rhick's Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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Mar 22 2025

Photos 2
Triplogs 2

Joined Feb 28 2025
Chandler, AZ

Bright Angel to Tonto West, AZ

Hiking		Mar 22 2025
		rhick • Triplogs 2

Hiking	12.20 Miles	3,300 AEG

Hiking	12.20 Miles	6 Hrs	2.22 mph
	3,300 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Bright Angel Trail

Tonto Trail

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New to AZ, so first time hiking down into the Grand Canyon -- last time I was here 6 years ago, my IT band was so bad I couldn't go down at all.

Ice still in patches on the trail for the first 3/4 of a mile which thinned out the crowds. Microspikes worked great. I knew it would be a crowded trail, but it was still worth it to see the incredible construction that went into making a trail with such gentle grades/steps down into the Grand Canyon.

Plateau point had been my original plan, but it was closed to water line construction. To get to a better lunch spot with views and fewer people, I hiked out about a mile onto the Tonto trail going west from Havasupai gardens and found a lovely rock to sit on. The ranger had informed me at this drainage I could walk down and find some nice spots on the cliff, but being on my own and my first time in the canyon I was happy to sit on my lunch rock and enjoy the already breathtaking views.

Refilled water at Havasupai and plodded my way back up. Was passed by one crazy trail runner and a family that was day hiking all the way from Hermit trail, but otherwise I was the one passing and I felt fast and strong! Having no pain really drove home how much strength I've gained since the last time I was there.

Overall a beautiful day and beautiful trail!

1 archive

Mar 01 2025

rhick

Photos 2
Triplogs 2

Joined Feb 28 2025
Chandler, AZ

Barnhardt Trail #43

Payson, AZ

Barnhardt Trail #43

Payson, AZ

Hiking		Mar 01 2025
		rhick • Triplogs 2

Hiking	6.25 Miles	1,654 AEG

Hiking	6.25 Miles	3 Hrs 16 Mns	2.13 mph
	1,654 ft AEG	20 Mns Break

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First time at Barnhardt, hiked up to the waterfall. Road is possible to drive in a sedan, but I wouldn't say it's advisable. No issue in a Subaru. Started at 9am at 55 degrees, finished up just after noon at around 72 degrees. Much of the trail was shaded due to the southern sun being blocked by the mountain. I was the first one at the TH at 9am, but on my way back down I passed 3 groups hiking up.

Waterfall was dry, though there was water visible in pools in the canyon. Saw some semi-recent bear scat (dry, not *that* dry). IDed a Canyon Wren with Merlin Bird ID, and saw a crimson tip butterfly, which was very vibrant!

Great views for most of the trail. Trail was a nice gradual upward climb for the most part.

Some parts of the trail had minor/moderate erosion, and vegetation is encroaching on the trail, but not so bad that it impacts route finding. One rock with graffiti about half a mile up the trail.

	Big Kahuna Falls - Mazatzal Wilderness	Dry	Dry
	Dry; water in pools below in canyon

2 archives

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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