In early March an eager group of Canadian hikers adventured into the Grand Canyon.
The trailhead at Hualpai Hilltop, is an hour and a half north east of Peach Springs, just off of Route 66. The group travelled across ranch and reservation land to reach the trailhead. Looking down, the trail appears challenging with seemingly endless switchbacks, but the view across the canyon is breathtaking.
The hike begins with a fairly steep decent to primarily wash hiking. There are side trails that offer the feet and legs a break from the rocky wash. Pack trains and riders pass the hikers as they carry the packs down. It makes the walk easier and more enjoyable.
The trail takes the hiker along a wash between the enormous walls of the canyon. The entrance to the village of Supai is a welcome sight after the long hike. Hiking this incredible canyon offers time to chat, to think and to marvel at the geography. Birds are heard, but not often seen, colours and vistas continually amaze the walker. Occasional stops for lunch or breaks offer moments to gaze and reflect. As the hiker enters the village the sounds and activity of others is almost surprising. The walker has become accustomed to the comparable isolation of the walk.
The first real sign of life is a dog, or a horse and then a Burrito stand. There鈥檚 time for ice cream or coffee. Day one is coming to a close and it鈥檚 time for Indian tacos and a visit with companions. We share our victories, 鈥� I can鈥檛 believe I did it,鈥� and our challenges. 鈥淥hhhhh my feet are tired.鈥� 鈥淲ho has blister bandages?鈥� Today 13 kilometres have been hiked to reach the village. It was time to plan for tomorrow.
Day two comes with options 鈥� do nothing but rest or walk to the falls of which three are easily reached. The first, Navajo Falls is about two and a half kilometres from the village. The famous Havasu Falls and the campground are another kilometer. Everyone who visits Arizona has seen pictures of these falls on postcards, travel information, magnets and cups. It鈥檚 easily recognized but not often named. To hike from the village to Mooney Falls, the third falls, is a hike of about five kilometres. It鈥檚 an easy hike and one filled with photo opportunities.
The third option is to climb down a rock wall alongside Mooney Falls. This requires the hiker to climb through a rock tunnel and emerge to a series of ladders and chains. Down you climb to the base of the falls. From there the trail leads to Beaver Falls.
This path is different than anything hiked so far. It leads through a vast meadow of vines. The vines are four feet high in places and of course brown and dry in March.
Photos of the same area in spring and summer show endless green.
The hiker will ford several creeks and climb more ladders to finally reach the view of Beaver Falls. This is a good place to sit a spell, think and be grateful for the experience of the day. Not everyone chooses this portion of the hike.
For many the opportunity to wander camera in hand is too great to pass up. Supai to Beaver Falls is a hike of about eight kilometres.
Back at camp on day two there is time for sharing; stories, memories, moments, challenges, and victories. More fry bread is in order, of course.聽
Day three is the hike out, one that first timers often worry about. Surprisingly it rarely takes longer than the hike in. Perhaps there are fewer stops to stare and take photos. Regardless everyone emerges from the canyon thrilled that they completed it, amazed at what they saw and did and grateful for new friends.
