Click on any picture to see a larger image.  Monthly Archives listed below.

March 1

   In 2008 I did one of my favorite day hike loops - down the South Kaibab, across the Tonto and up the Bright Angel.  Waiting at the top for me were Cara Lynn and our dog Scout.

March 2

   In 2012 I did a hike down the Tanner Trail with Bill Ferris to cache my inflatable kayak in preparation for a river crossing we would make the next week.  Here is Bill at our camp by the river.
   In 2013 I did a day hike down Soap Creek.  I had hoped to get to the river but I was deterred by a spot in the canyon where a rope had been fixed to get by a giant boulder.  On my return, as I neared the plateau, I happened upon a couple of bighorn sheep.

March 3

   In 1998 I did a day hike down the South Kaibab and once across the river hiked up a ravine to the Clear Creek Trail up above the stone bench.  I cached some items for a later trip and returned via the trail through Phantom Ranch.
   In 2012 I did a hike down the Tanner Trail with Bill Ferris to cache my inflatable kayak in preparation for a river crossing we would make the next week.  Here is the spot where I cached it (along with some of our hiking gear) under the pile of rocks near where we planned to cross the river.  After finishing that we hiked back up to the rim.

March 4

   In 2004 I did a day hike down the South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch and back the same way with John Haney.  At the river the light was just right to get a photo of some ruins between the black bridge and Bright Angel Creek that are mentioned in John Wesley Powell's book about his pathbreaking river trip of 1869 (mostly).  From his book, the August 16 entry includes this passage: "Late in the afternoon I return and go up a little gulch just above this creek ... and discover the ruins of two or three old houses, which were originally of stone laid in mortar."
   In 2006 I did an overnight hike with John Eastwood down the "Old Grandview" to the river.  The old trail below the Tapeats is often hardly more than a barely discernible route.  But, along the way we were treated to some cool and unique views, like this one of Isis and Shiva as a backdrop to the river at Grapevine Rapids.
   In 2007 Cara Lynn and I did a short day hike down the South Bass Trail to the Esplanade.  It was a cool day but with plenty of sun.  Here's the view from up near the top of the trail of Huxley Terrace (on the Esplanade) stretching out to the right from Mt. Huethawali.

March 5

   In 2006 I did an overnight hike with John Eastwood down the "Old Grandview" to the river.  This was our second day and we hiked back up to the rim from our camp at the river.  I had brought along copies of old photos of this spot at the river and before we left I was able to do a good job of matching them up with our views, as shown in my picture (click on it for annotation).  The old photo comes from Burton Holmes "Travelogues," published in 1910.  I wrote up more on this trip here.

March 6

   In 1999 I did a six day hike in the Crazy Jug area.  There was snow on the road coming in and more fell before I got back out, and I saw nary a soul the whole time.  This was my first day and I entered via what I call the Big Saddle Trail.  Here is the view from the trail down Crazy Jug Canyon, to Steamboat Mountain in the background.

March 7

   In 1997 I had planned to do a long hike from Nankoweap to Phantom with Vicki Wallis.  We were joined by John Eastwood and his daughter Megan, who would give us a ride to the trailhead and spend a couple of days in Nankoweap with us.  Alas, despite how this photo looks, there was lots of snow on the north side of Saddle Mountain and we struggled with post holing our way up to the saddle.  We camped at Marion Point and changed our plans - Vicki and I would spend about a week in Nankoweap and John would get her friend Ron to drive out to pick us up.
   In 1999 I did a six day hike in the Crazy Jug area.  I spent three nights camped near Timp Canyon, on the Esplanade.  This was my second day and I managed a long day hike to the cabin on Muav Saddle and back, finishing in the dark with snow falling.  On the way up the canyon, somewhere past Stina Canyon I came across this cool overhang with these unusual pictographs.

March 8

   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my first day and I hiked down to Nankoweap Creek passing by the rock formations that always remind me of battleships as I rounded the bend at Marion Point.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis and, for the first few days, with John Eastwood and his daughter Megan.  This was our second day and Vicki and I got to the creek and set up camp.  On the way it was amazing to see snow at Tilted Mesa, as shown in the photo.
   In 1999 I did a six day hike in the Crazy Jug area.  I spent three nights camped near Timp Canyon, on the Esplanade.  This was my third day and I woke up to find the ground covered in snow.  But the sun was out and it was a pleasant day, with the snow melting away quickly.  I spent the day near camp just poking around and letting everything dry out.

