A fun weekend at the Canyon...

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

I wandered up to the Canyon last weekend for some rest and relaxation, and to scout out a couple (easy) routes I haven't explored before. I headed up Friday right after work hoping to find a place in the campground. (I took my trailer, I was serious about rest and relaxation part...), unfortunately it was full, but there was an opening for Saturday night so I reserved that one and headed out into the forest for the evening.

I slept in the Saturday morning (until 6:00 AM), then after a leisurely breakfast I drove out to the Buggelin picnic area to explore the route out to the Sinking Ship. I didn't know if I could climb it, but it would be fun just to wander out to the area and check it out, so off through the forest I went. I had read directions on how to get there, and came pretty close to following them too. Unfortunately I ended up a bit too high, and ended up on top of some cliffs looking down at the saddle I was aiming for.

I contemplated for a few moments trying to scramble down, but then was overcome with good sense, and didn't. It was getting fairly warm by this time, so I headed back through the forest, and eventually made it back to the truck.

I then went back to the village and checked into the campground. The afternoon was spent reading, napping, and working on my laptop, mostly entering all the routes I've done into the topo software I have. I seem to have explored a lot of routes in the Canyon. It was a very relaxing afternoon...

The next morning I was heading down the Bright Angel trail at 5:00 AM. At the first switchback there is a path leading off along the slope in the Toroweap. I've been out there a number of times, but always turned back because of time constraints or some other reason. I've always wondered just how far one could go before getting cliffed out...

I'm still wondering that. I did, however, go a lot further than I've ever gone before, clear around the corner to where you couldn't see the hotels on the rim any more. At one little bay, the route in was steep and slippery and I didn't trust my ankle enough to attempt it, so I left it for another day. It was still a great little hike, and there were a few 'interesting' spots along the way, such as the place where I had to get on my hands and knees to crawl under the bush...

Other spots weren't too bad, and had great views..

On the way back, I followed what turned out to be a wrong path which eventually just faded out. I felt that I was way too low, so I just scrambled back up the slope, dodging some ledges and impassable areas until I found the 'right path' again.

It was steep in spots...

But most of the route was just walking along a little path among the boulders and trees....

I got back to the rim at 7:30, pretty tired, but satisfied after another fun exploration. After a nice breakfast, I packed up and headed home. It was a fun time of poking around, and I'm looking forward to going back and exploring more in both areas...
_________________
The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Thanks for sharing your trip into the canyon Smile

Good to see that you are getting around ....

and when did easy = crawl on hand and knees Confused

Now what would you descibe the "interesting" sections ... Wink

_________________
Photos: http://www.pbase.com/desertgirl/galleries
Life is but a dream ...there is no end to what you can dream!

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515

Hikngrl · Posted: 6/10/2008, 5:36 am Post subject:

Awesome hike Hnak! Looks like you had a good time! Good to get into the canyon huh?!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

IGO · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 4144 Location: Las Vegas

I love those little exploritory hikes. This looks like a great one.
Hank, I had computer problems when all this stuff happened with you and I'm not very well versed in how you are doing but I hope like crazy that your eventual dimise (way way down the road) is quick and spectacular. I hope that sounded right.
Keep on truckin' my friend.
_________________
"Surely all God's people, however serious or savage, great or small, like to play. Whales and elephants, dancing, humming gnats, and invisibly small mischievous microbes - all are warm with divine radium and must have lots of fun in them." John Muir

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

Glad to hear you got back into the canyon Hank. I think I know what little path off Bright Angel you are talking about. Last summer when Montana Diana and I were there I remember pointing out several small paths and saying "That's one of Hank's trails but this is the real trail." I would love to explore a couple of those off shoots myself someday.

Pictures are great. Looks like a beautiful day in the canyon.

Linda
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

wanderingsoul · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 2285 Location: Gilbert AZ

Sounds like a wonderful weekend Hank. That sounds like something I could consider... just spending a weekend up there, hmmm gives me Ideas Shocked

Uh Oh Lucy's brain is spinning and thinking again

Ambika said:
and when did easy = crawl on hand and knees. Is this how I know how to judge them Hank?

Careful with the ankle and take it easy, but I bet it did feel good to get out, if only for a little jaunt Wink

_________________
Wanderingsoul (Michelle)

Positive Thinking Is the Spark that Makes Dreams Happen~~~Unknown

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

Thanks all, I certainly did have a nice weekend up there, and it was nice to get below the rim, even if it was only a little bit. Can't wait to go back, although I might wait for some cooler temps.... I'll just have to play in some creeks until then.. Yep, it's a swimmer!

_________________
The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY

Hikngrl · Posted: 6/11/2008, 7:44 pm Post subject:

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

doug · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 281 Location: Avondale, AZ

I need to get back to it too. I've been cleared by the doc to start hitting the gym but not to start hiking. Good to see that Hank is back at it.

sacred_datura · Posted: 6/13/2008, 4:01 pm Post subject:

I've been dying to do this hike! My brother did it and we can't seem to coordinate our schedules for him to take me.