Day 7 on the Arizona Trail

Mileage: 16.25 miles

Weather: Sunny with temps around 80 degrees

This was the big moment we were anticipating! The Grand Canyon! Family Mule and I have talked about hiking the Grand Canyon since we were just dating in high school and here it is! The time has come!

We woke up for a not so early start as we had to wait for the backcountry office to open and issue a permit for us to camp in the bottom of the canyon! After all of the legalities, we started on our journey down. Family Mule could hardly contain himself. The initial start to the trail was steep and had lots of rolling rocks. Footing was important. We don’t use trekking poles, but most people do. At least that is what we observed. The trail is constant switchbacks as it descends. The trail was wider than anticipated but still only wide enough for one person. As you get further down in the canyon, the trail has spots where it tunnels into the side of the wall. This little bit of an overhang offers some much needed shade and an opportunity to catch your breath or a snack in our case. Paydays are amazing on a trail as a snack. It’s salty and provides protein. Not the healthiest but when you are burning 1500 extra calories a day, who cares! Eat the candy bar! We found a nice spot where we could climb up on the rock and have lunch. We can now say we had Ramen Noodles in the Grand Canyon. Yes, we eat those a lot camping but they are perfect and easy especially since you can make them in their own bag!

About 6 or so miles down (don’t quote me on this one) our trail we came to restrooms with a rest area. We could sit there by the water and have a snack.

We reached the Cottonwood Camp about 8 miles in. It looked like a nice camp with good sites. We filled up our water and used the restroom. It was clean and the water source was good.

We then passed through Phantom Range at about 15 miles. This place was great. There was a lounge where you could get lots of snacks and drinks including alcohol if you wish. We stayed in Bright Angel Campground which was about .4 from Phantom. They have a designated area just for the AZT hikers. Again, get the permit which cost $40 for two people. They check them upon arrival. If you are not a AZT hiker, there is a wait for slots so reserve early!

The views from the time we started the trail all the way down was amazing! Pictures couldn’t capture the magnificent views, sounds, feel, and even the smells. It was hard to take it all in. Family Mule tried to capture every moment on camera and there would be times I would look back and he would just be standing in amazement trying to snap the pictures. He had such a goofy excitement that it made it even better for me. A camera just can’t take that in, you must experience it for yourself.

Our campsite was beautiful! We could hear the water flowing from Bright Angel Creek. It was so peaceful. We met up with a couple hikers we met back on day 2 and again at the North Rim Campground! They are from Nova Scotia and are just down to earth people! So helpful! Once camp was set up, we headed to the lounge for a beer and lemonade at the bottom of the Grand Canyon! Once we settled in for the night, Family Mule couldn’t help but to sleep naked since it was so warm (we have a double walled tent so no one could see).