March 9

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our first day and we camped on a narrow ledge below the Redwall.  This is the only photo I took this day - of Nankoweap Canyon from the trail as it winds its way along the Supai layer.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my second day and I hiked from my camp at Nankoweap Creek to Awatubi, using the Butte Fault route, going up and over many high saddles.  Here is the view of Nankoweap Butte from near the saddle between Nankoweap and Kwagunt.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis and, for the first few days, with John Eastwood and his daughter Megan.  This was our third day and John and Megan hiked back out while Vicki and I secured our camp so we could take a day hike down to the Colorado River.
   In 1998 I did a five day hike that took me to Vishnu Canyon.  This was my first day and I hiked down the South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch, shown in the photo.  John Eastwood joined until we reached the Tonto level on the Clear Creek Trail, where we took a break before he headed back to the rim.  I hiked over to Clear Creek and got back onto the Tonto level east of the canyon before stopping for the night.
   In 1999 I did a six day hike in the Crazy Jug area.  I spent three nights camped near Timp Canyon, on the Esplanade.  This was my fourth day and I moved my camp to the west side of Crazy Jug in preparation for another day hike the next day.  Along the way I was treated to this temporary waterfall, thanks to the snow we had gotten a couple of days earlier.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  We hiked down the Tanner Trail - the photo shows Bill snapping a photo near the top of the trail.  We got to the river and recovered the kayak and supplies we had cached the week before.  All went well until we were mostly across the river when we tipped over in an eddy.  Somehow we managed to get to shore with all our gear.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2005 I did a day hike with Vicki Wallis down the South Kaibab and over to Cremation and then back up.  Everything was amazingly green, but apparently I did not bring along a camera, so no photos.

March 10

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our second day and we hiked from below the Redwall (on the trail) to Kwagunt Rapids.  Ralph took the Butte Fault route while Duane and I went down the creek to the river and then down to Kwagunt.  Along the way we stopped for lunch and Duane climbed up to the nearby granaries.
   In 1991 I did a four day hike with Neil Jacobs to Phantom Creek.  This was our first day and we hiked down the South Kaibab and stayed overnight in the BA Campground.  From along the trail you can get this good view of the campground as well as our route for tomorrow up to Utah Flats.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my third day and one of my most miserable.  I got sick at Awatubi - as I have now done three times.  No doubt it is from the water I can get there, although you do have to dig for it in the bed.  Consequently I left this camp late and had a tough time of it.  I got as fas as the saddle between 60 Mile and Carbon.  There I actually spent time boiling all my water - that did the trick.  I was much better the next day.  Here is a view of the route coming down from the Awatubi Crest from Malgosa.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis.  This was our fourth day and I did a hike up to the top of Nankoweap Mesa.  Here is a photo I took looking back down on the Nankoweap Rapids area from the top of the mesa.
   In 1998 I did a five day hike that took me to Vishnu Canyon.  This was my second day and I hiked from my camp out in front of The Howlands Butte to Vishnu Creek.  This photo was taken in the early morning with Zoroaster and Brahma Temples dominating the view to the west.
   In 1999 I did a six day hike in the Crazy Jug area.  This was my fifth day and I day hiked from my camp on the west side of the canyon along the Esplanade towards Bridger Knoll.  I found this old horseshoe at about the place where John Eastwood and I had come down from the rim four years earlier via what I call the Dutton Route.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  We capsized in the river while crossing on the first day and this, our second day, was spent drying out all our belongings and making the river crossing again, without packs, to convince ourselves that we would be okay on the journey back.  Here's our camp on a terrace up above the river.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.

March 11

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our third day and we hiked along the river to the Little Colorado junction where we camped for the night. Here are Duane and Ralph looking out across the Big C and Little C.
   In 1991 I did a four day hike with Neil Jacobs to Phantom Creek.  This was our second day and we hiked up from the BA Campground to Utah Flats and over into the creek. Here's a view of Phantom Ranch as we were heading up this rough trail.
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the first day and I drove up to the Saddle Mountain trailhead and camped this night at Marion Point.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my fourth day and I got to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon, where I would spend a couple of nights before moving on.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis.  This was our fifth day and we did a day hike to the Little Nankoweap. But, overnight I was able to capture this nice photo of the star tracks behind Mt. Hayden.
   In 1998 I did a five day hike that took me to Vishnu Canyon.  This was my third day and I hiked from my camp in Vishnu down into the lower bed to look for the remains of an old cabin I had seen a few years earlier from the Tonto level. Almost certainly this is associated with Hance's mining claims in nearby Asbestos Canyon.
   In 1999 I did a six day hike in the Crazy Jug area.  This was my sixth, and final, day as I hiked back up the Big Saddle Trail to the rim, passing by this neat little pictograph that looks like a smiley face.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our third day and we hiked up Basalt Canyon, as shown here, over into Chuar/Lava.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my first day and I hiked down the South Kaibab Trail, shown in the photo, to the Bright Angel Campground.

