Grand Canyon: O’Neill Butte to Skeleton Point

View towards Skeleton Point

December 9th, 2020

Beyond yesterday’s view of O’Neill Butte, the South Kaibab Trail draws across the plateau to Skeleton Point. Looking back, the canyon wall has come into view. It’s hard to believe a trail descends that vertical face.

Plodding ahead

Looking back at the trail and canyon wall

Vegetation along the trail

First glimpse of the Colorado River

Skeleton Point is unremarkable — a clearing where you can clear your head for what’s to come or what’s behind you, depending on which way you’re going. Down and around the bend, the trail hits its steepest point, where a glimpse of the Colorado River finally comes into view. It looks so close and yet so far away — a recurring theme of this trek which puts into perspective just how long the day is going to be.

South Kaibab panorama

Watch your step. This wide view drops off sharply and one wrong move could send you over the cliff in front of you. Maybe that’s why it’s called Skeleton Point?

On the edge

Careful not to step too far to the left, we traverse to the next overlook where the trail zigzags below and we continue on our way to the Tipoff.

Meet you there tomorrow,
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.

Zig and zag