Day 8 on the Arizona Trail

Mileage: 8 miles

Weather: Sunny around 82 degrees

We headed out of camp about 6:20am. The climb up the south rim is “brutal” but take it slow and keep going according to the ranger. I was already anticipating this was going to hurt especially considering the blisters developed in multiple spots at this point. Family Mules feet wasn’t in the greatest shape either….we won’t even get into the smell of his shoes at this point.

We saw a deer just sitting along Bright Angel Creek as we started our ascend. The trail started with a tunnel into the rock. That was awesome! Then immediately it was a steady steep incline. About 2 miles in, we passed the mules bringing supplies to the bottom. That was cool to see. We knew they would be bringing the postcard we sent back up!

We passed many people just sitting along the side of the trail in any shade spot they could find (there isn’t many!) and catching the breath or putting mole skin on those hot spots. Some even crying that the trail was just too hard.

We came to a rest area about 3.5 miles up roughly. It had a restroom and a couple picnic tables. There were lots of people just taking a rest before proceeding. We took advantage and had a protein bar with some water. We then proceeded on our journey.

The views were magnificent although you had to stop moving to look up and see what was around you. Otherwise your eyes were constantly watching your footing and your pushing upward. We took several short breathers to see the views, catch our breath (me really), and take it all in.

I like to think I’m pretty fit for my age but honestly getting up the south rim of the Grand Canyon was tough and I felt like I did something awesome. It was only 8 miles but you will feel it, or at least we did! It is a constant push all the way to the end or what they call the Chimney. Most people never go down more than 1/4 a mile if they go past the chimney at all. It’s worth the full hike, do it!

Once to the top we planned to stay at Mathers Campground but that didn’t work out. The attendant, a larger gentleman, said there were no vacancies even though the AZT hiker area was empty and really wasn’t helpful at all! Very disappointing. We found the post office on our own and was able to get our resupply our children sent us! Send your resupply boxes to 100 Mather Business Center, Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023. Be sure and put c/o then your name. The post office will hold them for you as long as you have your information including expected arrival date. We ended up staying at the Yavapai Lodge. It was a decent place just very expensive! After all it is a tourist area for the Grand Canyon! We did meet up with our hiker friends and had a great evening with them! We are hoping to meet back up at the next stop in Flagstaff!