This day marks the last time I would be out anywhere along the Hermit Road in 2008, so I was sure to make this evening a good one. The above and below photos are from the rim trail approaching Trailview Overlook, looking back toward Grand Canyon Village, where you can clearly see the El Tovar, Lookout Studio, Kolb Studio, and other features.

Trailview Overlook, and more shots of the village below

The San Franciso Peaks are visible on the horizon.

The fearsome Grand Canyon rock squirrel devours an illegal hand-out.

They don’t call it Trailview Overlook for nothin’ – that’s a good chunk of the Bright Angel Trail as it winds down the Supai group.

As chronicled in Death in Grand Canyon, this overlook also happens to be a prime location for falls and suicides.

Powell Point as seen from Maricopa Point

Maricopa Point

The old Orphan Mine site as viewed from Maricopa Point, which is in the process of being dimantled.

As mentioned in an earlier entry, this could be one of the last photos of one these double-length shuttle buses in operation.

The old Orphan Mine again, this time as seen from Powell Point – San Francisco Peaks in the background.

The Powell Memorial, in honor of John Wesley Powell.

This is the view east from the memorial – seen here in the foreground is Maricopa Point, followed by Yavapai Point and Yaki Point.

a great view of the battleship formation, from Powell Point

The Powell Memorial, as seen from Hopi Point

…and now comes the fun part. All of the Hermit Road and Rim Trail were closed west of Hopi Point, but I went to on to check out Mojave Point anyway. This required that I cut away from the road, through the backcountry along the elk trails, because if any rangers, NPS, or construction officials saw me along the road… well, they wouldn’t be very happy!

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