Hey Actifitters,
Like mentioned, our next stop in our trip yesterday was Grand Canyon National Park. We arrived a bit late in the morning, and as confirmed by a ranger, it was probably not the best idea to try any of the most famous trails, Bright Angel, and South Kaibab. But she did recommend Hermit trail. So that's what we decided. But first of course, the first view of the canyon, it's just so extraordinary!
Then we quickly hopped on the blue line, followed by the red line (yes it is a massive park!) all the way to Hermit's Rest. And off we went on the trail. Quite steep at the beginning.
We met this snake slowly crossing the trail. Snakes, just like spiders, scare me! So we just let it go, it took its time, but finally was off the trail and we could go.
Some parts of the original trail are still conserved fairly well.
But it becomes quite rocky in some areas, especially after the first junction at Waldron trail.
When we reached the second junction (Dripping Spring junction), we decided to stay on the Hermit trail towards Santa Maria spring, instead of switching to the other one to reach Dripping Spring. It was shorter and also better for time management.
A bit more, and we started to see the shelter at Santa Maria spring.
And there it was! Pretty cool little construction, perfect for a meal in the shade.
Local squirrels must have a very strong nose. Because just a few minutes later, this cute one arrived to see if we had any food for it. Of course, it's a big no-no to feed them, so we didn't, at least not directly. But it was smart, it waited until we left to find the small crumbs we dropped unintentionally while eating.
Form inside the shelter, the view was mostly blocked, probably to shield from the wind. It's too bad because that was a good one.
Of course, the namesake spring was there too. It is strongly recommended to treat the water if you want to drink it. It was just a fairly short day hike for us, so no need.
We had already decided to turn back at the spring, but out of curiosity we continued a little further. For some reason, this rock, hanging from a couple thousand feet drop-off, made me think of Wile E. Coyote and the Road runner. So to avoid finishing like the Coyote, I didn't go too close!
It's possible that the next part of the Hermit trail is not passable right now, because that is what we found a bit further. I really didn't see any ways to walk any further.
So we just climbed back up the same way we arrived. It took a bit longer than the descent of course, but not that bad. We could catch some of the views we missed on the way down.
Back at the top, there is a cool general store/gift shop in a historic building with a very cool fireplace.
It is said that if you stay under this bell and take a photo, you'll receive luck...
Since it was still kind of early, we checked out some of the viewpoints along the red line. We walked between some of the stops, and rode the shuttle between some other. I don't exactly remember at which point some of the photos were taken. These views are just all great anyways.
We finally found the first good views of the Colorado River. Very impressive to me.
Depending where along the red line we were, the surrounding mountains might have different colors.
With the sunset approaching, the light also started to change.
So we rushed to the point we had selected for the sunset: Pima Point, the last one before Hermits Rest. Perfect timing!
Of course, we stayed for the whole sun descent and I snapped a gazillion photos!
Until it was all gone.
We stayed a little bit more admiring the view that was still beautiful in the decreasing light.
And we finally took the shuttles back to the visitor center to end another great day. It was fully dark by that time. And around here, it gets very dark at night, making so many stars visible in the sky. That made the drive to our hotel a bit less boring. One more day in the Grand Canyon and it will be the end of our hiking adventures.
As always, thanks for stopping by and see you tomorrow.
PS: my Actifit phone battery died in yhe afternoon, otherwise final step count would have been over 40k for sure.
[//]:# (!pinmapple 36.06215 lat -112.21114 long d3scr)
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