Skunk

[Nighthiker]

While returning from a night hike (Hieroglyphic Springs) I encountered a skunk along the trail. After observing it for several minutes the skunk noted my presence and spent several minutes observing me before bounding off after an owl hooted. This was the second skunk that I have observed this past week.

[hegstrom]

You've probably been asked this before, but I haven't seen it ... so ...

Why do you hike at night?

[Nighthiker]

About a third of my hikes are night hikes. I also take 4x4 rides and mtn. bike rides at night. I just like to be out beyond the three wire after dark.

Three strands of barb wire, public lands.
Four strands of barb wire, private lands.

[hegstrom]

In response to Nighthiker's reply:

We just completed a North Rim to South Rim (in October) of the Grand Canyon (we took our time, 4 nights). As we were leaving Cottonwood CG, near Ribbon Falls, we came across a couple that were hiking up to the North Rim. They had left the North Rim around midnight, had gone down to Phantom Ranch and the Silver Bridge, done a U-turn (intentionally) and were now headed back up to the North Rim. That's a 28 mile day hike on the hardest segment of the canyon.

I couldn't figure out what they were seeing/experiencing from midnight until probably 6-7am when they could actually see. Hence my question to you about hiking at night.

I'm trying to figure out what you are seeing/experiencing that keeps you coming back at night?

P.S. Thx for explaining the three wire comment.

[azhiker96]

Sorry to jump in but I sometimes hike at night also. Last October I hiked the Bright Angel trail to Phantom ranch starting at 3:30am. I could see the lights of the North Rim lodge which are undiscernable during the day. It was quiet and I had solitude. The first hikers I saw was a couple coming up from the campground. I met them halfway between Indian Gardens and the river. Imagine, having the Bright Angel trail to yourself. I got to see the sunrise from the Colorado river in the bottom of the canyon. Also, I saw deer and a coati that morning.
If you choose a full moon you can often switch off your headlamp and hike to the moonlight. I did this on a hike out of Peter's canyon one night. It was pretty cool.

[nasbond]

At my age speed is not one of my strong suits. When I think r2r I think in days. Night hikes have all kinds of sights and sounds that you don't hear in the day time. Its a whole different world out there.

[te_wa]

now, Im not Indiana Jones, but arent you eventually going to see snakes?
Or fail to see them? just wondering...

[Nighthiker]

Observe snakes all the time. To locate use a signal mirror and reflect sunlight under bushes and you may observe a snake best time early morning and evening.

[te_wa]

well, Im in no mood to view snakes. I just figured during peak rattlesnake season, in dark conditions, a person might have an unwanted encounter with one. I like snakes. I respect them. But I respect them at a distance of 10 feet!