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Grand Canyon Boardwalk by HAZ_Hikebot  Overview: This short trail leads southward from Grand Canyon Lodge or Bright Angel Point Trailhead. It follows the ridge that separates The Transept (west) from Roaring Springs Canyon. The route is paved and accessible to individuals using wheelchairs. It ends a half mile from the lodge at Bright Angel Point with a spectacular perspective into Bright Angel Canyon. Experience: The large tributary canyon to the east (on your left as you walk out to the point) is Roaring Springs Canyon, a major tributary to Bright Angel Creek. The main source of water for both of these drainages is Roaring Springs. Water from rain and snowmelt seeps deep into the North Rim's Kaibab Plateau, migrating gradually southward due to the southward tilt of the plateau. Channeled by fault zones, caves, and impermeable rock layers, the water emerges spectacularly from cave-sized openings in the canyon wall. Water from Roaring Springs has been pumped to the North Rim since 1928 and currently supplies both the North and South Rims. Power lines seen below this trail provide power to pump the water. On quiet days, you can hear Roaring Springs gushing out of a cliff 3,100 feet/950 meters below the rim. The short walk to Bright Angel Point dramatizes the effect Grand Canyon has on its surroundings. A transition from the cool green forest of the plateau to a stunted forest of pinyon and juniper on the slope occurs within a very short distance. On flat land you would have to travel several hundred miles to experience this variation, but because of canyon topography the transition is compressed into a few hundred yards. Warm air surges out of the canyon. Hot sun and drying winds draw moisture from soil and rock, creating inhospitable conditions for large trees. Plants that are adapted to this dynamic environment flourish, but they are shaped by its rigors. Farther out toward the point, plants give way to bare rock. The rocks appear worn and in some places precarious. Chances of the rocks giving way beneath you on any particular day are exceedingly small, yet you can feel and see agents of erosion - sun, water, and wind - slowly wearing the rock away. These forces shape the canyon every day. Will the rocks on which you stand be here tomorrow? Probably. One thousand years from now? Maybe. Ten thousand years from now? It's not likely. A timely example of Grand Canyon's dynamic forces occurred on January 3, 1991, in The Transept, the large tributary canyon to your right as you walk out to the point. A massive section of Coconino Sandstone (the light-colored layer of rock near the top) succumbed to gravity and erosion, cascading into the canyon and trailing debris along thousands of feet of canyon wall. In 1992 similar landslides closed several major trails. The Grand Canyon area has been eroding since regional uplift began about 70 million years ago. As long as the area remains above sea level, erosion will continue. As the slide in The Transept attests, dramatic events can make a greater change in a few minutes than the cumulative changes of a century before. Someday the spot on which you are standing will be thin air. Deva, Brahma, and Zoroaster Temples to the southeast foreshadow the future of ridges like Bright Angel Peninsula. These buttes are islands of canyon wall isolated by erosion. The bridge near this trail's end is a reminder of the ultimate fate of Bright Angel Point. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent of 15 deeper Triplog Reviews
Bright Angel Point Trail
Grand Canyon R2R - N Kaibab to Bright Angel
I survived my first Rim-to-Rim 
The North Rim Lodge is a real treat! It is not crowded, and the building is far more stunning than the South Rim buildings.
Due to some misunderstandings on my part, I was scrambling around the North Rim Lodge looking for the trailhead and got separated from my group. Somehow I had convinced myself the trail at the back of the North Rim Lodge would connect to a rim-traversible path. It didn't. I ended up catching a complimentary shuttle to the trailhead and ended up running the first several miles of the North Kaibab to catch up with my group. It was a mite chilly at the trailhead: low 30's. I caught up some of the group members, and it seemed like they were following an every-man-for-himself type of trip style (they didn't even realize they had left me back at the lodge), so I followed suit.
The pack-animals at Phantom Ranch looked rougher than any I've seen in Havasupai, btw.
I wasn't able to run much after Phantom Ranch. The Devil's corkscrew really kicked my patootie, too! The pathway I took was North Kaibab directly to the Bright Angel. I wonder if perhaps North Kaibab
South Kaibab Tonto East Bright Angel is more pleasant 
I was having a hard time keeping from ralphing near to Phantom Ranch and then again at the last 3 miles of the Bright Angel--from over-exertion due to the running, I gather (as opposed to sunstroke or heat exhaustion).
I left an hour after my group, and I still ended up beating all but 4 of the 25 to the top (would've only been beaten by two of them had I just tossed my cookies and kept moving near the end, too).
I took the shuttle over to Mather's campground to take a shower after, and then I headed back to Bright Angel Lodge for some ginger ale for my poor tumtum, but I ran into my group in the parking lot: "Get in the van, Nathan." Fortunately, they hadn't been waiting too long, and I smelled wonderful.
