AZT Day 44: South Rim to Cottonwood CG

ByPurple Haze Posted on

Daily Miles: 14.7, Total Miles: 717.7

Big bull elk were strolling through Betty and Johnathon’s front yard this morning. Thanks again and have fun with the new house!

I noticed that the NPS no longer allows the sale of bottled water but now provides a water filling station at the trailheads.

After 700 miles of hiking through beautiful country, there is nothing that quite compares to the awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon. I have hiked this trail several times over the years, the first time with my father. I think my pack is much lighter this time around!

Colorado River from the South Kaibab Trail

I had lunch at Phantom Ranch and met a photographer who then accompanied me part way to Cottonwood CG. He was retired from the Air Force and during his service was on a parachute team that participated in the Olympic opening ceremonies. Good luck, Gary!

Foot bridge over the Colorado

Further on, I took a side trip to cool and beautiful Ribbon Falls and had the whole place to myself. The desert here is alive with color such as the yellows, reds and purples of prickly pear in full bloom. Another example are the bright yellow-green century plants.

Ribbon Falls

Cottonwood CG is seven miles from the bottom of the canyon, halfway to the top of the North Rim. Surprisingly, this is the first time on the entire hike I have had the luxury of a picnic table.