I've only been to the Canyon once before and that was with my son's 4th grade class. This trip was certainly more challenging.
We camped at Mather Campground in the park on Friday and Saturday night. Temps were in the low 30's overnight and awesome 80's during the day.
My friend hikes "Rim Cubed" on a very regular basis. That's south rim to north rim and back to south rim in one shot. But she's crazy.
This was a short jaunt for her. I work out and run fairly regularly and hike occasionally. I'm in decent shape and was about to challenge that.
The route was South Kaibab trail down to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel trail. Total distance was about 18 miles and nearly 10,000 feet elevation change. We packed everything we needed for the day. We cruised down South Kaibab and passed 2 separate packs of mules that were going up. We saw 2 Condors that were flying very close. I would guess about 150 feet above me at closest. Amazing birds and HUGE!
The sign behind me warns against attempting rim to river and back in one day. Something about others have died trying it.
By the time she got out the camera, they were leaving...
We really took our time on the way down. I was stopping and looking around a lot. Simply incredible views.
First view of the Colorado.
At the bottom about to enter the tunnel leading to a bridge built in 1928. It's the only way the mules can get to Phantom Ranch. Btw, the employees at the ranch hike down as well. I'm guessing they stay for their work-week and then hike out.
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