The North Rim Lodge is a real treat! It is not crowded, and the building is far more stunning than the South Rim buildings.
Due to some misunderstandings on my part, I was scrambling around the North Rim Lodge looking for the trailhead and got separated from my group. Somehow I had convinced myself the trail at the back of the North Rim Lodge would connect to a rim-traversible path. It didn't. I ended up catching a complimentary shuttle to the trailhead and ended up running the first several miles of the North Kaibab to catch up with my group. It was a mite chilly at the trailhead: low 30's. I caught up some of the group members, and it seemed like they were following an every-man-for-himself type of trip style (they didn't even realize they had left me back at the lodge), so I followed suit.
The pack-animals at Phantom Ranch looked rougher than any I've seen in Havasupai, btw.
I wasn't able to run much after Phantom Ranch. The Devil's corkscrew really kicked my patootie, too! The pathway I took was North Kaibab directly to the Bright Angel. I wonder if perhaps North Kaibab
South Kaibab Tonto East Bright Angel is more pleasant
I was having a hard time keeping from ralphing near to Phantom Ranch and then again at the last 3 miles of the Bright Angel--from over-exertion due to the running, I gather (as opposed to sunstroke or heat exhaustion).
I left an hour after my group, and I still ended up beating all but 4 of the 25 to the top (would've only been beaten by two of them had I just tossed my cookies and kept moving near the end, too).
I took the shuttle over to Mather's campground to take a shower after, and then I headed back to Bright Angel Lodge for some ginger ale for my poor tumtum, but I ran into my group in the parking lot: "Get in the van, Nathan." Fortunately, they hadn't been waiting too long, and I smelled wonderful.
2017-10-08 nathanbrisk
Bright Angel Point Trail
Just one bit of a 4 night stay at the North Rim Campground. We had quite a group up there with a bunch of my in-laws. On this day, we had a late afternoon shower but some sunlight starting to peek through the clouds indicated that a rainbow might be in the cards. The hunch paid off! A full double that just wouldn't stop. I got up on the big rock and secured a spot for the rest of the show. Soon I was joined by a lovely family from North Carolina that had just hiked the across the canyon from the South Rim. They had a bunch of kids (some were teenagers) plus the dad and they were all super friendly and definitely joke-crackers. I had a great time bantering with them and enjoying the beautiful light and weather at the most beautiful place on earth.
2016-09-02 hippiepunkpirate
Bright Angel Point Trail
Arrived at the North Rim in the early afternoon and decided to check out the lodge area and go down to Bright Angel Point. I've of course been to the South Rim hundreds of times, but this was my first time at the North Rim. For the reputation it gets as being "not crowded" compared to the South Rim, it was actually more crowded than I was expecting. Yes, the sheer number of visitors is less, but there are also less viewpoints, and the viewpoints themselves are much more cramped, and there seems to be less room to roam, so I actually thought it felt a little more crowded at the North Rim per my expectations going in. I barely lingered at Bright Angel Point because the standing room was so small and was quite full of people. On the way back I went out on the Transept Trail for a short distance before cutting back to the parking lot using an unmarked but well used social trail. After leaving the lodge, I went by Point Imperial and Vista Encantada but just took glimpses before heading to what I considered the main attraction of the day, a dayhike out to Cape Final.
2015-06-18 hippiepunkpirate
Bright Angel Point Trail
Got up early and hiked to the point around 5am to enjoy the early light and silence. As sunrise approached, the silence haters began showing up. Just as the sun came up, it started raining. I booked-it back to the lodge, as it was already cold and the rain wasn't going to help. Had the breakfast buffet at the lodge restaurant. French toast, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage, fruit, omelets, etc.. $15. Not bad and the food was pretty good.
2014-09-29 Dave1
Bright Angel Point Trail
On Saturday morning Chumley and I made our way over to the North Rim Lodge. The weather was overcast but dry and pleasant. We took a quick walk out to Bright Angel Point. This was my second time here and I was able to identify more landmarks in the Canyon. It’s pretty cool looking at areas I’ve been. The views never get old!
2014-09-27 John9L
Bright Angel Point Trail
Quick trip out to the point and to the two views below the lodge before the rain began. Spent a few hours in the lodge during the height of the rain and wind enjoying a beverage and maybe a little snooze in the big puffy couches in front of the big picture windows. When things cleared up just before sunset, the views were amazing.
While fighting the rain and biting, raw, cold wind, I was ordering a hot toddy at the saloon when I was approached by somebody who recognized me from HAZ. It's always a pleasure to run into people from this site along the trail or in far flung places like the north rim. It was good to meet quadman there and at 9L's request, he promised he would post his first triplog of his trip to Tilted Mesa the next day... No pressure now!
