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2012 was the year in which a childhood dream came true.
Even as a small child, I had this one wish: to stand at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, not just to look at this majestic place from above, but to really experience it. And to be honest – who doesn’t dream about it when you see this enormous landscape for the first time?
Back then, I set off early in the morning with my mother. Our destination: the South Kaibab Trail, one of the classic routes from the South Rim down to the Colorado River. Fun fact: this is also the route that the famous Arizona Trail uses to cross the canyon.
The descent: Beautiful and (still) relaxed
At the beginning, everything was surprisingly relaxed. The view is breathtaking, the atmosphere is calm, it’s all downhill – what more could you want? But at some point you’re standing down there… at the brown soup of the Colorado, knowing that you have to get back up – and it’s going to be tough. 1400 meters of elevation gain awaited us – back up, this time via the Bright Angel Trail. Looking back, I have to say that these two routes – as iconic as they are – are probably among the less exciting trails in the Grand Canyon. At the same time, however, they are also the most popular. In other words: there is a lot going on.
Back – and this time with more time
in 2023, I had another opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon – this time as part of my Arizona Trail Thruhike. And this time I had more time. I chose a different route: Hermit’s Rest. And what can I say? Much lonelier, much more spectacular – simply cooler than the classic tourist routes.
I think the Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive places I’ve ever seen. I would hike there again any time. Somehow I’ve lost my heart to Arizona anyway.
And if you ever go there yourself, please do me a favor:
Don’t just stand on the sidelines. Really go down. If you are reasonably fit and the weather cooperates, the descent to the Colorado and back up is easily doable in one day – about 25 kilometers and 1400 meters of altitude.
It is exhausting.
It is hot.
But it’s worth every step.
Weitere Wanderungen
