Grand Canyon

After Las Vegas, we went to the Grand Canyon for an overnight stay, spending sunny three days or maybe four? in and around the canyon. On the day of arrival, we decided to get some information at the Visitor Center. We wanted to hike to the Colorado River, which runs through the Grand Canyon, but we were told that it couldn't be done in one day and it would be too hot. Therefore, our plans were changed and we decided to hike to Plateau Point, recommended start time: 4 am. But we'll come back to that later, let's go back to the day of arrival. After all the questions were answered, we visited two viewpoints and were immediately overwhelmed by the view and the size of the canyon.

Now to the hike, we started more or less as recommended at 4:20 am and set off in the dark armed with headlamps and flashlights. But after about an hour, we didn't need them anymore and we were able to watch the wonderful sunrise. We arrived at Indian Garden just after 6 am, a small oasis with a creek and trees. Since you shouldn't hike between 10 am and 4 pm due to the strong sun, this is our place to relax for later. But now at the fork, right goes to the Colorado River 5 miles and left goes to Plateau Point 2.1 miles and it was only 6 am. So we decided to hike to the Colorado River. The path was fantastic and initially followed the stream and later went deeper into the Grand Canyon. When we reached the bottom, we took some photos of the at that time brown Colorado River (probably due to the monsoon season) and had a drink. Then we made our way back to Indian Garden, as we didn't want to hike in the blazing sun. Back in the oasis, it was still 8:30 am and we spontaneously decided to add Plateau Point. Everything worked out perfectly and we comfortably lay on the bench at exactly 10 am and relaxed. The return journey started at 3 pm at 46°C, we didn't want to wait any longer. Thanks to Benedikt, who set an incredible pace, we covered the last few miles in just 1 hour and 24 minutes. Always uphill! In summary, it was 1538 meters of elevation gain and descent & 33.38 km in 6 hours and 52 minutes, still just under 12 hours with the long break.

The last day at the Grand Canyon was very relaxed, we got up comfortably. Sat at the Grand Canyon and read a bit, bought the last souvenirs, and then drove along Desert View Road and visited the viewpoints. In the end, we arrived at Desert Watch Tower where we could admire a unfortunately cloud-covered but still very beautiful sunset. The night sky was unfortunately too cloudy for the desired star photos.