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| Backpack | 30.36 Miles |
8,345 AEG |
| | Backpack | 30.36 Miles | 3 Days | | |
| 8,345 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | 9L was able to secure the permits for Rainbow Bridge South Trail. We all drove to the South Trailhead on Thursday night arriving quite late. With the late arrival we started hiking Friday morning just before 9am but shortly before starting 3 reservation dogs showed up and also decided they wanted to join us for the hike.
The trail traverses across the first five miles crossing some drainages the biggest being Horse Canyon. Otherwise it’s a series of short up’s and downs as we hiked towards Yabut Pass. Very scenic with the terrain being similar to Esplande layer in the Grand Canyon. Once at Yabut Pass we took a break and had a great view of the pending 2000 foot drop into Cliff Canyon.
Dropping into Cliff Canyon was tedious downhill and the trail was not as good as the first five miles. Eventually we made the canyon bottom and just after passing the 8 mile mark we hit the first water. Chumley had hiked ahead and found a nice bench camp site in the cool shade and with plenty of water in the creek.
We setup camp and just enjoyed the afternoon and of course the dogs enjoyed a power nap as well. Rest of the evening was pleasant looking forward to the day hike to Rainbow Bridge next day.
Next morning we headed out on the day hike. The first task was getting over Redbud Pass which was not as rough as we thought based on other triplogs. It was a really fun pass to negotiate and had some interesting geology and narrow sections. Once on the other side it opened back up into some nice meadows with wildflowers and higher canyon walls.
Eventually the trail intersected with Bridge Canyon which we followed passed the North Trail junction and Echo Camp. From Echo Camp it was only about ½ mile to Rainbow Bridge which is where we saw the first people of the trip. Fortunately, there was not a large tourist group only a couple of small groups. Most of us rested dogs included under a constructed shade cover at the bridge but Kathy hiked towards the lake and by chance she was offered some dog snacks by one of the boat people which was good because our food supplies did not count on 3 dogs.
After the break we headed back the same way. It was much warmer on the way back but we took some good breaks at some key water spots with a dip in one of the deeper pools. Back at camp settled in for another night.
However, overnight the winds really picked up to the point it was difficult to sleep. Next morning it was more of the same with high winds. We packed up and started the hike out. First, we had to climb the 2000 feet to Yabut Pass. This part was tough, and it got windier as we ascended to the pass. After the pass it was still windy but definitely better than the other side.
Eventually everyone made it back to the trailhead dogs included who acted like this is just what they do. Follow hikers into the wilderness and hang out for several days. It was a great trip and really enjoyed the maze of canyons closer to the lake. Thanks to 9L for getting the permits and setting up the trip! |
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