Early start.
The Grand Canyon National Park was closed as part of the federal budget kerfluffle, but re-opened a week ago from an influx of state and private funds.
We planned to hike the North Kaibab Trail, only going about halfway down because hiking to the river and back is too far for one day.
Looking for Ra at the Coconino Overlook.
We hiked the South Kaibab Trail seven years ago and witnessed a spectacular sunrise. So, we got out early, hoping for similar views.
Descending below the gray rock.
It soon became apparent that the North Kaibab Trail is much different from the South Kaibab because the trail goes down a drainage instead of along a ridgeline.
Therefore, a spectacular sunrise would not be forthcoming.
The Supai Tunnel, 1.7 miles down.
It was disappointing to find that the views would not be nearly as good as those on the South Kaibab Trail, but we kept going to see what the trail was like.
Winding down into the red rock.
The trail is pretty on its own, but you have no views of anything else.
Just past the Supai Tunnel.
One advantage of an early start was getting to hike in the cool of the day.
About two miles down the trail.
Trail repair.
The trail was in great shape except for one spot.
Crossing the Redwall Bridge.
The Redwall Bridge is three miles down.
Losing our shade.
Hiking through the Redwall section.
The Redwall section is the most dramatic part of the trail, with long stretches hacked out of the cliff face.
Heading back up.
We turned around just above Roaring Springs, about 3,000’ feet below the North Rim.
One last look.
It was a nice hike, just not nearly as scenic as the South Kaibab.
We got back with enough time to explore the area around the Visitor Center. They had stripped the shelves of all products due to the government shutdown and recent re-opening.
The view from Bright Angel Point, near the Visitor Center.
Cooking up grub.
We couldn’t drive to nearby viewpoints because the roads were closed.
However, we had the North Rim Campground almost entirely to ourselves because of the shutdown. Thank you Tea Party nitwits!
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