Grand Canyon Favorite Tips by goingsolo Top 5 Page for this destination

Doug Observation Points Review

Favorite thing: "And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong
Walk on

U2

Fondest memory: During the last mile of our journey, Jim and I stopped in front of an old Douglas Fir which Jim named Doug. Jim explained that its his ritual to stop and sit in front of Doug at the end of every trip past this part of the Canyon. For Jim, this was his way of saying thanks. "He's my link to the Big Guy upstairs," Jim explained.

We sat there for quite a while. I didn't have anywhere to go and preferred to savor these last moments of our time in the Canyon. And Jim had a lot to say to Doug.

Jim's been doing this for 26 years. He's 49 and has had his share of health problems. A couple of weeks ago, he was evacuated by helicopter from the Canyon due to hyponutremia. He took it pretty hard. Jim is under doctors orders not to hike alone in the Canyon. That's why Dan is on this trip as well.

At one point, Jim gazed out over the Canyon he considers home and wondered aloud, "how many more times will I be able to do this?" 26 years of hiking the Canyon has taken its toll on him. Yet he loves it. That's why he keeps coming back here for as long as he can.

At times, I wondered if Jim was saying goodbye to the Canyon itself. Maybe he always does that, but this seemed different. I could sense Jim's frustration with being slowed down by an illness a few weeks before. I could also detect a sense of fear and profound sadness as Jim said goodbye to something he loved so much.

Bright Angel Campground: evening one Camping Review

Fondest memory: So we made it. We hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and would sleep at the foot of the Colorado River. I had quite a bit of help, but it was still an accomplishment, as far as I was concerned. A bit of physical exertion combined with a battling internal and external elements. An accomplishment in many ways indeed. It wasn't quite the way I expected the trip to be, but was more worthwhile than I imagined.

Crossing over People Review

Favorite thing: I will not forsake
the colors that you bring,
The nights you filled with fireworks
they left you with nothing.
I am still enchanted
by the light you brought to me.
I listen through your ears
and through your eyes I see

U2 Stuck in a moment

Fondest memory: Reaching the suspension bridge over the Colorado river was the dream moment. Actually, this was the dream for the two of us when we'd planned to take this trip together. But long before November, 2003, we'd parted ways. I took the trip alone. Well, with Jim and Dan. But, in many, many ways, I was alone.

Crossing the suspension bridge and standing on the bottom of the Canyon was a bittersweet moment. I wanted to see this through and I did, but it brought me back to what was missing from my life. Had things gone differently, this would have been our honeymoon. But that had ended long before this one had been realized. After a moment of teary-eyed silence, I realized that this was it. The months that followed our parting were filled with reminders of things we'd planned to do together. Hiking the Grand Canyon was the last of those plans. Everything else had long since passed.

Reaching the bottom was a turning point as well as an accomplishment. My dream was completed and I could now move forward. It was finally time to put this one to rest and begin to dream of other things.

Stepping into the photograph Scenery Review

Favorite thing: During the 2001 trip, I bought a postcard I especially liked because it showed a glimpse of the Colorado from an overlook. I placed the postcard on my office desk and looked at it during many a dull moment at work.

I took this picture while heading down the South Kaibab trail that first day in 2003. Looking through my photos after I returned, I experienced a sense of deja vu. I'm not the greatest photographer and I lacked the benefit of good lighting, but the picture is nearly identical to the postcard. I stepped into the photograph and became part of the scene I'd admired from afar for 2 years. It was one of those rare moments of magic where a long anticipated dream was realized, without my even realizing it.

Colorado River Colorado River Review

Favorite thing: I'd always wanted to see the powerful body of water that created the Canyon. During my first Grand Canyon trip, I didn't have enough time to hike down far enough to see it. Nearly two years later, I caught my first glimpse of this mighty river of creation. It is amazing how peaceful the river looks, almost as if its lazily winding its way through the Canyon instead of being the violent force which caused the upheaval we know as the Grand Canyon. The river's turquoise waters look pretty inviting too. Its easy to see how the mighty Colorado could lure unsuspecting would-be swimmers on a sweltering 100 plus degree day, unaware that its powerful currents are capable of carrying away the strongest swimmer or that the water's temperature is cold enough to induce hypothermia within minutes. Nature is the most powerful force, capable of unleashing wrath and destruction on those who fail to respect her power.

Stopping for lunch Hiking Review

Fondest memory: We took a brief lunch break. At this lower elevation, it was warmer than the frigid conditions at the rim, but still pretty chilly. But, even on a cold rainy day in November, the views left me in awe. It was pretty disappointing at first to see the Canyon under cloud cover and rain. But, as Jim put it, this is a view that few visitors get to see. You had to look closer to see the colors of the Canyon walls, but didn't have to strain too hard to see its beauty. Even in the midst and clouds, the Canyon was still incredible.

Day One: Hiking down in the rain Scenery Review

Favorite thing: See the world in green and blue;
See it turn around in front of you.
See the Canyon broken by clouds.

U2 Beautiful Day

Fondest memory: Not quite what I expected. It was bitter cold and, according to Jim and Dan, we'd be having three days of rain. We stopped at this point a few hundred feet down the South Kaibab trail. Jim grinned and asked if I realized how lucky we were. At that particular moment, standing at what would be a scenic viewpoint on any other day, but was completely obscured by clouds on this long anticipated one, I was having trouble figuring that out. I said as much to Jim. Still smiling, he explained that, of the millions of people who visit, we were among the few who got to stand here and watch the clouds race across the Canyon. I took a few moments and let that sink in. Jim was right. Despite the fact that it was 30 degrees, raining and we were carrying at least 50 pounds apiece, it was pure magic.

The road less traveled Scenery Review

Favorite thing: The Old Bright Angel Trail passes Indian ruins ensconsed within caves and runs along the Tonto Platform before reaching Indian Gardens. This off the beaten path route is a less crowded option than the popular Bright Angel Trail.

Fondest memory: Jim spoke of the violence which created the Grand Canyon. The powerful surging Colorado River which forced its way across and carved the rugged landscape. As Jim put it, nature can be formidable and ruthless. Nature also shows us who's really in control. Man only thinks that he is powerful. But, Jim went on to say, having an opposable thumb is not what makes one powerful. Having the force to create a deep gorge in the earth? Now, that's powerful.
Mother Nature is indeed a force to be reckoned with, and, most importantly, respected. She can be a nasty one; often unpredictable and capable of wrecking havoc on those who don't respect her. She's a patient one too and will bide her time as long as necessary. It took the Colorado River over 20 million years to carve the Canyon. That's patience and power

Another day is dawning Camping Review

Favorite thing: The morning sun is rising
Its kissing the day...

Journey Wheel in the Sky

Fondest memory: Woke up a bit stiff and sore but otherwise allright. I passed out cold around 7:30 p.m. and slept straight though the night like a satiated infant.

Not only has the rain cleared but the sun is out. A miracle according to the naysaying hiking guides. Standing on the bottom of the Canyon and watching the sun peek over the Canyon wall, I can't help but agree.

Exiting the Canyon People Review

Favorite thing: Maybe redemption has stories to tell.
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell.
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here.

Switchfoot, Dare You to Move

Fondest memory: Jim's wife Mimi met us at the end of Bright Angel Trail near Kolb Studio. We drove back to retrieve my car, then I said goodbye to Jim and Dan outside Maswick Lodge. Jim wished me safety in my travels and Canyon Dreams until I returned. We hugged and I thanked him.

I don't think Jim ever realized how much he did for me. This had been my dream for so long. A dream that, for so many reasons and so many times along the way, almost did not happen. But Jim made it a reality.

Thanks again, Jim.