An epic journey to inspire the spirit

From atop the south rim of the Grand Canyon, the trail down appears daunting. It weaves and snakes its way amid the layers of rocks, eventually vanishing from sight. I take a deep breath, step off the ledge and begin my descent into this vast and imposing abyss.

Most visitors only see the canyon from one of the overlooks at the rim. Photo by Deborah Stone

Most folks only see the Grand Canyon from overlooks at the rim. Some view it from down below aboard a raft, as they ply the waters of the mighty Colorado River. I have had the privilege of enjoying both these perspectives in the past, but now I was going to undertake what only one percent of visitors actually do – hike the entire way to the bottom of this behemoth. No mule riding for me! I wanted to make the journey on foot to get the full canyon experience and feel the ultimate sense of accomplishment in this feat.

To explore this resplendent natural wonder, I opted to join a guided, small group trip with Wildland Trekking, a highly reputable company specializing in outdoor hiking adventures in and around the Grand Canyon. With a guide, I knew I would learn so much more about this treasured national monument than if I were to do it solo. And in the company of other like-minded companions, I would have the added bonus of a camaraderie-rich adventure.

Each step you descend takes you back in time 30,000 years. Photo by Deborah Stone

The Grand Canyon gained national park status in 1919, eleven years after being designated a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. Since then, millions of visitors have flocked to this awe-inspiring sight. Though it is not the deepest canyon, its overwhelming size and intricate and colorful landscape have contributed to its global fame and almost mythical status. Geologically, this landscape is significant because of the sequence of ancient rocks that are beautifully preserved and exposed within its walls. These rock layers provide a record of much of the early geological history of the North American continent. Additionally, it is one of the most spectacular examples of erosions in the world.

It’s hard to comprehend the size of the canyon because it’s so overwhelming in scale. The numbers say it all: 277 river miles long, up to eighteen miles wide and one mile deep. As for age, the canyon itself is a fairly young feature, geologically speaking, having formed only in the past five or six million years. The rocks in the bottom of the canyon, however, are a different story. They date back billions of years and tell a tale of land masses colliding and drifting apart, mountains forming and eroding away, sea levels rising and falling and relentless forces of moving water. It is said that each step you make as you descend into the canyon takes you back in time 30,000 years.

The trail from up above appears winding and steep. Photo by Deborah Stone

On Wildland Trekking’s 3-day Phantom Ranch Hiking Tour, your first day is spent on the descent into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail, one of two “superhighways” in the Grand Canyon. It’s about 7.5 miles from the trailhead near Yaki Point to Phantom Ranch, your home at the bottom of the canyon for the next two nights. The South Kaibab was constructed in the 1920s in response to an uber-capitalist who insisted he owned the rights to the Bright Angel Trail, the one main route in existence at the time. The National Park Service decided to construct a trail of its own, along a protruding ridge; the effect being that it is one of the most straightforward descents found in the Grand Canyon. It starts out steep and never lets up, but there are plenty of places to stop, take in the spectacular views and rest your weary feet. At Oh-Ah Point, for example, you can look east towards Desert View Watchtower and see numerous side canyons that slash their way down to the Colorado River in deep, but regular intervals. Between each of these drainages, jagged rows of rock project up from the recess with their familiar lineup of weird looking, yet incredible buttes, spires, mesas, knobs, castles and temples with names like Vishnu, Brahma, Isis and Shiva. Other formations within the canyon honor explorers, scientists and heroes of different countries and cultures. There are even pirate and Camelot themed monikers or simply visually descriptive titles such as Cape Solitary, Kangaroo Headland, Point Retreat and the Alligator.

Cacti in spring bloom add their colors to the canyon. Photo by Deborah Stone

As our group passed from one layer of rock to another, I noted the contrasts, particularly between the Coconino Sandstone, a pale almost white strip of rock, and the Hermit Shale, a bright red/brown layer beneath it. And then there are the purple quartzite boulders that stick up from out of the Redwall Limestone. The array of colors in the layers is sublime, due mainly to trace amounts of various minerals which impart the numerous hues to the canyon walls. What surprised me the most, however, was the number of trees in existence, as I never expected to see much green in the canyon. Further enhancing this palette were the wildflowers and cacti in spring bloom.

I marveled at how far our group had hiked in a fairly short time and when I could see the Colorado River getting closer, I thought the end to this relentless staircase was near. Distances, however, are deceiving in the canyon and those in-the-know will tell you to focus on what you’ve done as opposed to what you still need to do. It’s all about putting one foot in front of another. But, as our guide Dillon told us, “It’s not a race. Life is fast. Slow down. Take the time to be in the moment and marvel at this special place.”

Dillon was the consummate guide, knowledgeable and attentive, with a passion for the Grand Canyon that was ever present. It was clear he loved his job for many reasons: the physical activity, meeting people from all around the world, sharing the beauty of this place with others and having an “office with incomparable views.” He regaled us with facts about all things Grand Canyon, including its history, geology, flora and fauna, pointing out the surprising diversity of plants and other living things that make their home in the canyon, as well as the different fossils embedded in the sandstone. He reminded us that the canyon is the story of life enduring through desolation, drought and other harsh challenges. And he made us laugh with his delightful sense of humor, which served as a welcome distraction during times of fatigue. Most importantly, he was the bearer of our food, providing us with delicious picnic lunches and snacks galore to sustain us on our trek. He carried a forty-pound backpack, full of sustenance, first aid supplies, extra water, books and more, while nimbly navigating the trail. We merely toted our daypacks, as the mules had taken our overnight bags down to Phantom Ranch earlier in the day.

