Grand Canyon: South Rim to Ooh Aah Point
Grand Canyon Wall from the South Kaibab Trail
December 7, 2002
Yesterday, we began the journey at the South Rim. I said I would share a photo or two each day but… five seems about right!
Today we’re moving deeper into the Grand Canyon, from South Kaibab Trailhead to Ooh Aah Point. We start in shadow, winding our way down the canyon wall on a well-constructed trail. At times, it seems impossible that there even IS a trail with the vertical orientation of everything in sight.
Morning Silhouette
The canyon comes into view eventually, the sun lighting up every layer in the millenniums of geology on display. Down, down, down we go on the soft dirt, kicking up clouds of dust with each step. As we descend past a sedimentary layer, the trail changes color into a deep clay red.
South Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab Trail
View from Ooh Aah Point
Here we are at Ooh Aah Point — it lives up to its name. It’s 8:07 a.m. Let’s catch our breath and take in the view. Tomorrow we’ll continue on and head to the butte below.
Until then,
Kelly
Post of the Day: Adding a bit of light to the darkness as we get through the pandemic together. This series features travel photos from my archives, shared with you while staying close to home.
compassandcamera.wordpress.com 
It’s hard not to stop and enjoy the view, but knowing that time is limited, what a stress!
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Accurate observation, Lookoom! It is stressful. And me needing to stop and shoot photos added to the pressure of time and daylight. We should have started an hour earlier. We were hiking at a brisk pace on the way down and only stopped for 30 minutes to have lunch, but still ended the day in darkness (with many people still behind us). It’s important to know what you’re getting into on this hike!
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From the pics of Grand Canyon I saw till now, great Canyon photos are about great camera angles too, which makes everyone seem to be on the edge of things. The featured pic is brilliant that way 🙂… Looks like a scary place to stand, till the morning silhouette pic which provides a more relaxing view. Would have been a brave act nevertheless…
And beautiful photos and vistas too. Ooh Aah point certainly!
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Yes, it is worthy of every Ooh Aah!! 🙂 Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Deb. The silhouette was a little scary but less of a drop-off than other locations on the trail. There are edges and ledges everywhere in this canyon. One must be very careful at all times!
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Oooh I’ve done this one! But we didn’t go beyond, so I’m looking forward to the upcoming post.
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Fantastic! When did you do it? Thanks for revisiting this hike and continuing on with the next post!
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About 10 years ago, so it’s been a while
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Fantastic! Can’t wait to see these on the big screen. 🙂
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Thanks, Andrew! I’ve been learning to code. Bryce and the Grand Canyon are great projects to use as practice for my developing web skills. Looking forward to doing more!
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As I recall, my first trip ever into the Canyon was on the South Kaibab Trail… riding a mule! 🙂 I couldn’t walk for a couple of days after. Been back many times since, but never on a mule. Grin. In fact, I think that was the last time I ever rode a four legged beastie. Always fun to see photos of the Canyon, Kelly. Thanks. –Curt
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Ouch! Sounds like it was a memorable ride. 🙂 Maybe a bit scary too? There are some precarious sections! Thanks, Curt! Great to have you along for this journey.
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My mule was irritated that I was close to the edge of the weight limit and kept trying to bite me. He would also swing his feet out over the edge. 🙂 I just hung on with the faith that he knew what he was doing! –Curt
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I would so love to do this one day. Gorgeous photos Kelly.
Alison
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Thanks, Alison! You would love it!
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wow
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🙂
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