The Trip Down (South Kaibab Trail)

We woke up around 530am for the 630 breakfast at the Bright Angel Lodge. I had huevos rancheros which was 2 corn tortillas smothered in scrambled eggs, refried beans, chilis and  hash browns.  It was delicious. 

We left our bags in the bag check closet, went back to our rim view cabins and grabbed our packs (by rim view they mean view of the trees and gift shop around the sidewalk near the rim).

I should also mention that it was about 30 degrees and SNOWING this morning. We walked to the bus stop to get the hikers bus to the trail head and it was FREEZING.  We were a good 20 minutes early for the bus and no one wanted to sit on the benches because they were covered in snow. Luckily I had been able to buy gloves at one of the many gift shops around the rim but it was still cold and I was really nervous that I would be cold during the entire hike down 

Well, luckily it warmed up quickly and as I'm writing this at the bottom of the Grand Canyon at Phantom Ranch it's probably 75ish degrees and I'm wearing a fleece because, despite my goal, I got a TERRIBLE sun burn on the way down. I have witnesses to attest to the fact that I applied sunscreen frequently but who knows what happened?

Anyways we got to the trail head around 830ish and there were some elk just hanging out which I will post great pictures of when I'm home. We used the bathroom and then got started.

Overall the walk down was easy. We got to Phantom Ranch around 230 so it took us 6 hours but we stopped frequently to take pictures and just enjoy the scenery. I really think the Grand Canyon is completely breathtaking. The panoramic vista shots from the top that you're accustomed to don't really do it justice. We learned from one of the Rangers that only 40,000 people hike down to Phantom Ranch a year (compared to the 4 million that visit the south rim) and I think the most beautiful part of the Canyon was near the bridge over the Colorado River about 40 minutes from the Ranch. 

Pro tips for the hike down:

- Do it if you can. Phantom Ranch opens up for reservations a year in advance. 

- Take your time! Bring lots of sunscreen, a camera and snacks.  There are 2 bathroom stops on the way down on the Kaibab trail. 

- There is no water on the Kaibab so a pack with a 3 litre bladder would be the wisest choice. You can't buy bottled water in the Grand Canyon. 

- Try to get to Phantom before 4pm. The canteen is closed from 4-8pm for dinner and a beer or wine after that hike feels awesome.