Grand Sided Problems: Grand Canyon, AZ

What can I say about the Grand Canyon you don’t already know? Well, let me try. It’s not in fact the grandest of canyons. If you ever go to Canyonlands, you’ll understand. It is quite beautiful though. It is, after all, a world UNESCO sight. And there’s about 2 billion years of history visible through the exposed rock. But you knew all that.

My story was a little different though, and all my drama happened before I had taken one step on the trail.

My Grand Canyon journey led me through 5 national parks and 2 Native American parks before even arriving there. Already at 60 miles+ hiked, my biggest leg yet was still in front of me. Let’s say I was a little cooked and anxious.

And to boot, it was getting quite freezing around the areas I was sleeping. The night before I woke up at 3 am frigid and decided why not start my drive 2 hours early to catch sunrise. A 16 mile hike with about 4-5k elevation gain on minimal sleep, but all the anticipation—no problem.

What could go wrong?

I arrive at the canyon just before sunrise and everything is perfect. I catch a beautiful come up, the colors are amazing. I’m getting photos and I’m amped. And then it’s only 6 am. I decide to nap then hike at 8 am right as the ranger station opens. No problem still.

I wake and start driving bouncing around the rim getting some last minute shots. One quick stop and I’m ducking under a branch and BANG.

All of a sudden my head hurts and I’m a trying to come back to reality. I reach up to feel the spot and then look at my hand. Blood gushing. Shit.

I get a little panicky and try to stop the flow. It’s not big, but it’s not stopping. This isn’t looking good for my plans.

A couple hours later, I’ve got a few staples in the head and am advised against a strenuous 16 mile hike.

Gut-wrenched, I walk the rim and take in what I can. By the time I make the trail, I take a little gander, then a little more. Still yearning to see, I walk about 4 miles down and salvage what I could. Still some lovely shots. Still got a story to tell.

Can’t wait to finally conquer that Bright Angel.

GC-1

KK-0.5

But I’m coming for you one day!

Epic freaking start

Maybe too epic

I think I hit my head right after this

Somehow with a bandaged head and a lighter ego, I walked back to the rim.

This is what I came for though.

This is only the halfway.

The feels.

I didn’t get the trail, but I got this, so maybe a good trade.

And this.

And this.

☺️