Cargo mules do Herculean work on the trail. Photo by Deborah Stone

At times, it was only our group on the trail and we felt like we were the only inhabitants in this magical world. Then, we would encounter others making their way up or down. The ones who were descending like us were talkative and friendly; whereas, those ascending were intensely focused on the uphill challenge. I knew I would be in their shoes soon enough, as I recalled the famous rule of the Grand Canyon: “Going down is optional; going up is not.” We also shared the trail with pack mules and mule riders, marveling at these creatures’ strength, stamina and ability to navigate steep switchbacks with agility.

A suspension bridge provides the means for hikers to cross the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. Photo by Deborah Stone

When we finally reached the bottom, we crossed over the Colorado River on a suspension foot bridge, pausing to gaze at the jaw-dropping panorama. Then on the final leg to Phantom Ranch, we stopped at an Anasazi Indian site with ruins dating back 900 years. All that’s left are the remains of the foundation of some buildings and some old stone tools. The Anasazi were the ancestors of the Hopi and the other modern Pueblo Indians. The site provides evidence of early inhabitants in the canyon.

Phantom Ranch is a welcome sight to hikers and backpackers. Photo by Deborah Stone

Phantom Ranch is the only outpost at the bottom of the canyon where you can spend the night, either at the campground nearby or at one of two types of accommodations – rustic cabins or dorms. Meals are reserved in advance and have set times at communal tables in the dining hall. Dinner is either hearty beef stew or steak with accompaniments. Vegetarian chili is available for nonmeat eaters. A canteen is also on site with access to snacks, beverages, basic supplies, etc. It’s hard to believe that this piece of civilization exists in such a remote locale, but it’s certainly a welcome sight to tired hikers and backpackers, and even the mule riders who arrive complaining about their sore derrieres. The ranch serves as a gathering spot, a crossroads of sorts, where people from all walks of life mingle and share their canyon experiences.

Day two of the trip dawns and my calves and those of my fellow hikers are screaming. All that downhill is tough on the body and we gingerly walk to breakfast doing the “Kaibab shuffle.” Though this is a day where the activities are optional and I am envisioning myself splayed out on the little beach nearby, Dillon proclaims that the best cure for sore muscles is to hike some more! So, our group dutifully follows our fearless leader as we head up to a vista point to look down at the river, followed by a gentle walk along Bright Angel Creek to where it meets Phantom Creek. At this picturesque juncture, we stop for another tasty lunch where I stick my tootsies in the icy water. The painful numbing sensation feels oh, so good.

All too soon the next day arrives and at the early hour of 5:30 a.m., we begin the trek to the top, this time using the Bright Angel Trail, the other main route through the Canyon. Though it’s longer (9.5 miles to the rim), this well-maintained trail has access to water in a few places, unlike the South Kaibab where it’s essential to carry all your water with you for the entire hike. And there’s shade, glorious shade, in a number of spots, as well as several rest houses with toilets. The first few miles of the route starts with an easy traverse along the Colorado River, followed by a beautiful hike up Pipe Creek Canyon. Seeing sunrise from this locale was an extraordinary experience. Though we soon lost sight of the river, the trail remained cool and green, as it crossed over Garden Creek several times. Cottonwood trees provided ample shade, as the morning began to warm up. And mini waterfalls added to the lovely charm of this fairytale-like scene.

The canyon is greener than you think, with mini oases along the trail. Photo by Deborah Stone

I learned that the best way to deal with the ascent was to break it up into sections. It’s much more manageable than looking at the monstrous, towering cliff way up in the stratosphere, wondering how you’re going to get up there - and then realizing that it’s not even the rim! I would gaze behind me at the trail I had just hiked, which descended for miles, and I would congratulate myself on the distance I had covered. There are switchbacks in spades, but relief is in sight once you arrive at Indian Garden, a lush oasis with a campground, water and bathroom facilities. It’s a tropical paradise, which also signifies the halfway point on the trail.

Success! Photo by Deborah Stone

The final miles are tough, as they just seem to get steeper and steeper, and yet the rim still appears to be out of reach. It’s time to pull out the Snickers, or my favorite, a Payday bar, for a boost of energy to propel me up the last part of the trail. When we “top out,” it’s high fives all around, as we bask in our achievement. Though I am grinning from ear to ear, reveling in my success, I am also humbled. This glorious rock cathedral has showed me what it’s like to be a small being in a very big place. I leave with the utmost respect and admiration for Mother Nature’s magnificence.

For more information about hiking the Grand Canyon with Wildland Trekking Company: www.wildlandtrekking.com

Deborah Stone is a travel and lifestyle writer, who explores the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers. She’s an avid adventurer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for travel and cross-cultural connections. Her stories appear in a number of publications as well as on various travel websites. Additionally, she can be frequently be heard dishing travel with the hosts of the NPR-affiliated and AARP produced talk radio show, “2 Boomer Babes.” Deborah is a longtime Seattle area resident, who currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.