The Grand Canyon

Every year Cheri's family takes a trip and "hike" though the Grand Canyon. Although the schedule is always the same, the experience is different.

The trip begins by flying into Las Vegas on Thursday night. You can really appreciate the beauty of the Canyon contrasted to the lights and "glitz" of Las Vegas. On Friday, they drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and stay in either the Kaibab Lodge or North Rim Cabins.

The Canyon from the North Rim is one that isn't experienced by many people. It's not the main tourist center, but there are lots of interesting sites.

On Saturday the group embarks on the Rim-to-Rim, 21- or 23-mile hike. This is not an excursion to be taken lightly. The first year Cheri hiked it, despite being in great physical condition, she suffered dehydration and altitude sickness, and she vowed never to return again. But the challenge of doing better hit her and she's returned several years since.

Kris often accompanies Cheri and the two of them have a great time ... and sometimes they even get to take some photos along the way.

The ride home is always painful ... sore muscles get tight and everybody walks like Frankenstein until things get moving.

On the South Kaibab Trail heading up to the South Rim. (Cheri's Mom took this picture!)

The hike (or run if you're really crazy like Cheri's brother) begins on the North Kaibab Trail on the way to Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. The route is 7 miles down to the bottom of the fault, then 7 miles across the bottom to the river. At Phantom Ranch everybody takes a break to soothe tired muscles in the creek and have lunch. Despite being 2/3 of the way though the hike, time-wise Phantom Ranch is about 1/2-way.

At the ranch a decision has to be made. You can exit the Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail, which is 9 miles to the South Rim Lodge, or 7 miles up the South Kaibab Trail. The Bright Angel trail has water at Indian Gardens, and is somewhat sheltered from the beating sun. The South Kaibab Trail doesn't have water, and is extremely exposed to the elements.

After years of taking the "easy" trail (Bright Angel) Kris and Cheri decided to tackle the South Kaibab. It can only be described as hiking 7 miles on a stairmaster. In addition to the steep trails, the slabs of rock set in the trail to keep it from washing away create 12"-18" walls to be stepped over at each stair.

Looking back down onto the Colorado River and the bridge from Phantom Ranch to the South Kaibab trail.

Looking down the North Kaibab fault towards the South Rim.

The ominous and all too accurate warning at the trail head.

In order to get home, somebody has to drive the van from the North Rim to the South Rim. It's a 5-hour drive from rim to rim (but easier than hiking). The road crosses the Canyon at Lee's Ferry, where the Canyon officially begins. But there are some interesting sights along the way

Sunday morning we enjoy the view from the South Rim, a BIG breakfast and reflect back on the previous day's accomplishment.

From the South Rim you can see the Bright Angel trail as it crosses the Tonto Plateau.