The Grand Canyon - North Rim: Hiking the North Kaibab Trail

If it looks like we are leaning toward

you, it is because we are.

You don't have to be at the Canyon long to read about the numerous people who have fallen to their deaths trying to get a better shot.  We weren't taking any chances and cloistered near the wall whenever possible!

Hiking on the North Kaibab Trail was a big win for our family.  As a group, it was the first time we'd hiked 6 miles with more than a 2000' descent.  And we did it without getting lost which is always a win when it happens.  

The North Kaibab Trail descends into Bright Angel Canyon.  Everyone was ready for the hike and enthusiastic to be hiking at the Grand Canyon.  We each had a backpack with water and our own custom bag of trail mix and lunch to keep us fueled and hydrated.

Supai Tunnel

When we got to the Supai Tunnel, everything was going so well for most of us that we decided to go further.

"Let's hike down to that bridge!"

Reactions were decidely mixed.

You may not have noticed, but hike is a four-letter word.  We've found, in general, when we say 'hike' -- even if it is at the Grand Canyon -- at least one person will become upset.  We've tried sugar coating it with adventure.  And we've packed the special snack.  And we've given the cool reward at the end.  But there is no getting around it.  When it comes to hiking, not everyone is happy.  It isn't always the same person who is unhappy, but there is at least one person who is unhappy for at least 1/3 of the time.   

I think it has something to do with taking those first few steps away from the trailhead and knowing you won't return until you finish the remaining 5.9 miles.  The choice is clear:  keep walking or mutiny.  

I won't lie. There have been some attempts at mutiny.  Though unsuccessful, they do put a damper on the hike for a bit.

All that to say, we were pretty relieved and happy when we all made it to the bridge.  

On the way back up, a remarkable thing happened.  My son who loves to go barefoot asked if he could please shed his shoes.  I agreed.  The trail was covered with red silt as fine as powder. 

It was as if his feet grew wings.  He literally ran up the trail.  

We stopped for a break again at the Supai Tunnel and had a great time socializing an Aussie from New York.  He did a couple of magic tricks for the boys.

The rest of the hike went off without a hitch.  We made it to the top in  without complaint.  We were tired, but it was a good tired.

We'd met a fair number of people who were just completing the hike from the South to the North Rim.  Very inspiring.  Maybe next year.