When considering hiking at the Grand Canyon, the first idea that springs to mind is to hike to the bottom – to see The Colorado River up close and personal.

The National Park Service (And just about anybody with good sense) strongly cautions: Do not attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in a single day! Many people try to do so anyway, and hundreds have to be rescued or require medical assistance each year as a result.

So of course I had to give it a try as my first major hike… but don’t do it… I can’t recommend it to just anybody.

My chosen route was to descend on the South Kaibab Trail – 6.7 miles to the river… from there to the “famous” Phantom Ranch, out along the River Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail – the additional 10.5 miles make it a 17-18 mile hike. Now throw in almost 10,000 feet of elevation change and a 110+ degree desert climate, and you can see why this hike is frowned upon.

Follow along as I take 300 photos on this hike on June 7, 2008

I begin shortly after 7am, and much of the South Kaibab trailhead is in shadow.

O’Neill Butte is the most prominent feature along much of the South Kaibab Trail. “Ooh-Ah” Point is seen below.

Cedar Ridge is a chosen wayside and turn-around point for many day hikes. There are maintained outhouses here, but no water. There isn’t a single drop of water along the South Kaibab Trail.

I follow the ridge off-trail to its point.

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