Hiking Upstream in Phantom Creek, and the Miners Route

click here to view a gallery and slideshow of all 104 photos from this hike

early morning on the South Kaibab Trail

On October 23, 2009 I had recently returned home to The Grand Canyon after a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail. In peak hiking shape after living at an average of 10,000 feet above sea level for the previous month, I was itching for a long day-hike. I chose to go down the South Kaibab Trail and up the North Kaibab to the mouth of Phantom Creek, and follow the creek upstream as far as possible. On the return to the South Rim I elected to try the lower Miners Route for the first time, an alternate “trail” between The Colorado River and the Tonto Plateau.

The clouds this morning were phenomenal.

I had often observed this natural arch near Skeleton Point, but I think this the first time I photographed it.

This happy little family appeared to be on the move.

Here I began my trek up Phantom Creek, at its confluence with Bright Angel Creek.

Phantom Creek is probably the easiest place in Grand Canyon for a hiker to access the narrow, wild, exotic nature of the lower side canyons.

I turned around at this pool, as it was chest-deep at the foot of the waterfall. A bypass looked possible toward the left side of this image, but the climbing was more treacherous than I was willing to attempt.

Returning past Phantom Ranch, I spied this little guy near the ancient ruins along the river.

I took the opportunity to walk the River Trail on the south side of the river between the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge, a small stretch of path that I had never done. The unique views were worth it.

the mouth of Bright Angel Creek

The Miners Route begins at the first major drainage along The River Trail west of the Silver Bridge. It’s a faint, steep, rugged footpath that looks like this.