Grand Canyon

[Christine]

Ahhh finally got to experience it these past few days, and I'm smitten. Sore, stiff, achy, tired, but madly in love

Hiked down into it and back out the next day, totalling 11+ hours of steep, killer terrain.

Of course, all I could think (besides I'm-a-gonna-die) is, Why can't they just install a separate mtb trail network?!!

[nor_cal_rider]

I've hiked all over the Canyon and loved it. The shear magnitude of it still amazes me. A few weeks ago I had a tournament in Vegas and took the wife on a heli-tour of Hoover and the West rim. Pilot was yankin' and bankin' up river and then back down. Got to land in the Canyon and then up at the Sky Walk. Scenery is even more inspiring from the air. Had a great time - highly recommend!

[SilasCL]

Did you go down to Phantom Ranch?

Pretty amazing place...one of my favorite hikes ever was taking the bright angel trail down to the river and back.

[MarkS]

Originally Posted by SilasCL

Did you go down to Phantom Ranch?

Pretty amazing place...one of my favorite hikes ever was taking the bright angel trail down to the river and back.

My family and I did the two-day mule trip to and from Phantom Ranch in March 2008. It was a great experience and I would like to go back again. However, the next time I am hiking. As hard as the hike may be, it has to be easier than sitting on a mule for 6 hours per day. Among the things that is amazing about the place is the great difference in temperature between the top of the canyon and the bottom. When we started out from the top, it was in the low 30s and there was snow and ice on the ground (the mules were wearing crampons). By the time we reached the Colorado River it was almost 80 degrees.

[Henry Porter]

One of the few places that you can't overhype.

[VaughnA]

Originally Posted by Henry Porter

One of the few places that you can't overhype.

True, I lived in Flagstaff for a while so I've hiked it and visited many times but it still awes me every time I see it. I'll never forget the sound of the Missus breath being taken away when she first saw the canyon. I took her on a Helo flight from the south rim over to the North and back a few years ago. She still says it's about the best gift I've ever given her. I really recommend the flight, it's worth the money.

[bigdudecycling]

Got married on the rim in August. Best decision we made (besides the decision to get married in the first place). Amazing pics and wow'ed our families.

[jpelaston]

[IMG][/IMG]

[dysfunction]

The more time I spend in the canyon, the more I realize how little I've seen. I love that place. Which trails did you do?

[theBreeze]

My favorite side has always been the North Rim. Different views, but lots fewer tourists. About 1K ft higher in elevation makes it a lot cooler in the summer. Beautiful meadows. There is a mtb trail system on the north rim (sorta kinda).

Will be there in Sept. (South Rim). Riding with PAC Tour from Albq to GC and back with 2 days spent at the canyon. Can't wait!!

[Christine]

Ahhh now I'm re-living the memories. Actually, I think about that hike fairly often. Getting married on the rim sounds truly outstanding.

I also wonder about the group of four guys who took a jog down to the river and back up in the same day. Talk about ridiculous fitness.

[Oxtox]

I was once a camping tour guide for Europeans, took groups around the western US hitting the nat park circuit. Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands, GC...

at the Grand Canyon, most peeps opted for the Bright Angel trail. it's pretty doable for the average joe, but hiking to the river and back was always a major goal for the 'hardy' types. had several 'minor' medical emergencies when people overestimated their level of fitness.

the best experiences in the Big Ditch were the river trips (oar boats). some of the remote side canyons the outfitters took us to are the most beautiful sights I've ever seen...waterfalls, crystal clear pools, remarkable flowering plants in a seriously remote, other-worldly setting.