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This has to be one of the best trails in the United States. It's incredibly beautiful. And although it's a bone crushing descent of 5000 feet in about 6.5 miles. If your knees are up to this, then go for it - you'll love it.
Rich and I did the trail together. In fact Barkley was to join us, however due to confusion about meeting him at the top, he ended up doing the walk on his own. Rich and I left the parking lot at 7.30 and were in Phantom Ranch at 12.30. So 5 hours. We weren't trying very hard - without doubt you can descend this one more quickly. But what the heck - we were there to enjoy the views - not to race down the trail.
The canyon is incredibly beautiful. Sunrise was at 5.30, so the sun was still quite low at the start. As we descended the sun moved round giving a continuous change in the colors of the bluffs. Grand Canyon is very green this year thanks to an unusually high amount of spring rain. The river at the bottom is a torrent of fast moving, freezing cold water. I wasn't tempted to even put my hand in the river.
I was a little surprised by how tired I was when we reached Phantom Ranch. However after an hour's rest and something to eat, we proceeded 3 miles along Bright Angel Trail to meet the ladies on their way down. They were quite tired - Bright Angel is considerably longer. However they all made it successfully.
It was very exciting to arrive at Phantom Ranch. Ali and I have a long held ambition to walk in Grand Canyon and the wait has been well rewarded. It was just great to arrive at Phantom Ranch.
Lightbox click here - 8.1mb download
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