On August 27, 2009, I did a day-hike on the standard South Kaibab – Tonto – Bright Angel Loop with three interesting off-trail excursions. The first was a circumnavigation and attempted climb of O’Neill Butte. The second was a walk out the Tonto Plateau, to the prominent point above the Colorado River that looks directly north, up Bright Angel Canyon. The third was a look at the head of the east arm of Pipe Creek, with a half-hearted attempt at finding a route into the scenic gorge.

O’Neill Butte looms closer.

I contoured around the food of the butte in a clockwise direction, beginning on the west side.

views from the north end of the butte

There’s a small crevice on the north end with a few inscriptions.

The only viable route to the summit began on the northeast face.

I was turned around at this spot. It looked as though I could wedge my feet up along this crack, but the immediate wall to the right, and steep sloping face to the left (With a good 20-foot drop below it, not pictured), spooked me enough to call this one quits.

Farther down the South Kaibab Trail, below Skeleton Point, I spied my next destination – the promontory on the Tonto Plateau pictured here, between the drainage that harbors the “Miners Route” and Pipe Creek.

Finding my way out to the point was a simple cross-country walk off the Tonto Trail

Buddha Temple, as viewed from the point.

Phantom Ranch

Silver Bridge and the Black Bridge

looking east

There’s a fine view directly up Bright Angel Canyon

a raft on the river below

I like how Buddha Temple and Zoroaster Temple stand as though sentinels on opposite sides of the canyon.

As I made my way back toward the proper Tonto Trail, I stumbed over two or three conspicuous, interesting cairns. I assume they were placed by prospectors approximately a hundred years ago.

Don’t miss the next page (This day continued)