North Rim - there & back again

Leaving the big packs at the Cottonwood campsite allowed us to visit the North Rim including Bright Angel Point in one run rather than lug everything to North Rim.

Day 7 (Day 3 of GC backpack) 27km, 1295m of gain & loss.



Roaring Springs. This is where all the treated water comes from for the North & South Rim. It is pumped from here to the North Rim & gravity feeds as far as Indian Garden on the south side from where it is then pumped to the South Rim. Very key to conserve water in this environment.


Test for echo...echo...echo...



Caves bridge. A common turn around destination for those traveling down from the North Rim.


Switchbacks... gotta love 'em, especially when the trail is loose dry sand.
Supai tunnel.
The sound of a plastic bag is like ringing a dinner bell. "We can haz trail mix!?!"

Lunch on the edge of the Transept Canyon.

We took the Transept trail which follows along the rim thru pine & aspen forest. The smoke in the distance is from a prescribed burn.


Bright Angel Point. Of course I must try & get higher...
The North Rim was closing for the season with accomodations closed & services limited. It was quite peaceful with limited number of visitors. Not the same 'frenzy' to see the viewpoints as I found on the South Rim. We took Bridal trail thru the pines back to the trailhead.

Back at Caves Bridge





Each campsite is equipped with ammo cans for food storage. Trust me, you can't turn your back for a second!!