March 12

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our fourth day and we hiked from the Little Colorado confluence to Lava. We had to leave the river a short ways downstream and it was a long, grueling day to Lava. We passed through some of the old wreckage of the 1956 air collision that occurred here at Chuar Butte, shown in the photo.
   In 1991 I did a four day hike with Neil Jacobs to Phantom Creek.  This was our third day and from our camp at the top of the narrows, shown here, I did a day hike up the canyon to explore, unsuccessfully, the Redwall route to Shiva.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our first day and we were surprised to find quite a lot of snow on the trail just past Marion Point. We were kicking out a path in the snow drift about three or four feet above the trail!
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the second day and I finished hiking down the Nankoweap Trail to camp here beside Nankoweap Creek.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my fifth day and I did a day hike up Lava to find Hartman Natural Bridge, shown here on the left side. It is not visible until you are practically at the bridge and I was just about to give up when I finally spotted it.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis.  This was our sixth day and we took a day hike down to Little Nankoweap. Along the way I got this picture of the river at Nankoweap Rapids.
   In 1998 I did a five day hike that took me to Vishnu Canyon.  This was my fourth day and I was heading back along the Tonto when I snapped this photo of the South Rim. Shoshone Point is a bit left of center.
   In 2002 I did a three day hike to Grapevine Canyon. This was my first day and I hiked down the Grandview and over in Grapevine. Between Cottonwood and Grapevine the trail affords nice views of the river.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our first day and we hiked down the South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Campground.  This hike would end with a rockfall in Vishnu.  A fuller account is here.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our fourth day and from our base camp in Lava/Chuar we hiked down to the river for a day and I got this nice view of the rapids looking across to Palisades.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my second day and I hiked from Phantom to Clear Creek. Along the trail, after it makes a bend into Clear Creek Canyon proper I passed this cairn? Hmm ... what does it mean? I don't know.

March 13

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our fifth day and we spent a layover day in Lava.  Duane and I hiked up the creek a few miles with Ralph, who wanted to camp up higher in order to get an early start as he had to end up getting out a day ahead of us.
   In 1991 I did a four day hike with Neil Jacobs to Phantom Creek.  This was our last day and we hiked all the way out to the South Rim from our camp in Phantom Creek.  But, overnight I was able to shoot this long exposure of star trails (and, it appears, a passing plane).
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our second day and we hiked to Kwagunt Rapids where we camped.  Just before reaching the rapids I had placed a small food cache the previous November to lighten our load a little bit.
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the third day and I hiked over the Butte Fault route from Nankoweap to Awatubi.  Here is the view from the exit in Kwagunt looking back at the fault and at Nankoweap Butte.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my sixth day and the first one over new ground for me as I hiked up to the head of Lava and over the high saddle into Unkar.  As I started up, I had this great view looking back to the north where Siegfried Pyre is quite dominating.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis.  This was our seventh day and we started a two day hike back out.  This day we got up above Tilted Mesa before deciding to camp.  From here one gets a wonderful panoramic view of Nankoweap.
   In 1998 I did a five day hike that took me to Vishnu Canyon.  This was my last day and I hiked out to the rim from my camp along the Clear Creek Trail, via the South Kaibab.  The weather turned later in the day and I got this ghostly photo of O'Neill Butte on the way out.
   In 2002 I did a three day hike to Grapevine Canyon. This was my second day and I day hiked to some nearby inscriptions and then down into Grapevine as far as I could go.  On my way back to camp I had to get up a steep sloping rock to the Tonto and fell back into the bed, badly spraining my ankle and leading to an uncomfortable night.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was our second day and we hiked the Clear Creek Trail from Phantom to the first set of camp sites at Clear Creek.  Along the climb up you get good views of the river and we saw this passing group of rafters.  A fuller account is here.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our fifth day and we each went on separate day hikes. I went up to check out a break in the Tapeats that leads back to Basalt that Doug Nering had pegged as the probably Walcott route from 1882.  Before returning to camp I decided to cache my excess water at the tree circled here thinking that I would be able to easily find it on the way out.  I did!  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my third day and I hiked along the Tonto Plateau past Clear Creek to a water pocket below Angels Gate that I have now used three times.  I filtered some water and cached it here for my return in a few days just in case the pocket dried up.  It didn't.  Here I am with my camp all set up on a nice ledge.

