Trip Information
The Grand Canyon North Rim to South Rim Backpacking trip on 9/11/03 - 9/15/03 was great! The views were incredible and our feet were tired. Be sure to look at the pictures down the side of this page.

The trip started with the long, tough, steep downhill trek for 7 miles to the Cottonwood campground. Many knees were sore at the end of this first day and the Bright Angel Creek provided a cold soothing spot to relax. The next day trek to Phantom Ranch was much easier and enjoyable. A quick side trip to Ribbon Falls added to the beauty of the canyon. At Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Creek again provided a relaxed place to spend the time and dinner at the Ranch was great.

The next day we started the climb out on the steep trail up to Indian Garden. The switch-backs seemed to go on forever but finally the 4 miles were completed and we reached to camp. After resting we took a 3 mile round trip hike to the overlook of the lower canyon. The sunset was great and the views were incredible. As the sunset over the canyon we headed back to camp. Our last day hike out was tough and the number of tourist increased the closer we got to the top. As we finished our adventure the beauty of the trip filled our memories.

The trip was filled with the natural beauty you can only find with the hard work it takes to be part of a trip. Seeing the canyon from the bottom looking up is amazing.

Actual Itinerary

Date	Description	Campground
Thursday - 09/11/03	Met at the North Rim campground and enjoyed a nice dinner.	North Rim
Friday – 09/12/03	Took the North Kaibab Trail for the 7 mile hike to Cottonwood Campground. Very tough on the legs downhill to just past Roaring Springs.	Cottonwood Campground
Saturday – 09/13/03	Took the North Kaibab Trail for the 7.2 mile hike to Bright Angel Campground. Nice, slight downhill, trail that follows the Bright Angel creek. Great night meal at Phantom Ranch.	Bright Angel Campground
Sunday – 09/14/03	Bright Angel trail hike to Indian Gardens – 4.7 miles up hill.	Indian Gardens Campground
Monday – 09/15/03	Bright Angel trail hike to top of South Rim – 4.6 miles uphill