After breakfast at the market (potato salad and Powerade), I hiked the short distance to the South Kaibab trailhead. As I neared the trailhead I saw my first good views of the canyon. It is spectacular but I've already backpacked the GC so I knew what to expect. Still very amazing and I started taking photos like my sister would. Well no, not that many.

The South Kaibab TH is at 7,260 ft and the Colorado River is at 2,400 ft. The trail drops 4,780 ft in 6ish miles and it took a fair bit of time to do the hike due to all the picture taking, mule trains, and steep bits. I need to go back through my pictures and do some pruning. The tourists rapidly began thinning out as in got farther and farther from the south rim overlook.

Just above the river, I met some, possibly high schoolers, doing a 22 mile North Rim to South Rim day hike. One of the girls asked me how far it was to the trailhead. I asked if she was kidding. She wasn't happy to hear that yes it was all uphill from there on and they had at least 5 miles to go. They had barely even started the hike out. I hope they make it out okay. They should but I think it will be a death march into the dark. It was at least 3 pm when I talked to them.

Bright Angel is an odd mixture of backcountry and front country developed campground, and I see that reflected in the people here. Phantom Ranch is to the immediate north as well with numerous cabins and guests. This CG and the ranch are busy - almost full it seems. And I know Mather CG is full Fri - Sun too. The high season is starting.

It's only 80 degrees here and there was cloud cover for the hottest portion of the day/hike. I got very lucky!!