We started out from Sedona early in the morning for a 9:00AM 4-hour hike of the Grand Canyon. This was May and the early morning temps were in the mid to uppper 60's. Ok, shorts and t-shirts with extra top layers, if necessary. During the two-hour drive the Pink Jeep location we watched as the car's thermometer dropped to 31 degrees!
After a few anxious miles where we weren't sure if we would make the scheduled trip time, we finally arrived at the Pink Jeep location. Our guide, Andrew, was there getting the jeep ready and we found out it would be just the two of us, Andrew and another guide. Sweet, our own personal tour!
We chose the South Kaibab Trail, not the easiest trail but also not the most difficult hike. It was still quite chilly and windy but the views were absolutely amazing! The early morning and perhaps the temperatures kept the trail fairly empty as we made out way down into the Grand Canyon. The hike down was very easy. The trail is well maintained with some areas using rock "steps" and other areas mostly flat. This trail is used by the mule teams as the haul goods and tourists down and up the canyon but sadly, we did not see any that day.
Ooh-ahh Point is about halfway between the Rim and Cedar Ridge and is very aptly named. Andrew had us pose for some keepsake pictures on the trail. The views in the Canyon cannot be spoken of enough! Further down the trail, Cedar Ridge offered restroom facilities and a nice area to sit, enjoy a snack, and just commune with all the beauty and grace that the Grand Canyon has to offer.
The hike back up the Canyon took a bit longer, naturally but probably not much longer than 45 minutes or so. We made great time, although there were more frequent rest stops and the wind really started kicking up. There were quite a few school groups heading down the trail as we headed up, so the early morning start definitely helped us.
Andrew shared his knowledge of the Canyon, it's flaura and fauna, and tidbits sprinkled here and there about life in and around the Canyon, local places to eat and visit. We were very fortunate to have him as a guide and Pink Jeep Tours is very fortunate to have him as an employee. When we return to the Grand Canyon, and we will!, I will ask for Andrew as our guide.