Written Tuesday November 29, 2011

Grand Canyon (Day 2) -- 11/19/2011

Tags: backpacking hiking

View across the Colorado from our camp

[Trip report for Day 1]

The 2nd day of the trip was spent getting from Horseshoe Mesa to the mouth of Red Canyon (and Hance Rapids).  For some reason both Garrett and I thought that this would be much shorter trip than it is. We got in the morning planning to do a bunch of exploring on Horseshoe Mesa and in the canyons on our trip. 

However, we quickly realized that it was 8.4 miles to our next camp and we decided lolly-gagging on Horseshoe Mesa will need to wait till another trip. 

Garrett emerging from the mine...

We headed out down the Tonto Trail. The first order of business was down to Page spring to get some water.  We saw two groups of hikers between the mesa and Hance Creek (probably the first 2 miles of the hike) and did not see another person until we got to camp. (which was fantastic)

Garrett at our lunch spot

The hiking was great, we had a beautiful sunny day with constant and strong winds. We lunched below Ayer Point with great views and only a few winds blasts.

We crossed Mineral Canyon and eventually got our first views of Colorado and and glimpse of why this area is called Red Canyon.

We finally made it down to the river at by about 4pm and found a great campsite. Here is Garrett rejoicing on our arrival

Other Photos