I’ve been to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, at least half a dozen times. I’ve mountain biked along the north rim, hiked all the way down into the canyon to the Colorado river on a 4-day backpacking trip, and did the hike down to Plateau Point from the south rim twice. The last time was in May of 2014, carrying a simple 5 megapixel smartphone camera along.
The first part, along the Bright Angel trail, is a steep walk down a winding path along the almost vertical canyon wall, quickly dropping down into the canyon.
But once you get down to Indian Garden, the terrain becomes more level and the Plateau Point trail branches off towards the center of the canyon.
It’s still quite a distance to get to Plateau Point at the edge of the plateau, but the views down onto the Colorado river are definitely worth the effort!
But then the hardest part of the hike is waiting: climbing all the way back up to the canyon rim. Especially since it will be quite hot in the canyon by now…
Although this hike feels like it’s “upside down” (going down first, and then back up again), it is quite spectacular, with stunning views all along the way. Not an easy one, especially because of the (usually) high temperatures inside the canyon, but a great way to experience this majestic place.
Even though I’ve been there many times, I’ll be happy to go back again some day. One of those special places on the planet that you’ll never get tired of. And if I do go back, I’ll make sure to have a better camera with me!