The Grand Canyon Collection

Since 2010 I have spent anywhere from 2 to 9 months per year living in Williams, AZ. Williams is about 45 minutes from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. So, it is not uncommon for me to head up to the Grand Canyon for a late afternoon hike. Last year I headed down into the canyon by way of the South Kaibab Trail.

I initially considered hiking all the way to the Colorado River and back, something I haven’t done since December of 2005 when my dear friend Miriam and I made the trip. That would make a 16 mile hike with 5,000 ft elevation loss followed by 5,000 feet gain. Rangers say don’t do it. I say why not?

I started down the South Kaibab Trail at 3:00pm. The temperature was in the 90s as I dropped into the canyon. Because of the late afternoon start, though, it didn’t take long for it to cool off. When I reached the Tipoff (4 1/2 miles and 3200 vertical feet from where I started), I decided to save the Colorado River for another day and instead head west on the Tonto Trail.

I was glad that I did.

The Tonto Trail runs roughly 95 miles through the length of the Grand Canyon. I was only on it for four miles, but I must say I am intrigued. The sunset that I experienced while hiking towards the junction with the Bright Angel Trail was gorgeous.

If you would like to see more images from that afternoon adventure, click HERE. If you would like to see the images of many trips into the heart of the Grand Canyon, browse the gallery above.