Episode 8 – Grand Canyon Part One – South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch and Day Hiking Down in the Canyon

We did rim-to-rim South to North, with a full day down in the canyon at Phantom Ranch to explore and enjoy!  Our adventure started with a long shuttle ride from the North Rim, where we staged our car (and a well-insulated cooler of frosty beverages), and ended with amazing views of the canyon from the North Rim Lodge whilst sipping a Prickly Pear Margarita at sunset.  

Part One covers the start of our adventure and our hike into the canyon down the South Kaibab trail, as well as our day of exploring from Phantom Ranch – including Mountain Lions, scorpion hunting, tales of tragedy, the importance of hydration, a hidden waterfall, and a unique Civilian Conservation Corps installation.  Part Two will get into our hike out and enjoying the North Rim Lodge.  

Hope you enjoy joining us on this adventure!

References:

Fedarko, K. 2008. They Call Me Groover Boy. Original from Outside Magazine, Jul 2008. I read it in this awesome book – Out There: The Wildest Stories from Outside Magazine. Falcon Press Publishing. April 2018.

National Parks Service site for the Grand Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Xanterra for Phantom Ranch lottery: https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/phantom-ranch/

Correction: In reference to scorpions, I say “keratin,” I meant “chitin,” this is what happens when you’re used to talking about mammals… reference for scorpions lighting up under UV light here! https://www.terminix.com/blog/bug-facts/why-do-scorpions-glow-under-ultraviolet-light/