| |
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
-
-
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
|
| | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 4.00 Miles |
3,500 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.00 Miles | | | |
|
|
| 3,500 ft AEG | | | |
|
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | As soon as I saw that the purported 'storm' we were to have in Az. was real I took off for the Canyon. As is the case in winter, I walked into the BCO and said that was looking for a permit and was told 'We're wide open, where do ya what to go?' Since I had but one vehicle I headed down Grandview breaking trail (except for a lone deer, who took some off-trail short-cuts that were beyond my level) through about 12-14 inches of fresh powder. The unusual part was that the snow lasted all the way to Horseshoe Mesa and in a few places lower than that. Off the west side down to Cottonwood and then west-ish around to Grapevine. In winter (especially when it's like 15 degrees) I prefer to camp on the Tonto plateau to get some late & early sun if in camp, rather than back in the shady canyons. (that is if the winds are lying down).
Backtracking, I headed (for the first time) down that old prospector/or? trail(aka Old Grandview 'trail')that descends somewhat west of Cottonwood Canyon and leads down to the river. Good news, it's really short, bad news it's pretty loose in places & steep, but overall not too bad actually.
From there it was the Tonto east to the trail that heads up the east side of the west arm of Horseshoe Mesa so as to get up on top for some sunshine. After a night of at most 10 degrees on HS Mesa, maybe 15 down on the Tonto(t'was -8 to -11, yep 8-11 below zero, in Tusayan the nights I was in) I was happy for good gear. (My buddy Bob always says.. "There's no bad weather, just bad GEAR"). Of course it was suitable for keeping the bourbon cold.
Exit day... I was bewildered to retrace my steps and not see any sign of human travel until I got to about 1/2 mile from the top.
I love the Canyon in winter; much prettier with snowfall and all. And the Christmas tree replete with gifts galore in the foyer of El Tovar is always a special treat as well. |
|
Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
|
|
| _____________________
"The censorship method ... is that of handing the job over to some frail and erring mortal man, and making him omnipotent on the assumption that his official status will make him infallible and omniscient."
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
