Backpacking in the Grand Canyon - Part 3

Early Sunday morning, we awoke to get a start at first light. We started hiking right at 6:30. The Red Canyon Trail, (a.k.a. New Hance Trail), starts in a wash for about 1.5 miles. We encountered a couple difficult rockfalls to scramble up. It veers left out of the wash climbing steadily to the base of the Redwall. The Redwall was short and difficult. Afterwards, we meandered in and out of rock slides and slopes to another wash. The trail was relentless and rugged. We soon approached a saddle where we took a good long break before the last push to the top. There were many sketchy spots where care and caution were needed. Soon, we made it to the rim for a total of 6.5 miles, taking us 6 hours to complete. The trek seemed to have ended abruptly. I always welcome the end but savour the experience, wanting to stay longer. Until next time... thanks again Grand Canyon for another invigorating trip. Enjoy this last selection of photos from our hike up:

low light hiking

first light

I was on this same trail about five years ago, some guys in my group built this big cairn, it's about half as tall now

here you can see to the saddle in the left-center before our last climb to the top

half moon

 

a little hazy from smoke

one of the many rocky scrambles

touches of fall colors

very cool rock tapestry

small beauties

dead juniper

Our fun group!