While fighting the rain and biting, raw, cold wind, I was ordering a hot toddy at the saloon when I was approached by somebody who recognized me from HAZ. It's always a pleasure to run into people from this site along the trail or in far flung places like the north rim. It was good to meet quadman there and at 9L's request, he promised he would post his first triplog of his trip to Tilted Mesa the next day... No pressure now!
2014-09-27 chumley
Bright Angel Point Trail
4 day trip to the North Rim with just me and Brad for his birthday - a year of planning. His parents taking care of the kids in town.
Incredibly relaxing to be just the two of us and in such a special place. First visited North Rim in 2004 - and most recent visit was August 2008 when I was pregnant with Caroline. So much has changed since then.
We had a double cabin - heck yeah - and got a drink before walking out around Bright Angel Point to watch sunset.
Incredibly relaxing to be just the two of us and in such a special place. First visited North Rim in 2004 - and most recent visit was August 2008 when I was pregnant with Caroline. So much has changed since then.
We had a double cabin - heck yeah - and got a drink before walking out around Bright Angel Point to watch sunset.
2014-09-17 Crzy4AZ
Bright Angel Point Trail
Utah/Arizona Strip Trek - May/June 2014
Utah/Arizona Strip Trek – May/June 2014
Bryce Canyon NP (BRCA) & Zion (ZION) NP
Kodachrome Basin SP & Coral Pink Sands SP
Pipe Springs (PISP) NM & North Rim Grand Canyon (GRCA) NP
Utah/Arizona Strip Trek - Three National Parks, Two State Parks, One National Monument, Four Days, Three Nights, almost 1000 images, and 24 HAZ trails...
Prelude: Believe it or not but I’ve never been to Bryce Canyon or Zion. With 2 strikes already against me having previously attempted a trip in April (snowed out) and October (snowed out again), Lynn, the dogs and I made a late May attempt battling off strike three!
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DAY 1 - Saturday May 31st
7.44 miles hiking and 390 AEG (39 floors) on FitBit
442 miles on F-150
With business visitors Friday evening, we couldn’t hit the road until early Saturday morning. Made good time and stopped for lunch at the Page AZ Burger King before crossing the Glen Canyon Dam into Utah http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2047 . Once in Utah, we passed some familiar sights in the Paria River Valley. Sad to hear the movie set from Clint Eastwood’s “The Outlaw - Josie Wales” was vandalized and burned to the ground http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_oldparia.html . Don’t know if I was one of the last to capture images before the set was burned to the ground http://hikearizona.com/decoder=17647 and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=17647
Eventually drove past Moqui Cave just north of Kanab UT http://utahcaves.blogspot.com/2008/06/moqui-caves.html . I’ve always wondered if this was a structure incorporating original Anasazi ruins. A little online research says definitely not…
We turned off SR89 and onto Utah Scenic Highway 12 http://www.scenicbyway12.com/ . This was a treat for the first time (finally). Red Canyon gave us a hint of the “eye-candy” yet to come. Stopped at one of the pull-outs along SR12 and hiked the Red Canyon Loop http://hikearizona.com/photoset=21926 and a section of Golden Wall Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19023 plus some connector trails (Red Canyon Tunnel Trail and Photographers Trail) http://www.utah-trails.com/Tunnel-Trail and http://www.utah-trails.com/Golden-Wall- ... orn-Trails
We eventually wandered into our “pet friendly” basecamp at the Best Western Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon City located just north of the park entrance http://www.rubysinn.com/ and http://www.rubysinn.com/bryce-canyon-hi ... hotos.html . This certainly was an international gathering of German, French, and Japanese tourist! After fixing a quick dinner at our basecamp hotel room, needed to stretch those legs around the Lake Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19366 .
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Sunday June 1st
10.71 miles and 780 AEG (78 floors) on FitBit
84 miles on F-150
Bryce Canyon NP http://www.nps.gov/brca/parknews/upload ... 14-web.pdf
Pets in Bryce Canyon NP http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/pets.htm
"Pets are only permitted in campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, and on the paved trail between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point"
We knew the limited hiking with dog options within the national parks before we left for Bryce and Zion. Undeterred, the Bryce “eye-candy” made up for any missed opportunities http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11935 . The Sunrise Point to Sunset Point Rim Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19367 offered our first glimpse of the Amphitheater Region. Lynn and I then took turns minding the dogs up on top of the rim to give us each a chance to hike the Navajo and/or Queen’s Garden Loops. See http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2000 and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1998 .
