Grand Canyon (April 3, 2013) - South Kaibab Trail Hike

What do the ages of 50's, 60's & 70's have in common?.  They all hiked the Grand Canyon! The Gang of six from left to right Doyle, Judy, Dave, Kathy, Donna and Barry.  Our trip planner Kathy did an outstanding job coordinating reservations, lodging and food.  

Everyone looks happy and ready for the 8 mile hike down to Phantom Ranch.  The trip begins at South Kaibab Trail head and normally takes between 6-8 hours.  

Here's a look at some of the trail we have to navigate.  The hike is a vertical mile down into the canyon.

Barry and Donna enjoy the view from Ooh Aah Point.  This is the first panoramic view of the canyon.  

From Ooh Aah Point the trail follows the top of a ridge line and is consequently without shade.  There is no water along this route, so you have to carry enough with you to make it to Phantom Ranch.  

Now where the hell are we?  

This is an excellent photo showing the steepness of the trail leading down to Ceder Ridge.

Here's a video by Barry showing the steepness of the trail.

The gang arrives at Skeleton Point and takes a well deserved break. 

Mules use both the South Kaibab and the Bright Angel trails to deliver riders and supplies  to Phantom Ranch.   They also haul out all trash, mail and packs as seen in this photo. 

Here's Kathy, Judy & Doyle heading to the intersection of Tonto Trail.  Next stop the Tipoff where the trail suddenly shifts from the horizontal to the vertical as the trail plunges into the 1600-foot deep canyon gorge.  



Less than a half mile from Tipoff, another fine vista opens up at Panorama Point.  The trail overlooks the river-cut and you can see a glimpse of the suspension bridges and Bright Angel Creek delta lying 1,200 feet below.

Looks fairly close but you still have about an hour to access the tunnel to the Black Bridge.  Crossing the Colorado River was a hazardous undertaking until the National Park Service built the present bridge in 1928.

Here's Donna on the bridge.  Notice that she is standing on a wooden platform used by the mules to cross the bridge.  This is the only crossing point for the mules.  The Silver suspension bridge is too narrow for them to use.  From the other side of the bridge, Phantom Ranch is a mere 3/4 of a mile.

Phantom Ranch Welcomes You!