 Mule train preparing to leave |
 Mules ready to leave |
 The starting line - Bright Angel Trailhead. Elevation 6,850 ft. |
 First tunnel |
 What's ahead |
 Indian Garden down below |
 Typical trail view |
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 Trail view |
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 Trail (on right) descends to the canyon below. |
 1.5 mile resthouse. Elevation 5,729 ft (1,121 ft below rim) |
 1.5 mile resthouse (looking back) |
 Trail on left; Indian Garden and trail to Plateau Point visible below |
 3 mile resthouse ahead |
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 Earlier, I was looking down on these formations |
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 3 mile resthouse. Elevation 4,748 ft. (2,102 ft below rim) |
 3 mile resthouse and the ominous sign |
 The ominous sign - they really don't want you to go beyond this point on a day hike! |
 Leaving 3 mile resthouse |
 Trail view |
 Trail view |
 I came from there?! |
 Trail view |
 I have to get back up there! |
 Finally at Indian Garden! Elevation 3,800 ft. (3,050ft below the rim, and 1,320 ft above the river; 4.8 miles from the rim, 3.2 miles from the river) |
 Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden (camping only - cabin is for Park Service) |
 Mule train resting at Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden, ominous sign |
 Ominous sign - now they REALLY don't want you going any further on a day hike! |
 Leaving Indian Garden - about 3.2 miles, and 1,320 ft. of elevation, to go to the river |
 Welcome shade after Indian Garden |
 Welcome shade after Indian Garden |
 Welcome shade after Indian Garden |
 Welcome shade after Indian Garden |
 Welcome shade after Indian Garden |
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 Running water by the trail |
 Running water by the trail |
 First sighting of Devil's Corkscrew (final descent to the river) |
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 Running water crossing the trail |
 Running water along the trail |
 Running water along the trail |
 River resthouse |
 Finally at the river! Elevation 2,400 ft. (4,370 ft below rim, 8 miles from the rim) |
 Surprisingly decent restrooms at the river! |
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 Rafting trip taking a break |
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 River resthouse - my sanctuary for an hour of much needed rest! |
 Mule Train passing |
 Mule Train passing |
 Final view of the river area before heading back up |
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 Approaching Indian Garden |
 Indian Garden - elevation 3,800 ft. (1,320 ft above the river, 3,050 ft to the rim; 3.2 miles from the river; 4.8 miles to the rim) |
 Heading out of Indian Garden |
 Heading out of Indian Garden |
 Heading out of Indian Garden - 3,000 feet of elevation to go! |
 Heading out of Indian Garden |
 It's all uphill from here! |
 It's all uphill from here! |
 Lots of hikers, looking like ants |
 Yay! 3 mile resthouse! Feels like I might actually make it! Elevation 4,748 ft (2,268 ft from river, 2,102 ft to the rim; 5 miles from river; 3 miles to rim) |
 That's me! |
 That's me! |
 I do believe that's the top! |
 One of the iconic formations up close |
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 You realize there's still a hard slog ahead |
 Looking back gives you a sense of achievement as you go! |
 Indian Garden and 3 mile resthouse visible, looking back |
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 Nice to be looking down on this guy again! |
 Hikers visible on the trail |
 It's me! |
 It's me! |
 Back at the top! |
 Classic rim view |