Bryce Amphitheater Region map http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/u ... er-web.pdf
Fairyland Point
Sunrise Point
Sunrise to Sunset Point paved connector trail is dog friendly Sunset Point Inspiration Point Bryce Point
Bryce Southern Scenic Drive viewpoint map Swamp Canyon, Whiteman Bench, Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point & Yovimpa Points
I had scouted up the Bristlecone Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11918 that connects Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Points as a “photo op”. Unfortunately the trail was closed…
On the drive back from the southern reaches of Bryce Canyon, we stopped at Fairyland Point. Lynn and the dogs stayed at the rim top while I ventured down the Fairyland Loop Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12546
With the hour approaching 6pm and knowing we still had a couple of hours daylight left, we agreed to head the F-150 over to Kodachrome Basin SP http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/kodachr ... state-park located 7 miles off Highway 12 near Cannonville on Cottonwood Canyon Road http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... erview.png . I had previously viewed Kodachrome Basin from the south on an approach heading north up Cottonwood Canyon Road. On that occasion we had to abort our trip due to slick mud. This time I had an opportunity to view Kodachrome Basin from within the basin – nice! Pre-trip suggestions indicated Angels Palace or Shakespeare's Arch as highly recommended destinations http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... ochure.pdf and http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Kodachro ... le-UT-5584 . Hiked Angel’s Palace Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1999 followed by an aborted attempt of Shakespeare’s Arch http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1394 prior to a sundown picnic dinner at TH parking lot. Arrived back at Ruby's Inn basecamp to catch Hawks-Kings game and Game of Thrones...
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Monday June 2nd
6.61 miles and 150 AEG (15 floors) on FitBit
245 miles on F-150
Zion NP http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
1hr 44min drive per Google Maps from Ruby's Inn to Zion Lodge
Zion 2014 park map and guide http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/u ... MG2014.pdf
Once again we knew the limited hiking with dog options within the national parks before we left for Bryce and Zion. Dogs are allowed on Pa'rus Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2106
Trail connects Canyon Junction and Zion Visitor Center. Prior to entering the 1.1 mile long Zion – Mt Carmel tunnel on SR9, it was recommended to us to make a stop at the Canyon Overlook Trail http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-c ... -trail.htm and http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/ ... erlook.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19368 Once near the Zion Visitor Center, I managed to grab the last available parking spot and we headed out along the Pa’rus trail as mid-morning temperatures hit the mid-80’s. With the scene reminding us too much of Sedona (the bad, not the good), we agreed to head up into the mountains and cooler climate along a back road I had scouted up as “Plan B”. Kolob Terrace Road was identified as an alternative since Zion Canyon can only be accessed by shuttle vehicles (no dogs allowed) http://www.takemytrip.com/07zion/07_08a.htm .
We had a pleasant lunch up at Lava Point http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/l ... ground.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19369 before checking out the West Rim TH http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/w ... -trail.htm and Kolob Reservoir http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots/detai ... 1154730183 and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19370 .
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Tuesday June 3rd
8.25 miles and 500 AEG (50 floors) on FitBit
572 miles on F-150
“Getaway Home Day” via a natural curiosity, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/coral-p ... state-park and http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... alpink.jpg and http://www.zionnational-park.com/sdhike.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12221 . We discovered colonies of rare Tiger Beetles (only 600-3000 total population of beetles) while hiking the dunes http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... ochure.pdf and were also treated to a fascinating display of late spring flowers while hiking the Nature Trail http://www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_coral_pink.htm . South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs - Located 4 miles northeast of the dunes in the Mosquith Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) http://hikearizona.com/decoder=13601 . From Hancock Road – Yellow Jacket Road intersection, drive 3.5 miles passing the Ponderosa Campground until you reach the intersection of Hancock Road and the 4WD Sand Spring Road on the right. A 4WD vehicle allows travel within .5 mile of the pictographs. If your vehicle will not make it on the soft sandy roads, walk from the "T" in Hancock Road and Sand Dune Spring Road. It is 4 miles, one way, to the pictographs. Take Sand Springs Route to first intersection. Then a little less than 2 miles the trail ends and hiking trail to pictographs and petroglyphs begins. From the parking area, walk northeast to locate a path of use through the sand. Continue the gradual descent down the obvious trail. The trail soon becomes obvious as it continues east and then switches direction after a small drop down through the rocks. Continue descending and then traversing the hillside beneath the cliff band on hikers left. Shortly you will arrive at the (chain-link fence protected) South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs. The distance from the parking lot to the pictographs is about .5 mile and the descent is about 150'. The pictographs sit at the back of a large alcove and pictures must be taken from behind the fence 30' away http://www.zionnational-park.com/moquith-mountain.htm and http://www.zionnational-park.com/images ... ndex32.htm . This area is a unique hidden gem – highly recommended (and no HAZer has visited this place before?)!