March 14

   In 1980 I did a five day hike to Clear Creek - my first!  This was the first day and I hiked down the BA trail to the BA Campground, where I got this early evening shot of the cliffs silhouetted against the dark sky.
   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our sixth day and Duane and I hiked up and over into Basalt.  We had thought to follow Harvey's route further upstream, but spied a break in the Tapeats and were able to use that to get over easily.  As we left we had a nice view of this area including Chuar Lava Hill, shown in the photo.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our third day and we hiked from our camp at Kwagunt Rapids to near the Little Colorado, where we camped.  Along the way we saw this river party coming down.  Later we saw a research party that camped at Awatubi and motored up and down the river to the LC.  [I think they were studying the fish.]
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the fourth day and I hiked from Awatubi to Chuar Valley. Here is the descent into Chuar from Carbon.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my seventh day and I hiked over the high saddle between Unkar and Vishnu.  At the saddle I took a break and got this picture of my pack with Freya Castle in the background.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis.  This was our eighth day and we moved our camp from Tilted Mesa to the saddle.  Vicki's friend Ron was going to pick us up the next day so we didn't feel like we needed to get all the way to the trailhead this day.  I got this picture of Marion Point proper, still with some snow on it.
   In 2002 I did a three day hike to Grapevine Canyon. This was my last day and I hiked back to the rim via the Grandview Trail on a very sore and sprained ankle.  As long as I could keep my steps level and flat that was okay, but any rolling of my boot would shoot pain up my leg.  I met up with Vicki Wallis at Horseshoe Mesa and we hiked out together.
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, me and John Eastwood (in the photo, l. to r.) started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  Well, eight days for me due to an accident that resulted in a helicopter ride out.  This was our first day and Cara Lynn & Erik dropped us off on the road leading to Crazy Jug, as far as we could safely go due to the snow.  We camped this night just past the spring below Timp Point.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was our third day and we hiked up the east arm Clear Creek to catch the high Redwall route to Vishnu.  All went well until late in the day, coming down from Hall Butte when I knocked a huge rock loose that resulted in a torn ACL for me and a frightening tumble down the slope for Bill.  Here is the next to last photo I took this day, showing the general route down.  A fuller account is here.
   In 2011 Dan Eastwood, John Eastwood and I started down the So. Bass on a six day hike of the "gems" - my first time over the whole route.  Bill Ferris graciously drove us up to the trailhead (and took the photo).  This was our first day and we camped near to the Tonto Trail junction where we lucked out finding some water in the bed nearby.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our sixth day and we loaded up our gear and hiked back up and over to Basalt.  In the morning I got this nice shot of the moon over newly named Butchart Butte.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our first day and we could not get a permit for the BA Campground and had to lug very heavy packs up the Clear Creek Trail to camp on the Tonto level.  We did have a wonderful sunset, as this photo of Zoroaster attests.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my fourth day and I finished hiking to Vishnu Canyon.  I camped under a popular overhang in the bed.  Here was a hummingbird nest in the redbud tree that I had seen the previous year!

March 15

   In 1980 I did a five day hike to Clear Creek - my first!  This was the second day and I hiked from the BA campground to Clear Creek and camped right at the junction with the creek.  These rocks provided a bit of shelter for the wind, but also served as excellent hiking places for the mice.
   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our seventh day and Duane and I hiked from Basalt to Unkar (via the high terrace - is that properly the Tonto?).  We got to Unkar with plenty of time to check out all the great ruins in this area.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our fourth day and we hiked from our camp above the Little Colorado to Chuar Valley.  Here's a photo Neil took of me along the beach below the LC before we started our climb up to a higher level that we had to use.  That is Temple Butte behind me.
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the fifth day and I day hiked from from my camp alongside the creek (shown here) up to the Juno Ruins.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my eighth day and I hiked along the Tonto Plateau to Clear Creek and camped on that trail about halfway to Phantom.
   In 1997 I spent more than a week exploring Nankoweap Canyon with Vicki Wallis.  This was our ninth, and last, day.  We were camped on the saddle and still had snow to deal with coming down to the trailhead where her friend Ron picked us up (and took the photo).
   In 2003 Cara Lynn and I did a day hike down the Tanner Trail to the Redwall Overlook with its wonderful views of the river and the canyon.
   In 2008 I was hoping to hike into Crazy Jug Canyon and hike all the way to Phantom Ranch and out (over 8 days).  But, there was quite a bit of snow and John Eastwood, who volunteered to drive me up and drop me off, convinced me to bring some skis and a sled to haul my stuff in if we couldn't drive to the trailhead area.  That's what we did, but it still turned out to be too much of a challenge and we camped in the forest overnight before returning the next day.
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our second day and we hiked from our camp near Timp Spring to the old cabin at Muav Saddle.  We followed the Esplanade as much as possible until we were forced to hike up the bed of Saddle Canyon.  I like this photo of everyone scampering down a little ledge because in the far background (circled in yellow) is Thunder River.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was our fourth day.  We had spent the previous night just a few yards from where Bill stopped rolling down the slope after the rockslide I started.   We were banged up but not seriously injured.  But, we needed to get to water and assess our situation further.  We could see a small spring below us and spent a couple of hours working our way to it.  That was a huge relief as you can tell from the look on Bill's face!  A fuller account is here.
   In 2011 Dan Eastwood, John Eastwood and I started down the So. Bass on a six day hike of the "gems" - my first time over the whole route.  This was our second day and we hiked from Bass Canyon to Ruby.  Before getting to the main bed I took a detour out to the point where the old map showed a cairn and it wasn't hard to miss.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our seventh day and we loaded up the kayak for a couple of trips back and forth across the river.  All went perfectly well.  We camped near the beach this night.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our second day and we hiked from our camp along the Clear Creek Trail (that's Bill and John on the trail) into the canyon and then up the east arm of Clear Creek.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my fifth day and I day hiked down into lower Vishnu Canyon to revisit the old cabin that remains there.  I was quite sure that there was a trail leading down to it from a ravine right behind it.  So, I went up this route - I can't say that I saw any signs of definitive constructed work - and then around the front of Newberry Butte.  From here it would be just an hour or so to get to some of Hance's nearby mines, but I didn't have the time and instead hopped over the Newberry saddle back into upper Vishnu and to my camp.
   In 1981 I did a day hike down the South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge and then contoured over to below Shoshone Point with the intent of climbing up to the rim.  This was my first attempt at finding that route and I came up empty.  To return I decided to descend down through the Redwall and then cut across the Tonto back to the South Kaibab, following it back to the rim.  [No photos.]

