Grand Canyon again

[BLKNBLU]

Once over to Deer Creek we spent our time checking out the "patio", the "balcony", and the falls.

The patio, which is downstream and towards the river is a narrow,sculpted canyon of elaborate twists and turns. We passed through this area on our way to visit the falls.



Todd


Diane


The cool scouring of the creekbed




Like so many of these side canyons, as you approach the river, the trail stays level or slightly uphill while the creekbed falls away. So you usually end up somewhere like this, with a downclimb in front of you.



Looks like they're having a party downstairs.


C'mon guys, what are you waiting for? Let's go check it out.


Finally the falls.


Which are too big to get in one shot with my crappy little camera until you get all the way out here to the river.

 

[ttora4runner]

All the more reason to go back and visit Arizona.

 

[BLKNBLU]

On the climb down and up, Todd and I investigated what we think is the start of the route to the next canyon over. Fishtail. Yay, future adventures.
While at the falls we had lunch and poked around. Up close to the falls, the wind and mist they create is impressive. At about 10 feet away, I had a hard time keeping upright.

Looking around at the bottom.






Me, trying to look cool in 5 daysworth of dirt.


Once more from the top with different light.

 

[BLKNBLU]

The balcony is at the other end of the canyon where Deer Spring emerges.


You can get in behind the falls for a neat view of the landscape.


The balcony is actually an area of rockfall that people have rearranged into chairs (thrones) and tables and such. We only spent a few minutes and mostly filtered up our last chance water and re-arranged packs.


Next was the big fat climb out. Because of our on the fly decision/need to dry camp on the Esplanade the first night of the trip, we had a water issue and everyone was carrying more than planned up this grade. It made for a tough day.




But the reward was worth it.

 

[BLKNBLU]

All too soon and yet none too soon, it is time to leave. A couple early morning light photos from the midlevel Esplanade and then we are off.




Yes, you can take a bad photo at the Grand Canyon. Dang it. That would have been sweet.


A head pokes out of the great hole (or mountain upside down)


A little color in the scrub oak greets us at the top.


And BLKNBLU faithfully waits to take me safely back to civilization and its conveniences and complications.


Oddly enough, I promptly ran out of memory with that shot.
Hopefully I will get more from Todd and Diane and they will agree to let me share with everyone.
Thanks for looking!!

 

[02TahoeMD]

Thanks for posting up the trip report. I have camped in the Canyon several times and count the memories as among my fondest. It is a truly challenging place to hike through but boy is it worth the effort....thanks so much for providing inspiration for a trip back and to a new trail. Great pics! Great trip!