Len's Grand Canyon, solo Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim backpacking trip - April 2022

[Len Backus]

This was my third Grand Canyon trip this year. It was a bucket list route. I started at the South Rim's South Kaibab trailhead, hiked down and across the Colorado RIver on the black bridge past Phantom Ranch and up the North Rim.

The route picture below shows that my return to the South Rim came up the Bright Angel Trail across the silver bridge to the top.

I camped two nights at the Cottonwood campground - 14 miles from the S rim.The second day I day hiked 14 miles to the top of N Rim and back to Cottonwood.

Third day I broke camp and hiked back to S Rim...16 miles away.

Total of 43 miles and 11,400 feet of elevation gain (and loss) over three days.

These pictures were taken with my phone camera...for weight savings.

 

[Len Backus]

Going downhill almost 5,000 feet to the river in one very steep stretch is very hard on my knees so I take it rather slow...which makes the photographing more relaxed.

A favorite beach stop for many rafters.

 

[Len Backus]

When I got to the bottom @ Phantom Ranch it was 92 degrees in the shade @ noon.

I ate my lunch and rested for two hours in the shade of a huge sycamore tree...while waiting for the blistering sun to drop some before heading out to my campsite for the next two nights at a 1,500 feet higher and cooler elevation.

Indigenous and colorful wildlife:

 

[Len Backus]

On day two I headed out @ 3:30 AM on my round trip North Rim venture. I wanted to avoid high afternoon temps.

The light of a nearly full moon was a help.

Notice the bridge across the Bright Angel Creek on this section of North Kaibab Trail

This guy was near to finishing the Arizona Trail. South state line to north state line. Last year he did the entire Continental Divide Trail which is a couple thousand miles....

 

[Len Backus]

Shortly after arriving back in camp I heard and then saw a NPS helicopter coming in and land 200 feet behind my tent. A couple minutes before...4 guys with gear walked past me and eventually got on the helicopter and flew away.

 

[Len Backus]

On my third and last day { 16 miles and about 5,000 feet of vertical gain} I broke camp and headed out at 12:15 AM. Again for temp reasons.

The Phantom Ranch canteen was not yet open at 5 am. It was 92 degrees in the shade when I hiked past here @ noon two days ago. It was just under 60 degrees this morning.

 

[Len Backus]

I spent a couple days at Moab Utah and Canyonlands National Park.

Here are a few favorite memories from that location.

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[epags]

On my third and last day I broke camp and headed out at 12:15 AM. Again for temp reasons.

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The Phantom Ranch canteen was not yet open at 5 am.

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I have occasionally gone to bed at 12:15AM but never gotten up at oh-dark thirty on purpose.

 

[Len Backus]

I have occasionally gone to bed at 12:15AM but never gotten up at oh-dark thirty on purpose.

I wiil be learning night sky photography this year so I may as well get used to it!

The southwest is filled with amazing "dark sky" opportunities.

 

[Muddyboots]

Len, if you haven't visited this site, they are the "Dark Sky" org that has some good stuff. I have a local park recently achieved Dark Sky and they have planned evening dark sky talks and photography. Events like meteor showers are cool to observe and get insight by someone educated in astronomy. Haha! I almost said astrology!

BTW this is Dark Sky week!!

International Dark Sky Association - International Dark-Sky Association

www.darksky.org

 

[Grizzly60]

Awesome, great pictures

 

[Len Backus]

Len, if you haven't visited this site, they are the "Dark Sky" org that has some good stuff. I have a local park recently achieved Dark Sky and they have planned evening dark sky talks and photography. Events like meteor showers are cool to observe and get insight by someone educated in astronomy. Haha! I almost said astrology!

BTW this is Dark Sky week!!

International Dark Sky Association - International Dark-Sky Association

www.darksky.org

Muddy..

I will study that site. Already I find myself adding "New Moon" and other such notes to dates on my digital calendar.

 

[Len Backus]

I am using a photo app called Photopills to plan moon and sun angles and times.

 

[Len Backus]

By the way, here are my two favorite shots from this SW trip.

Taken with my heavy'ish Nikon Z7 camera. Not with my phone.

Taken next door to Canyonlands National Park at Horseshoe Point State Park...right after sunrise when the lighting color is best.

Try viewing these on your computer's larger screen rather than phone screen.