March 16

   In 1980 I did a five day hike to Clear Creek - my first!  This was the third day and I day hiked up the canyon, past these big white chockstones (which now seem to be gone for reasons I can't explain!).  I was intending to go up to Cheyava Falls but got misdirected into the arm that dead ends below Ariel Point.
   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our eighth day and Duane and I hiked from Unkar (that's me at Unkar Rapids) to Asbestos.  At Asbestos we met up once again with Ralph, who was a day ahead of us.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our fifth day and we hiked from our camp at Lava Creek to Basalt.  Although we intended to follow the route I had used in 1984 it looked like a shorter way would be to stay mostly in front of the Tapeats towards the river.  It was great for a while and then quite awful.  Getting into Basalt proper required contouring along a very steep slope, shown in the photo with Neil descending from it.  We literally were hiking from little bush to bush to keep our footing over this very treacherous stretch.
   In 1996 I did a solo hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (and out of course).  This was my ninth, and final, day as I hiked to Phantom and out the South Kaibab Trail, and got someone to snap this photo of me at the trailhead.
   In 2004 I did a three day hike to Phantom Canyon.  This was my first day and I hiked down the South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Campground and up the route to Utah Flats and over into Phantom Creek in a long day.  Here is a view of the creek from the campground.
   In 2008 I was hoping to hike into Crazy Jug Canyon and hike all the way to Phantom Ranch and out (over 8 days).  But, there was quite a bit of snow on the rim and John Eastwood, who volunteered to drive me up and drop me off, convinced me to bring some skis and a sled to haul my stuff in if we couldn't drive to the trailhead area.  That's what we did, but it still turned out to be too much of a challenge and we camped in the forest overnight before returning on this day.  Here am I all fitted out with skis and sled as we retraced our route back to John's truck with the snow falling.
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our third day and we hiked from the cabin on Muav Saddle to a camp site down the North Bass Trail just past Bass' Shinumo Camp.  Here's a nice section where we were walking down the bed with a bit of water flowing down below the Redwall.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was our fifth day.  Following a rockslide on the third day that ended that quest we were recouping at a spring in Vishnu.  Although I had torn my ACL I felt strong enough to try to hike back to Phantom to get help for Bill.  My leg would buckle often and I would fall to the ground but if I could keep my foot level I could manage.  This day I hiked out along the Tonto and camped here, in view of Angels Gate.  A fuller account is here.
   In 2011 Dan Eastwood, John Eastwood and I started down the So. Bass on a six day hike of the "gems" - my first time over the whole route.  This was our third day and we hiked from Ruby to Turquoise.  At Jasper Canyon there were these interesting rocks that reminded me of Lord of the Rings - watch out for wargs!  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our eighth day and we packed up the kayak and began shuttling it up the Tanner Trail.  One of us would do the shuttle for a while and then the other would take over.  It was a grind!  We camped this night at the Redwall Overlook.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our first day and we hiked down the Tanner to camp at the Redwall Overlook.  Here Bill and Matthew are talking about dinner plans at our camp, with the Desert View Watchtower as a fitting backdrop on the rim.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our third day and we hiked from our camp in the east arm of Clear Creek to Vishnu.  We climbed to the high route behind Angels Gate and contoured over to Hall Butte and descended.  Here is the view looking back to Angels Gate and the saddle we had come out on.  But, on the descent, John fell on the trail and injured his shoulder.  We continued to the same spring where Bill and I had recouped at in 2010 - deja vu all over again - and spent the night there before assessing our situation.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my sixth day and I day hiked up the canyon, through some neat little narrows and out into the wide open valley above.  A trickle of water was pretty much constant in the upper bed and it was a very relaxing day before I would begin my trek back out.
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the sixth day and I hiked from my camp at Lava Creek back along the Butte Fault route to Awatubi.  [No photos.]

