More Grand Canyon

2025-09-17
Grand Canyon, AZ

Today was my descent into the canyon. I know better than to descend 5000 feet to the canyon floor and try to come back up in one day. A rim-to-rim hike is usually two days, with a night hopefully in the Phantom Lodge in the middle. However, the North Rim is closed, so that's not currently an option. And if you do plan on doing it, book lodging well in advance if you want to take advantage of it.

For me it was just a descent on the South Kaibab trail to Ooh-Ahh Point. This was a fairly easy descent, which I confirmed on the way up by not having to stop until a couple of steep sections near the top. Overall it was a nice stretch of trail, with a total of 778 feet of climb. So I got a ways down into the canyon at least.

After that, I started on the Rim Trail back to the Visitor Center where I had parked my car. They don't allow you to park at the South Kaibab Trailhead (and there certainly is not enough space), so it's the bus, bike, or walk. I figured I'd bus over and walk back. However, about a quarter mile into the 2.5 mile hike back to the Visitors Center along the Rim Trail on an asphalt path I caught the edge of the trail and twisted my right ankle and fell. I skinned my left knee and right palm.

After taking a minute to let the adrenaline wear off, I was assisted by folks I had met on the bus from Orange County New York. They helped me field dress the scuffs, and I limped back to take the bus to the Visitor Center. I then drove to Flagstaff where I stopped at the drug store for some supplies and then got a hotel room for three nights to give me some time to recover. The scuffs are annoying but not a problem; the ankle is quite swollen and since most of my remaining stops are hikes, it is my primary concern. The treatment for this type of injury is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. I am applying those options as well as keeping the other wounds clean. I will see how I feel when I leave on Saturday.

Hiking Distance: 2.3 miles