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Southwest 2014
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Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls has two stages. The top stage is fairly conventional for the desert southwest: a narrow, overhanging pour-off of water. The lower stage is the unique part: it is, in effect, a tall, moss-covered dome (of unknown construction). At the top of the dome was a flat spot upon which the upper part of the waterfall splashes. Then, in many tiny rivulets coursing through a nearly continuous carpet of moss, the water cascades and foams down the front of the dome, before ending in a shallow pool at its base. Based on a few holes and overhangs within the dome, it almost appeared as if the dome of moss had grown over time into its current shape.

The unique beauty of Ribbon Falls took us quite unexpectedly. We marvelled at the way the water would rush down the top of the moss, only for most of it to soak in and percolate down within, emerging across the base as a curtain of water. A small side trail led up and around to the deep alcove behind the top of the dome. This was also a fascinating spot, for what had formed was a sort of natural infinity pool - a green-rimmed shallow pond over which the water started its descent down the mossy main face. It immediately conjured to mind names like "The Nymph's Shower-Basin" or "The Elves Bathtub". That sort of thing.
courtesy RHanel
Approaching Cone Top
Natural Infinity Pool
Pu inside Ribbon Falls
A Moist Enclave
The top of the dome
Lush Dometop
Many of us decided to visit the small behind-the-water cave that had formed at the base of the falls.
courtesy BConnell
courtesy JInnes
courtesy RHanel
Ribbon Falls
Andrew behind Falls
Sheet of Moss
Hatko in the Hole
The two tiers of Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls, Slowly
Finishing up at Ribbon Falls

One minute video clip, Ribbon Falls Visit - Click on video above to start

This little side journey into a moist and refreshing oasis had been a great treat, and a nice break from the sweaty hiking up Bright Angel Canyon. However, after approximately thirty minutes of relaxing and frolicking at Ribbon Falls, it was time to head back. Although we were not far from Cottonwood Camp, it would be nice to arrive at a fairly early hour. And, Sandra was waiting for us back at the junction with the North Kaibab Trail, in the full sun - not a cool and refreshing spot.
Wider and Hotter
North Rim in sight
Nearing Cottonwood Camp
As mentioned earlier, we were only approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) away from Cottonwood Camp - perhaps a thirty-five minute walk from where we were. The day had grown fairly warm, however, and the wide-open canyon now offered little shade. The clouds and rainshowers of noon-time were nowhere to be seen. It was with gratefulness, then, that we saw the patch of Cottonwood trees marking the location of Cottonwood Camp ahead. Those trees meant shade, relaxation, and water (Cottonwood Campground has a potable water tap).
Arriving Cottonwood CG
We arrived at Cottonwood Camp shortly before 3pm - a nice, early arrival time that gave us many hours to relax and enjoy the rest of the daylight hours. Our backcountry permit directed us to the campground's spacious group site, which conveniently was only a few yards away from the water spigot. We set up our tents under the shade of a leaning cottonwood tree, and placed our food in the provided ammo-box animal-proof food containers.
courtesy RHanel
Toilets at Cottonwood CG
Group Campsite
Foot Maintenance
After establishing ourselves at our campsite, several of us took some time to head down to a little water hole along Bright Angel Creek, which ran by immediately to the west of the campground. Being served by both upstream springs and by runoff from high on the 8000+ foot Kaibab Plateau, the water was quite chilly, and it took a while before I could commit to fully immersing myself. I'm glad I did, though. Two and half days of salt, sweat and grime washed away by the creek's cold, clear waters (and for my clothes, too, which I soaked and wrung out in the creek).
courtesy JInnes
Creek Cool-off
Forcing against the chill
Clean canyon bath
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[ Return to "The Checklist Edition" Home page | Introduction | Day 1 : South Kaibab to Clear Creek Trail | Day 2 : Clear Creek Tr to Cottonwood Camp | Day 3 : Cottonwood Camp to North Rim | The North Rim | Drive to Zion | Lady Mountain Redux | The Subway | Angel's Landing | Zion in Flood | Valley of Fire | Wind-up and Return | The "Short Report" | GPS Data ]


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