March 17

   In 1980 I did a five day hike to Clear Creek - my first!  This was the fourth day and I hiked back to the BA campground from Clear Creek.  This is a well-constructed portion close to the end with views down into Bright Angel Canyon.
   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our ninth day and Duane and I spent the day in Asbestos doing some day hiking.  Here is one of Hance's asbestos mines, that is really a tunnel that comes out on the face of this cliff.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our sixth day and we hiked from our camp at Basalt over to Unkar.  Along the way we stopped for lunch and we could barely make out Angels Window at Cape Royal on the North Rim.
   In 2004 I did a three day hike to Phantom Canyon.  This was my second day and I day hiked up the canyon.  I especially wanted to see this cave/ruin up in Haunted Canyon.  I got close but it was too tricky for me to get inside.
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our fourth day and we hiked from our camp on Shinumo Creek along the river to Hotauta Canyon and made the steep climb up onto the Tonto Plateau which we followed to Monadnock Amphitheater. Here is John topping out on the Tonto, followed by Bill.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was our sixth day.  Following a rockslide on the third day that ended that quest we had camped at a spring in Vishnu.  I felt strong enough to hike back to Phantom for help and this was my second day headed back as I hiked from my camp on the Tonto to Clear Creek (where I thought of this giant X in the sky over Deva Temple as a good omen).  I got through this canyon and about halfway along the Clear Creek trail before stopping for the night.  A fuller account is here.
   In 2011 Dan Eastwood, John Eastwood and I started down the So. Bass on a six day hike of the "gems" - my first time over the whole route.  This was our fourth day and we hiked from Turquoise to Slate.  Along the way I couldn't resist taking a picture of these small cactus that look soft and fuzzy (but aren't!) and have red fruits.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2012 I did a nine day trek to Lava Canyon with Bill Ferris.  This was our ninth, and final, day.  We were treated to this beautiful sunrise at our camp at the Redwall Overlook before packing up and heading for the rim.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our second day and we hiked down the Tanner from our camp at the Redwall Overlook to the river close to the start of the Escalante route/trail.  Here Bill and Matthew are talking about dinner plans at our camp, with Comanche Point as a fitting backdrop on the rim.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our fourth day and we hiked the rest of the way into Vishnu from our emergency camp at a spring following John's fall.  His shoulder was sore but was able to hike to a nice spot in the bed where we would spend the next two nights.  Here he is in the final descent into Vishnu by a small waterfall.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my seventh day and I hiked from my camp in Vishnu back along the Tonto Plateau to my camp below Angels Gate, where I had left a cache of food and water for my return.  On my way I saw two bighorn sheep in one shallow drainage, one of whom is pictured here.
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the seventh day and I hiked from my camp at Awatubi back along the Butte Fault route to Kwagunt.  [No photos.]

March 18

   In 1980 I did a five day hike to Clear Creek - my first!  This was the final day and I hiked up the Bright Angel Trail from the BA campground.  I stopped at the overlook behind the 3 Mile House and got this nice canyon shot.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our seventh day and we hiked from our camp at Unkar up to the Tonto level and then down into Asbestos.  Initially we hiked along the river - in places not very hiker-friendly!
   In 2004 I did a three day hike to Phantom Canyon.  This was my last day and I hiked all the way out of the canyon from my camp at Phantom Creek.  Looking east into the sun early on I got this cool view with the trees at the spring below Sturdevant Point.  [Brahma and Zoroaster in the background.]
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our fifth day and we hiked from our camp in Monadnock Amphitheater to a little drainage at Tuna. We came up out of Monadnock on a route that was not in our notes, but worked well and I got this picture - one of my favorites - of us after we got up on the Tonto level.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was our sixth day.  Following a rockslide on the third day that ended that quest we had camped at a spring in Vishnu.  I felt strong enough to hike back to Phantom for help and this was my third day headed back as I hiked from my camp on the Clear Creek Trail to the ranch.  Within a half hour of my checking in with Ranger Bil Vandergraff this helicopter had been dispatched to pick up Bill.  It was here at Phantom to pick up someone else and I got a chance to talk with the pilot about Bill's situation (he was quite elated to see the copter).  A fuller account is here.
   In 2011 Dan Eastwood, John Eastwood and I started down the So. Bass on a six day hike of the "gems" - my first time over the whole route.  This was our fifth day and we hiked from Slate to Boucher.  Once in Boucher we stashed our packs and headed down the canyon (as shown in the photo) to the river - our first and only time on this trip!  Later we decided Boucher was too crowded and after an early dinner we hiked up to the top of the Redwall to camp for the night.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our third day and we hiked from our camp at the river over to the beach at Cardenas.  Here Bill and Matthew are hiking along the trail after just having talked about dinner plans, with the Colorado River as a fitting backdrop.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our fifth day.  We decided to haul some water up to the Tonto level to save some weight for the climb out tomorrow.  We were back in camp for lunch and I got this picture of the blooming redbud tree there.  Later in the afternoon John and I hiked up the canyon through the narrows and out into the open valley.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my eighth day and I hiked from my camp along the Tonto Plateau to Clear Creek, where I had left a cache of food for my return.  This is a view of the main descent canyon into Clear Creek looking across the canyon to Deva Temple.
   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our tenth day and Duane and I hiked from Asbestos back towards Clear Creek, camping somewhere along the Tonto Plateau.  [No photos for this day.]
   In 1994 I did an eight day trip to Lava Creek in Chuar Canyon. This was the last day and I hiked from my camp at Kwagunt over to Nankoweap and all the way out in one very long day.  [No photos.]

