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Grand Canyon 2005
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Grand Canyon Backpack - Day 5
The Tonto: BH9/BJ9 Boundary to South Kaibab
Nighttime foot surgery
On our last day (Day 5), we woke at 4 am. An early start was in order so that we could get a head start on what would be a long day. We made several guess-timations on how long it would take and they were anywhere from 8 hours to 12 hours. We figured that the first leg of our journey was about 10 km west along the Tonto trail, bringing us to the junction with the South Kaibab Trail. We'd then hike up to the south rim on this trail - another 10 or so kilometres! It promised to be a long and interesting day!
Morning twlight on Angel's Gate
We managed to head out of camp before 7am. Our first stop was the next sidecanyon to the west: Lonetree Canyon, where we would fill up with water for the day. There would be only limited water west of here on the Tonto, and none at all on the South Kaibab trail, so it was vital to make sure we had enough.
Lonetree Canyon
Pattie's Butte's Reflection
Lonetree Canyon
After filling up at Lonetree Canyon, we managed quite a fast clip, eager to get to the South Kaibab. As we crested the divide into the next sidecanyon (Cremation Canyon), we got our first look at the South Kaibab, far off in the distance, its switchbacks etched into the canyon walls. Our way out! I was very excited to see it, and finally be able to get an idea of how we would be getting out through all the layers of rock, some of which are extremely steep. Although I was excited, I was also suddenly a bit saddened by the knowledge that this would all soon be over.
Beautiful Desert Scrub
Tonto Trail west out of Lonetree
Trail Closeup
The way we came
The Tonto Platform
Our Exit Route
In Cremation Canyon, there were several small drainages to cross over. Unlike most of the Tonto Trail we had been on so far, the last two were not crossed by contouring around on the level, but instead involved steep and rocky desents and ascents of (I would guess) about 200 ft of elevation. The trail was also rougher, and generally quite annoying. This rougher trail makes it harder and more tiring to hike, because you have to pick your steps more carefully. I was hoping that the rest of the way out wouldn't be like this part of the trail, but Andrew assured us that the South Kaibab was well traveled and maintained.
courtesy BConnell
Cracked block of stone
Shannon's break
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
Cremation Canyon
Deep ravine
Cremation fault
Nearing the end of the traverse
In Cremation Canyon, there were several small drainages to cross over. Unlike most of the Tonto Trail we had been on so far, the last two were not crossed by contouring around on the level, but instead involved steep and rocky desents and ascents of (I would guess) about 200 ft of elevation. The trail was also rougher, and generally quite annoying. This rougher trail makes it harder and more tiring to hike, because you have to pick your steps more carefully. I was hoping that the rest of the way out wouldn't be like this part of the trail, but Andrew assured us that the South Kaibab was well traveled and maintained.
Last look at Angel's Gate
Return to Civilization
Luxurious Amenities
We all had a bite to eat. Shannon had a misfortunate accident with one of her gel shots, and we relaxed, cooling our feet.
Pack hitchin' post?
Tonto Trail Junction
Messy goo
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