About the Hikes: Easy to Strenuous hikes, 3 of which are described belowTime: Total trip time = 8 days
Distance: See below
Driving and other Info: 1900mi, 9 stops
Our Route: Route map
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Utah-Arizona Camping and Hiking Trip
About the Hikes: Easy to Strenuous hikes, 3 of which are described belowTime: Total trip time = 8 days
Distance: See below
Driving and other Info: 1900mi, 9 stops
Our Route: Route map
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Grand Canyon - Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point
About the Hike: Strenuous hike with plenty of elevation loss/gain. Upper elevations are somewhat cooler, but in summer temperatures can soar at lower elevations. Don't attempt the hike unless you are in good shape. Water is available at 1.5 mile resthouse, 3 mile resthouse and Indian Garden.
Time: Start: 11.15am, End: 7pm; total hiking time = 7hrs 45min
Distance: 12.2mi roundtrip; elevation loss/gain: 6785 ft to 3770 ft
Driving and other Info:
Take I-40 followed by Az-64N to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Trailhead is located just west of Bright Angel Lodge. 550mi, 8hrs 15min drive from La Jolla.
Our Hike: Temperatures were cool in the night, but it quickly became warm in the morning by around 8am. Lower elevations are much hotter, with only occasional shade except for Indian Garden, so the biggest problem on this hike is the heat and associated dehydration. This trail is best hiked in spring and fall (also when this trail is most popular). Steep descent for the first 3 mi, then becomes flatter close to Indian Garden. The main trail proceeds to the bottom of the canyon and descends another 800ft to the Colorado River. However, the trail from Indian Garden to Plateau Point is quite flat, with good 360 degree views of the canyon, and a rewarding view down over the River at the end. We saw a number of rafters in the river.
Map of the trail. As usual, preparation is important - good sleep, light lunch, small snacks and drink lots of water along the way. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are very useful. Some of us were slightly out of shape, so we took longer than usual (we think).
Pictures:
Time: Start: 11.15am, End: 7pm; total hiking time = 7hrs 45min
Distance: 12.2mi roundtrip; elevation loss/gain: 6785 ft to 3770 ft
Driving and other Info:
Take I-40 followed by Az-64N to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Trailhead is located just west of Bright Angel Lodge. 550mi, 8hrs 15min drive from La Jolla.
Our Hike: Temperatures were cool in the night, but it quickly became warm in the morning by around 8am. Lower elevations are much hotter, with only occasional shade except for Indian Garden, so the biggest problem on this hike is the heat and associated dehydration. This trail is best hiked in spring and fall (also when this trail is most popular). Steep descent for the first 3 mi, then becomes flatter close to Indian Garden. The main trail proceeds to the bottom of the canyon and descends another 800ft to the Colorado River. However, the trail from Indian Garden to Plateau Point is quite flat, with good 360 degree views of the canyon, and a rewarding view down over the River at the end. We saw a number of rafters in the river.
Map of the trail. As usual, preparation is important - good sleep, light lunch, small snacks and drink lots of water along the way. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are very useful. Some of us were slightly out of shape, so we took longer than usual (we think).
Pictures:
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| Grand Canyon Trip - Hike to Plateau Point |
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Queen's Garden-Peekaboo 8 Loop
About the Hike: Moderate. Best times to hike is October. Spectacular thunderstorm vistas and cool weather.Time: Total hike time = 4hr (+ additional time spent lunching)
Distance: 6.4mi round trip, 600ft elev change
Driving and other Info:
Shuttle to trailhead from visitor center
Our Hike: I think we chose the perfect day to hike this trail, of course it was extremely crowded for the same reason, but still well worth it. The trail takes you into the heart of Bryce Canyon, with other-worldly formations by your side as you walk along the trail. It is tempting to stray off the trail, but be careful about cryptobiotic soil and slippery conditions.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Emerald Pools
About the Hike: Easy hike, but maybe sandy and slippery. Best times to hike are during the Fall or Spring season.Time: Total hike time = 1.5hr (+ additional time spent in the pool and for photos)
Distance: 2.9mi round trip, 600ft elev change
Driving and other Info:
In Zion national park, take shuttle
Our Hike: Very easy and pleasant hike, with a cool pool to relax your tired feet. Ideal hike to finish up a long day of hikes. We had done many small hikes in Zion and finished up with this one.
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