Pipe Springs National Monument http://www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1229 .
North Rim of Grand Canyon http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-nr.htm and http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/u ... im-Map.pdf
Prior to our visit we knew about limited options hiking with dogs at the Grand Canyon North Rim; “Dogs on the North Rim; are not allowed other than the Bridle Trail (Greenway) that connects the lodge with the North Kaibab Trail and the portion of the Arizona Trail that continues north from there to the park entrance.”
Bridle Trail on HAZ http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1654
Bright Angel Point Trail on HAZ http://hikearizona.com/decoder=418
Transept Trail on HAZ http://hikearizona.com/decoder=810
Made a stop at the Marble Canyon Navajo Bridge and found “condor city” http://hikearizona.com/decoder=778 before stopping in Flagstaff for a late dinner. Arrived back home just before midnight…
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HIKING SUMMARY
7.44 miles, 390 AEG Saturday
10.71 miles, 780 AEG Sunday
6.61 miles, 150 AEG Monday
8.25 miles, 500 AEG Tuesday
TOTAL = 33.01 miles, 1820 AEG, 24 HAZ trails
141 images on iPhone
310 images on Canon Rebel XT
438 images on Canon 6D
61 images on Canon 7D
TOTAL = 950 images on 4 cameras...
F-150 SUMMARY
442 miles driving Saturday
84 miles driving Sunday
245 miles driving Monday
572 miles driving Tuesday
TOTAL = 1343 miles on F-150 (20.8 mpg). Assuming $3.80 per gallon average, that’s 64.5 gallons consumed for a trip cost of $245.35…
EDITORIAL COMMENT; Coffee in Utah sucks. Maybe that’s too rash since I didn't stop and try the Cafe Adobe/Expresso Rock Shop in Hatch UT... Took a Starbucks “fix” in Flagstaff to return me to equilibrium!
That NPS annual pass comes thru again for $25 entry into Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, plus $8 for Pipe Spring...
Aiming for Fall colour redux at Bryce Canyon Lodge the 1st week of October (looks like only Oct 4-6 or Oct 18-21 availability)? Cabin rentals are $212 per night plus multiple convenience fees and surcharges. Want to get some sunrise/sunset "golden hour" images...
PS - I see this trip tripped me over the 3K distance line for miles logged on HAZ
LINKED HIKES;
Glen Canyon Dam http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2047
Paria Movie Set http://hikearizona.com/decoder=17647
Red Canyon Loop http://hikearizona.com/photoset=21926
Golden Wall http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19023
Ruby’s Inn Lake Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19366
Bryce Canyon NP Trails http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11935
Sunrise Point to Sunset Point Rim Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19367
Navajo Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2000
Queen’s Garden Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1998
Bristlecone Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11918
Fairyland Loop Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12546
Angel’s Palace Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1999
Shakespeare Arch Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1394
Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion NP http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19368
Pa’rus Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2106
Lava Point Overlook, Zion NP http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19369
Kolob Reservoir Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19370
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12221
South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs http://hikearizona.com/decoder=13601
Pipe Springs NP Trails http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1229
Bridle Trail, Grand Canyon North Rim http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1654
Bright Angel Point Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=418
Transept Trail, Grand Canyon North Rim http://hikearizona.com/decoder=810
Navajo Bridge, Marble Canyon http://hikearizona.com/decoder=778
Sent from my iPad
Wildflowers
Concentrated around Bryce Canyon NP and Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP
Bryce Canyon NP (BRCA) & Zion (ZION) NP
Kodachrome Basin SP & Coral Pink Sands SP
Pipe Springs (PISP) NM & North Rim Grand Canyon (GRCA) NP
Utah/Arizona Strip Trek - Three National Parks, Two State Parks, One National Monument, Four Days, Three Nights, almost 1000 images, and 24 HAZ trails...
Prelude: Believe it or not but I’ve never been to Bryce Canyon or Zion. With 2 strikes already against me having previously attempted a trip in April (snowed out) and October (snowed out again), Lynn, the dogs and I made a late May attempt battling off strike three!
