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 |
1 comment:
grand Canyon is a nice place to hike around.... sometime I would like to do from one rim to another rim. Glad you enjoyed it... nice pictures
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