across; now I have to go along. I proved I could do it and came away utterly in awe of the place, eager to see more, to appreciate more, to understand more.
I also came away realizing that the eye sees beauty a camera can’t record. The vistas at Plateau Point were spectacular, but the photos were mediocre; the day was overcast, the sun straight above, and the camera was best just for snapshots.
West beyond Dana Butte and the Temple of Set
Another hike is inevitable. Nothing more need be said. But not a repeat of the first hike, looking instead for some less traveled spaces, sights not seen the first time, with time to capture the Canyon’s beauty when the light is best, early morning and late afternoon.
So what to do? Descend and ascend on different trails. Focus on the Tonto Platform, where the vistas are uniformly superb. Camp, because that’s the only way to get to where I need to go. Get a far better camera, and learn to use it. Learn more about the geology, flora and fauna.
Nibbles of interest from my fellow hiker, another good friend, my brother. This can happen. Will happen.
Tentative itinerary, late April or early May, 2011:
1st day: Grandview trailhead to Grapevine Creek – 9.9 miles.
2nd day: Pressing on via the Tonto trail to the top of Cremation Creek – 12.2 miles.
Sumner Butte from the Tonto Platform
4th day: Clear Creek trail to camp at top of Clear Creek – 8.2 miles
5th day: Return on Clear Creek trail to North Kaibab, and head north to Cottonwood — 14.7 miles
6th day: Head up Bright Angel Canyon via North Kaibab and old trail to base of the Redwall, then return to Cottonwood ~ 9.0 miles
7th day: Return to Phantom Ranch with side trip to Ribbon Falls; partial day R&R at Phantom – 6.5 miles
8th day: Ascend Bright Angel trail to Indian Garden — 5.5 miles. Side hike to Plateau Point for late afternoon photography.
Indian Garden, Bright Angel Canyon, Sumner Butte, Brahma and Zoroaster Temples
10th day: Head up Hermit trail to South Rim — 9.3 miles.
About 97.5 miles, not counting the various side hikes which would add an additional 7 or 8 miles. Not a very taxing pace, though, with lots of time for good photography, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, and enjoying the scenery.
Should be awesome.