_______________________________________
DAY 1 - Saturday May 31st
7.44 miles hiking and 390 AEG (39 floors) on FitBit
442 miles on F-150
With business visitors Friday evening, we couldn’t hit the road until early Saturday morning. Made good time and stopped for lunch at the Page AZ Burger King before crossing the Glen Canyon Dam into Utah
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2047 . Once in Utah, we passed some familiar sights in the Paria River Valley. Sad to hear the movie set from Clint Eastwood’s “The Outlaw - Josie Wales” was vandalized and burned to the ground http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_oldparia.html . Don’t know if I was one of the last to capture images before the set was burned to the ground http://hikearizona.com/decoder=17647 and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=17647
Eventually drove past Moqui Cave just north of Kanab UT
http://utahcaves.blogspot.com/2008/06/moqui-caves.html . I’ve always wondered if this was a structure incorporating original Anasazi ruins. A little online research says definitely not…
We turned off SR89 and onto Utah Scenic Highway 12
http://www.scenicbyway12.com/ . This was a treat for the first time (finally). Red Canyon gave us a hint of the “eye-candy” yet to come. Stopped at one of the pull-outs along SR12 and hiked the Red Canyon Loop http://hikearizona.com/photoset=21926 and a section of Golden Wall Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19023 plus some connector trails (Red Canyon Tunnel Trail and Photographers Trail) http://www.utah-trails.com/Tunnel-Trail and http://www.utah-trails.com/Golden-Wall- ... orn-Trails
We eventually wandered into our “pet friendly” basecamp at the Best Western Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon City located just north of the park entrance
http://www.rubysinn.com/ and http://www.rubysinn.com/bryce-canyon-hi ... hotos.html . This certainly was an international gathering of German, French, and Japanese tourist! After fixing a quick dinner at our basecamp hotel room, needed to stretch those legs around the Lake Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19366 .
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Sunday June 1st
10.71 miles and 780 AEG (78 floors) on FitBit
84 miles on F-150
Bryce Canyon NP
http://www.nps.gov/brca/parknews/upload ... 14-web.pdf
Pets in Bryce Canyon NP
http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/pets.htm
"Pets are only permitted in campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, and on the paved trail between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point"
We knew the limited hiking with dog options within the national parks before we left for Bryce and Zion. Undeterred, the Bryce “eye-candy” made up for any missed opportunities
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11935 . The Sunrise Point to Sunset Point Rim Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19367 offered our first glimpse of the Amphitheater Region. Lynn and I then took turns minding the dogs up on top of the rim to give us each a chance to hike the Navajo and/or Queen’s Garden Loops. See http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2000 and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1998 .
Bryce Amphitheater Region map
http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/u ... er-web.pdf
Fairyland Point
Sunrise Point
Sunrise to Sunset Point paved connector trail is dog friendly Sunset Point Inspiration Point Bryce Point
Bryce Southern Scenic Drive viewpoint map
Swamp Canyon, Whiteman Bench, Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, Ponderosa Canyon, Black Birch Canyon, Rainbow Point & Yovimpa Points
I had scouted up the Bristlecone Loop
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11918 that connects Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Points as a “photo op”. Unfortunately the trail was closed…
On the drive back from the southern reaches of Bryce Canyon, we stopped at Fairyland Point. Lynn and the dogs stayed at the rim top while I ventured down the Fairyland Loop Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12546
With the hour approaching 6pm and knowing we still had a couple of hours daylight left, we agreed to head the F-150 over to Kodachrome Basin SP
http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/kodachr ... state-park located 7 miles off Highway 12 near Cannonville on Cottonwood Canyon Road http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... erview.png . I had previously viewed Kodachrome Basin from the south on an approach heading north up Cottonwood Canyon Road. On that occasion we had to abort our trip due to slick mud. This time I had an opportunity to view Kodachrome Basin from within the basin – nice! Pre-trip suggestions indicated Angels Palace or Shakespeare's Arch as highly recommended destinations http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... ochure.pdf and http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Kodachro ... le-UT-5584 . Hiked Angel’s Palace Trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1999 followed by an aborted attempt of Shakespeare’s Arch http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1394 prior to a sundown picnic dinner at TH parking lot. Arrived back at Ruby's Inn basecamp to catch Hawks-Kings game and Game of Thrones...
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Monday June 2nd
6.61 miles and 150 AEG (15 floors) on FitBit
245 miles on F-150
Zion NP
http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
1hr 44min drive per Google Maps from Ruby's Inn to Zion Lodge
Zion 2014 park map and guide
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/u ... MG2014.pdf
Once again we knew the limited hiking with dog options within the national parks before we left for Bryce and Zion. Dogs are allowed on Pa'rus Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2106
Trail connects Canyon Junction and Zion Visitor Center. Prior to entering the 1.1 mile long Zion – Mt Carmel tunnel on SR9, it was recommended to us to make a stop at the Canyon Overlook Trail
http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-c ... -trail.htm and http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion/ ... erlook.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19368 Once near the Zion Visitor Center, I managed to grab the last available parking spot and we headed out along the Pa’rus trail as mid-morning temperatures hit the mid-80’s. With the scene reminding us too much of Sedona (the bad, not the good), we agreed to head up into the mountains and cooler climate along a back road I had scouted up as “Plan B”. Kolob Terrace Road was identified as an alternative since Zion Canyon can only be accessed by shuttle vehicles (no dogs allowed) http://www.takemytrip.com/07zion/07_08a.htm .
