Phantom Creek

[Hank]

Last Sunday I hiked into Phantom Creek, a tributary of Bright Angel Creek in the Grand Canyon. I've walked by it a number of times on rim to rim hikes, but never had the time to go explore it. So I made a trip just to explore Phantom Creek...

A little over a week ago I hiked down to Phantom Ranch, with the intent of exploring Phantom Canyon, but instead of the normal afternoon rains, it rained all morning long. I talked with the folks at Phantom Ranch, and they agreed that it would not be a good time to go exploring a slot canyon, especially since it had flashed the day before. So I turned around and hiked back out, exploring some old Anasazi ruins on the way out.

The following weekend (last Sunday) I decided to try again, as it had been cloudless for 5 days in a row. So, up to the Canyon, down to Phantom Ranch, then a mile or two towards the North Rim to the mouth of Phantom Canyon. This is just past the second bridge. Here I forded across Bright Angel Creek and headed up Phantom Creek, walking in the water a good part of the time. There were some really nice waterfalls that I had to climb around, lots of pools and just really incredible scenery. I went a mile or so up this narrow canyon, then stopped alongside a small falls. There were some nice shaded slabs of rock that seemed just perfect to lie down upon and enjoy the sounds of the water burbling by, the birds chirping, and the breeze blowing by. It was very peaceful and relaxing...

After an hour or so, I headed back downstream, moseyed on down to Phantom Ranch, and hiked out. After a really nice dinner in the Bright Angel Restaurant, I headed home, tired but happy.

I just wish that I hadn't forgotten my camera!!! Oh well, I guess I'll just have to go back again.... :roll:

Hank