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| Backpack | 20.00 Miles |
6,390 AEG |
| | Backpack | 20.00 Miles | 3 Days | | |
| 6,390 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I got to spend the weekend in the most awesome place on Earth with the most awesome person on Earth! Haven't been to Grand Canyon since Havasupai last year and I got a great opportunity to go with my gymnast daughter, Madisyn for her 12th birthday. Went with my buddy Mark and his son Josh also, as they have been to Monument several times and I'm a relatively newbie to the Grand Canyon (**complainer disclaimer**). This place offers a lot more than spectacular views and excellent workouts, it is an experience that is measured beyond what any words could describe. You take away a lot more than photos and memories.
When we got to the park and the first glimpses of the canyon came into view, Madi's jaw just dropped for about 3 minutes straight. We camped up top on Friday night and started down Hermit at about 7AM. It was nice and cool on the switchbacks down through the Coconino. I really enjoyed the forested area between there and Santa Maria Spring. Most of this hike is in the Supai going in and out of side canyons along the side of the cliff above the redrock layer. Madi made sure that she did many gym poses in front of some pretty scenic views. I think the two of us getting to hang out together and be goofy and laugh our way down the trail might have been my favorite part of the whole trip. Seeing her enjoy herself so much and being at an age now that she can appreciate it was very cool, as a father, to witness. After a while you emerge from the side canyon and out into the main canyon where the views are even more magnificent. Coming down the Cathedral Stairs, we took our time and I did my best to not think about having to hike back up! Coming down to the Tonto level, things took a turn a bit. As we were taking our sweet time enjoying the views it was getting later and hotter and we were running out of water very rapidly. I never knew how grueling a downhill hike could be. We got to a saddle and found about a 6 ft long piece of shade that we all enjoyed and finished up the last of our water. Knowing we had about 2 more miles to go, two in our group decided to go ahead and get water while the other two took a slower pace to camp. We were all exhausted when we finally arrived but despite being Memorial Day weekend, we were able to secure the penthouse spot at Monument Creek. Having the benefit of no iPhones, and no internet nor TV, allows conversation to dominate. It is great to sit around telling stories and getting to know each other better, especially since we all have a common bond now of that brutal hike to get to camp.
The next day we hiked down to the beach on the Colorado River near Granite Rapids, where we spent literally all day just resting in the shade and enjoying watching the rafters go through the rapids. I cannot remember the last time I spent an entire day doing absolutely nothing and it was wonderful! (While the guys rested, Madi was practicing her gymnastics floor routines the whole time.. ahhh to be a kid again..). On the way back to camp, instead of taking the trail back, we opted to go through the narrow section of Monument Creek. This proved to be most excellent as climbing around this area was very fun. Not too often I get to practice the ol' Spiderman moves. Lets just say I am not as graceful as a gymnast.
We decided to get an early start on the hike out to beat the sun on the Tonto section. That was probably the main reason why the hike out was actually not that bad. Even all 23 switchbacks of the Cathedral Stairs were not that terrible. Even though we did take several breaks, we passed 3 groups on the way out. I think it has a lot to do with the psychology of knowing we have to hike out that makes the return always seem quicker. Had a nice long break at Santa Maria and enjoyed some lunch. With extra motivation and a full stomach we finished the final ascent back to the trailhead.
This was one of the best hikes I have ever been on. What can I say? Its the Grand Canyon!! Everything about this place is bigger, stepper, tougher, hotter, and more remote than anywhere else. I love all of hiking. I love the nature and views, and the company, but I also love the struggle and the pain, the frustration and exhaustion. It all comes together for an experience that changes the very fabric of who I am. Again, these words and these photos don't even come close to describing this weekend. I got to spend the weekend in one of the 7 wonders of the world with my awesome daughter and made some good friends at the same time. |
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| “There is nothing that exists outside the thought of the immediate moment.” |
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Route Editor
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