We had a pleasant lunch up at Lava Point
http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/l ... ground.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19369 before checking out the West Rim TH http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/w ... -trail.htm and Kolob Reservoir http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots/detai ... 1154730183 and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19370 .
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Tuesday June 3rd
8.25 miles and 500 AEG (50 floors) on FitBit
572 miles on F-150
“Getaway Home Day” via a natural curiosity, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/coral-p ... state-park and http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... alpink.jpg and http://www.zionnational-park.com/sdhike.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12221 . We discovered colonies of rare Tiger Beetles (only 600-3000 total population of beetles) while hiking the dunes http://stateparks.utah.gov/sites/statep ... ochure.pdf and were also treated to a fascinating display of late spring flowers while hiking the Nature Trail http://www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_coral_pink.htm . South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs - Located 4 miles northeast of the dunes in the Mosquith Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA) http://hikearizona.com/decoder=13601 . From Hancock Road – Yellow Jacket Road intersection, drive 3.5 miles passing the Ponderosa Campground until you reach the intersection of Hancock Road and the 4WD Sand Spring Road on the right. A 4WD vehicle allows travel within .5 mile of the pictographs. If your vehicle will not make it on the soft sandy roads, walk from the "T" in Hancock Road and Sand Dune Spring Road. It is 4 miles, one way, to the pictographs. Take Sand Springs Route to first intersection. Then a little less than 2 miles the trail ends and hiking trail to pictographs and petroglyphs begins. From the parking area, walk northeast to locate a path of use through the sand. Continue the gradual descent down the obvious trail. The trail soon becomes obvious as it continues east and then switches direction after a small drop down through the rocks. Continue descending and then traversing the hillside beneath the cliff band on hikers left. Shortly you will arrive at the (chain-link fence protected) South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs. The distance from the parking lot to the pictographs is about .5 mile and the descent is about 150'. The pictographs sit at the back of a large alcove and pictures must be taken from behind the fence 30' away http://www.zionnational-park.com/moquith-mountain.htm and http://www.zionnational-park.com/images ... ndex32.htm . This area is a unique hidden gem – highly recommended (and no HAZer has visited this place before?)!
Pipe Springs National Monument
http://www.nps.gov/pisp/index.htm and http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1229 .
North Rim of Grand Canyon
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/cg-nr.htm and http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/u ... im-Map.pdf
Prior to our visit we knew about limited options hiking with dogs at the Grand Canyon North Rim; “Dogs on the North Rim; are not allowed other than the Bridle Trail (Greenway) that connects the lodge with the North Kaibab Trail and the portion of the Arizona Trail that continues north from there to the park entrance.”
Bridle Trail on HAZ
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1654
Bright Angel Point Trail on HAZ
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=418
Transept Trail on HAZ
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=810
Made a stop at the Marble Canyon Navajo Bridge and found “condor city”
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=778 before stopping in Flagstaff for a late dinner. Arrived back home just before midnight…
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HIKING SUMMARY
7.44 miles, 390 AEG Saturday
10.71 miles, 780 AEG Sunday
6.61 miles, 150 AEG Monday
8.25 miles, 500 AEG Tuesday
TOTAL = 33.01 miles, 1820 AEG, 24 HAZ trails
141 images on iPhone
310 images on Canon Rebel XT
438 images on Canon 6D
61 images on Canon 7D
TOTAL = 950 images on 4 cameras...
F-150 SUMMARY
442 miles driving Saturday
84 miles driving Sunday
245 miles driving Monday
572 miles driving Tuesday
TOTAL = 1343 miles on F-150 (20.8 mpg). Assuming $3.80 per gallon average, that’s 64.5 gallons consumed for a trip cost of $245.35…
EDITORIAL COMMENT; Coffee in Utah sucks. Maybe that’s too rash since I didn't stop and try the Cafe Adobe/Expresso Rock Shop in Hatch UT... Took a Starbucks “fix” in Flagstaff to return me to equilibrium!
That NPS annual pass comes thru again for $25 entry into Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, plus $8 for Pipe Spring...
Aiming for Fall colour redux at Bryce Canyon Lodge the 1st week of October (looks like only Oct 4-6 or Oct 18-21 availability)? Cabin rentals are $212 per night plus multiple convenience fees and surcharges. Want to get some sunrise/sunset "golden hour" images...