March 19

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was our eleventh day and Duane and I hiked into Clear Creek.  I camped there and did an afternoon hike up the main arm to these ruins while Duane continued hiking to Phantom Ranch.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our eighth day and we hiked from our camp in Asbestos to the so-called "double disappointment" canyon west of Vishnu (which actually had water flowing!).  Before leaving I took this picture of some of the mining camp remains in Asbestos.
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our sixth day and we hiked from our camp in a little drainage at Tuna to Crystal Rapids.  Here is the spot where our descent into Crystal began, with a nice view of the rapids and Slate Canyon across the river.
   In 2010 Bill Ferris and I started a hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon. This was my seventh, and final, day.  Following a rockslide on the third day that ended that quest we had camped at a spring in Vishnu.  I felt strong enough to hike back to Phantom for help which took three days.  Bill was helicoptered out on the sixth day and on this day I hiked up and out on the South Kaibab Trail, passing by a little tent city on the Tonto where the trail crew was (apparently) staying for some extensive work on the trail.  While I had a torn ACL (which I would find out later), as long as I was heading uphill and could keep my foot level, I was able to hike without incident.  A fuller account is here.
   In 2011 Dan Eastwood, John Eastwood and I started down the So. Bass on a six day hike of the "gems" - my first time over the whole route.  This was our sixth, and final, day and we hiked from our camp atop the Redwall out via the Hermit Trail.  I got this nice picture of the sunrise that we were treated to when we got up in the morning.  I wrote up a full account of this trip here.
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our fourth day and we hiked from our camp at the river beach at Cardenas to the beach at Escalante.  Here Bill and Matthew are discussing this evening's dinner plans, with the Cardenas hilltop ruins as a fitting backdrop.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our sixth day and we began our hike back from Vishnu.  We camped in this drainage where three times I have found water in potholes.  As we neared this spot below Angels Gate, we got to see our shadows from the ridge.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my ninth day and I hiked from my camp in Clear Creek to the BA campground.  I had meal reservations that night at the ranch and took this picture of my table.

March 20

   In 1984 I did a hike from Nankoweap to Phantom (my first) with hiking buddy Duane Ott and Ralph Moore, a backcountry ranger.  This was my twelfth, and final, day.  Ralph had gone ahead three days earlier and Duane had gone on the day before.  So, it was just me hiking to Phantom and then up the South Kaibab to the rim.  But, I got one last chance for a night-time shot of the star trails.
   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our ninth day and we hiked from our camp in the so-called "double disappointment" canyon all the way to Phantom Ranch.  We were especially motivated by having dinner reservations.  We arrived just in time (and before we could actually secure a spot in the campground).  Lots of blooming wildflowers at this time of year including this Indian Paintbrush.
   In 2007 I did a six day with Bill Ferris to Clear Creek.  This was our first day and we hiked down the Bright Angel Trail and stayed at the BA campground.  While we had some cloudiness that would later lead to rain, late in the day Zoroaster was positively glowing as we arrived at the creek.  I wrote up a full account here.
   In 2008 I did a day hike down Grandview and into Hance Canyon, with the idea of trying to get to the river.  It was just too far for me, and I had to turn back from the creek.  But, I did get to discover an old route off the Tapeats to the creek that I had spied on earlier trips.  Lots of snow on the upper part of the trail as shown in the photo.  Traction devices are more than recommended!
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our seventh day and we hiked from our camp at Crystal Rapids up to the Tonto and over to 94 Mile Canyon where we camped again at the river.  There is a way to get through the Tapeats into 94 Mile and Chris and I checked it out - he is circled in the photo below the cliffs.  I decided it seemed to iffy and neither Bill nor John were interested in doing this so Chris climbed back up and we all contoured back into the canyon before finding a route to the bed.
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our fifth day and we hiked from our camp at the river beach at Escalante up to 75 Mile, where Bill and Matthew discussed that evening's dinner plans.  Once back at the river we had to go up the Papago Wall and come down the Papago Slide to get to Hance Rapids.  We continued on from there, now on the beginning of the Tonto Trail and camped well above the river.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our seventh day and we hiked from our camp on the Tonto down to the river at Clear Creek.  The route was very very steep and required quite a bit of "route finding."  Then we hiked up the creek, climbing past this well-known horizontal waterfall and up an even steeper route to a ridge terrace below the Tapeats alongside Zoroaster Canyon.
   In 2016 I did a solo hike for ten days to Vishnu Canyon. This was my tenth, and final, day and I hiked from the BA campground up the South Kaibab to the rim.  Along the way the light was just right so that I could easily see the Clear Creek trail across the river, where it climbs up onto the Tonto Plateau.

