Over The Hill: Grand Canyon Adventure Day 1

Getting There
From Phoenix, it is ~250 miles or about 4-5 hours driving time to the South Rim. Take I-17 North to Flagstaff, Arizona (where we will stay one night on the return trip) and then either of three routes to the Grand Canyon Village. (1) Take I-40 west to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 north directly to the South Rim. (2) Take Highway 180 west to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 north directly to the South Rim. (3) Take Highway 89 north to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 west to the East Entrance on the South Rim - known as Desert View.

The official Park Service newspaper called The Guide posts the shuttle bus timetables. The South Kaibab Trailhead is only accesible by bus. We'll park the rental car at one of five lots and take a free shuttle bus. It will probably be a good idea to park in lot E near the Backcountry Information Center and walking the short distance over to the front entrance of the Maswik Lodge. A special Hikers' Express bus leaves here at 5:05, 6:05 and 7:05 am May through September. Also Lot E is just 5 minutes walk from the Bright Angel trailhead - our return destination. Alternatively, lot D is closer to the Bright Angel Lodge and we could take the same bus from there 5 mins earlier. (The Guide has a map of all the facilities.)

The South Kaibab Trailhead

By the time the trail reaches the Colorado River about 4750ft (1450m) below, it will be a lot warmer. There is no water on this trail but there are two toilet facilities on the way down. It's a total of 7 miles to Phantom Ranch, across the bridge, a bit beyond the other side of the River. Here are photos of the terrain and highlighted landmarks along the South Kaibab Trail as noted on the topo map at left. A more detailed description with ample photos can be found here.

Stepping off into the Grand Canyon.