PS - I see this trip tripped me over the 3K distance line for miles logged on HAZ
LINKED HIKES;
Glen Canyon Dam
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2047
Paria Movie Set
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=17647
Red Canyon Loop
http://hikearizona.com/photoset=21926
Golden Wall
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19023
Ruby’s Inn Lake Loop
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19366
Bryce Canyon NP Trails
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11935
Sunrise Point to Sunset Point Rim Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19367
Navajo Loop
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2000
Queen’s Garden Loop
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1998
Bristlecone Loop
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=11918
Fairyland Loop Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12546
Angel’s Palace Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1999
Shakespeare Arch Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1394
Canyon Overlook Trail, Zion NP
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19368
Pa’rus Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2106
Lava Point Overlook, Zion NP
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19369
Kolob Reservoir Loop
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=19370
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=12221
South Fork Indian Canyon Pictographs
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=13601
Pipe Springs NP Trails
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1229
Bridle Trail, Grand Canyon North Rim
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1654
Bright Angel Point Trail
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=418
Transept Trail, Grand Canyon North Rim
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=810
Navajo Bridge, Marble Canyon
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=778
Sent from my iPad
Wildflowers
Concentrated around Bryce Canyon NP and Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP
2014-05-31 Randal_Schulhauser
Bright Angel Point Trail
North Rim Tourist
jj needed to knock out an AZT segment. I figured it was a good opportunity to wander around the North Rim in prime season! The catch being a three hour window and so many options.
First I headed over and checked out the bitumen pitch path to East Rim Trail #7 I discovered hiking the AZT(shout out to Denny!). It is a short 0.2mi stroll to excellent views down North Canyon. #7 intrigues, once again it will have to wait.
Next up, wait a minute. Did I mention the weather. A perfect sixty degrees, puffy clouds, late afternoon, autumn, ever so gentle slight breeze... breathe. Opps got carried away, no breeze.
Next up another gander at Bright Angel Point Trail. Hands down the best views to effort ratio. I'm sure many shrug it off due to the crowds. People fascinate me so I enjoy the added element. Besides you can always create your own hike too.
With a little bit of time left I drove down Fuller Canyon a bit to check it out. Time was up so I setup our cache for Rim to Rim to Rim the next day.
First I headed over and checked out the bitumen pitch path to East Rim Trail #7 I discovered hiking the AZT(shout out to Denny!). It is a short 0.2mi stroll to excellent views down North Canyon. #7 intrigues, once again it will have to wait.
Next up, wait a minute. Did I mention the weather. A perfect sixty degrees, puffy clouds, late afternoon, autumn, ever so gentle slight breeze... breathe. Opps got carried away, no breeze.
Next up another gander at Bright Angel Point Trail. Hands down the best views to effort ratio. I'm sure many shrug it off due to the crowds. People fascinate me so I enjoy the added element. Besides you can always create your own hike too.
With a little bit of time left I drove down Fuller Canyon a bit to check it out. Time was up so I setup our cache for Rim to Rim to Rim the next day.
2012-10-10 joebartels
Bright Angel Point Trail
The Transept is sort of the ultimate 'not-really-a-hiker's hike. For the folks who rented their El Monte RV to drive from North Dakota and see all of the National Parks of the west in a whirlwind 2 week adventure, the gentle walk between the campground (with toilets, showers, hot coffee and food) to the lodge (with toilets, showers, hot coffee and food) is the perfect way to justify their purchase of a 'I Hiked the Canyon' t-shirt and ball cap bonus-bundle. It has some pretty views of Transept Canyon, and provided you don't bail out at the first lodge turn out, connects right up to the Bright Angel Point trail and the views there. There's even a little interpretive spot with the remains of a prehistoric dwelling and a few well-placed benches.
It may sound from the paragraph above like I didn't like the hike. In truth, I enjoyed the walk more than I might have a stroll through my neighborhood and less than I might a scramble through some seldom-visited escarpment in the middle of pumpkin-head nowhere.
The Bridle Path back was even more pedestrian (for lack of a better word), and was one step down from a paved greenway. However, there were some cool construction features that were no doubt left over from its days as an actual bridle path. The pines were swaying in the breeze, the air was crisp and beautiful, and the company was marvelous. How can you go wrong?
All in all, a very nice trip to lunch and back - and I got a new Grand Canyon map out of the deal.
It may sound from the paragraph above like I didn't like the hike. In truth, I enjoyed the walk more than I might have a stroll through my neighborhood and less than I might a scramble through some seldom-visited escarpment in the middle of pumpkin-head nowhere.
The Bridle Path back was even more pedestrian (for lack of a better word), and was one step down from a paved greenway. However, there were some cool construction features that were no doubt left over from its days as an actual bridle path. The pines were swaying in the breeze, the air was crisp and beautiful, and the company was marvelous. How can you go wrong?
All in all, a very nice trip to lunch and back - and I got a new Grand Canyon map out of the deal.
2012-08-31 writelots