March 21

   In 1993 Neil Jacobs and I did a ten day hike from Nankoweap to Phantom. This was our tenth, and final, day.  Since we got to the campground late, we took the very last spot, by the bridge (but, closest to the ranch).  Here is a photo of our spot that morning as we packed up and hiked up the South Kaibab to the rim.
   In 2007 I did a six day with Bill Ferris to Clear Creek.  This was our second day and we hiked from the BA campground to Clear Creek.  We saw quite a few young agaves, like the one shown here, that were just starting to send up their stalks.  I wrote up a full account here.
   In 2009 Bill Ferris, Chris Forsyth, John Eastwood and I started a nine day hike down Crazy Jug and over to Phantom Ranch.  This was our eighth, and my last, day.  We left from 94 Mile Canyon, shown here at sunrise, with my pack all ready to go.  But, shortly after starting up the ravine that leads to the Tonto I fell and badly bent my foot (which seemed quite odd given that I was wearing boots!).  It took hours to reach the plateau with everyone's help.  I wasn't getting any better and really could not even walk.  So, Chris activated the 9-1-1 button on his Spot and an hour later I was on a helicopter headed for the South Rim Village while Bill, Chris and John continued for another two grueling days (partly due to being many hours behind schedule due to my accident).
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our sixth day and we hiked from our camp on the Tonto Trail up into Hance Canyon where we camped at the creek.  Here Bill and Matthew chat up their dinner plans as we worked our way into Hance.
   In 2015, Bill Ferris, John Eastwood and I started an eight day hike with the intent of getting to Asbestos Canyon.  This was our eighth, and final, day.  We left our camp on the ridge at Zoroaster Canyon, shown in the photo.  It was a long day and we hiked along the Clear Creek Trail to Phantom and up the South Kaibab Trail to the rim.

March 22

   In 2007 I did a six day with Bill Ferris to Clear Creek.  This was our third day and we day hiked around Clear Creek from our camp.  We went up the canyon to some ruins and a cave and I was able to get this rare (at least to me) picture of Thor Temple, with Wotans Throne in the background.  I wrote up a full account here.
   In 2013, Bill Ferris invited me to join him and his son Matthew on a seven day hike of the Escalante Route from Tanner to Grandview.  Surprisingly, this was my first time over the whole route.  This was our seventh, and final, day and we hiked from our camp at Hance Creek up the Grandview Trail to the rim.  Here we are at the trailhead happy to have done such a great hike together and knowing that we were going to stop at the Cameron Trading Post for Navajo tacos on the way home!
   In 2003 I did a day hike down the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point.  [No photos.]

March 23

   In 2007 I did a six day with Bill Ferris to Clear Creek.  This was our fourth day and we woke up to rain at our camp in Clear Creek.  Consequently we stayed close to camp most of the morning and only did a bit of exploring in the afternoon.  But, Bill found a very interesting ruin site above the creek with loads of pottery shards laying about.  Here we are at what I dubbed as "Billopolis."  I wrote up a full account here.
   In 1981 I did a day hike down the Bright Angel Trail to 2 Mile Corner and then out and around the Battleship.  [No photos.]

March 24

   In 2006 I led a hike with some of my colleagues from NAU down the Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point.  Here are some of us at Plateau Point - David Albritton, Susan Williams, Joe Anderson, me and John Eastwood.
   In 2007 I did a six day with Bill Ferris to Clear Creek.  This was our fifth day and time to start our journey back as we hiked from our camp in Clear Creek back to the Bright Angel campground.  Here is Bill on the trail with an expansive view of the canyon.  I wrote up a full account here.

March 25

   In 2007 I did a six day with Bill Ferris to Clear Creek.  This was our sixth, and final, day.  We left the BA campground and headed out over the silver bridge to catch the so-called "old miners" trail.  It follows a steep route up to the Tonto and you get some really unique views along the way.  Here is Bill on that trail looking down at the silver bridge and Phantom Ranch behind the ridge.  I wrote up a full account here.

March 26

   In 1999 I did a short hike down the BA to the 1.5 Mile House with John Eastwood.  We were up in Tusayan for the grand opening of The Grand Hotel and on the spur of the moment decided to do this brief hike even though we had not come prepared, nor especially dressed, for the occasion.  Still, it was the first time I saw the new restroom facilities at the 1.5 Mile House, an improvement that was far too many years in the making.

March 29

   In 2001 I did a short hike with Bob Stabo down the Bright Angel and out on the route to the Battleship.  Here is Bob, with the butte behind him, on the saddle, which is as far as we went.

March 30

   In 2013 John Eastwood and I did a day hike down the New Hance Trail accompanied by notes from the book, "Hiking the Grand Canyon's Geology" by Abbott and Cook.  It is a very different landscape than most other trails on the South Rim.  Here is John with my annotation of the lower rock layers.  While we hoped to get to the river for this hike, we turned back after reaching the creekbed.  I wrote up a full account here.

March 31

   In 1980 I joined Duane Ott and his friend Norman for an overnight hike down the Old Hance and up the Grandview.  This was our first day and we got down to the Tonto level to camp.  Here is a view of the Sinking Ship from along this "trail."

1980 - Three days/two nights to Phantom Ranch (day hike to Ribbon Falls).
1980 - Overnight hike down down Eminence Break to President Harding Rapid w/Duane & Doug Ott .

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