Sunrise at the Canyon

We woke up around 5:45 AM so we could get a good view of the sun as it rose over the canyon and illuminated the deep red and orange hues that make up the canyon walls. 

Once we were ready we headed to The Fountain Grab and Go, located behind The Bright Angel Lodge. The grab and go is essentially a small, one- way in, one- way out, limited selection of snacks and drink shop. Certainly not ideal if you're wanting something hearty for breakfast but great to stock up your bag with light snacks for a big hike. 

Because of the cold, we waited inside The Bright Angel Lodge until sunrise approached, at which point we went back out and surrounded by many other early risers, watched as the sun slowly ascended and revealed the colorful desert hues, jagged walls, switchbacks, and depth that makes this canyon one of the Wonders of the World. 

It was truly breathtaking and such a surreal experience to once again feel so small. Taking in its beauty in this golden light with so many others who appreciate it just as it much made the moment even more memorable. 

(Sunrise at The Grand Canyon) 

South Rim Trail 

We decided we were going to start our day on the South Rim Trail. This trail is paved and has several beautiful lookout locations. It is an easy trail with just a few stairs/inclines so it would be great for kids. 

(Christopher overlooking the canyon from the South Rim Trail)

(Along the South Rim Trail) 

(View from the South Rim Trail of the switchbacks on the Bright Angel Trail)

(View from South Rim Trail) 

As we were walking the South Rim Trail we could see several people descending into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. Initially, we were a little intimidated by the thought of hiking into the canyon although we had talked about it from the moment we planned the trip. The icy and snowy trails made us second guess our whether or not it was a good idea. Luckily, I had thought ahead and packed Yaktrax for both of us. These were a game changer! We put them on and immediately noticed a difference in our traction in the not- so- ideal conditions. 

(Yaktrax are on and we're ready to descend) 

*If you are unfamiliar with Yaktrax, they are essentially just an accessory for your shoes/boots. They just slip over the toe and the heel of your boots and create amazing traction in snow and ice. They are a MUST if you are hiking in snow or ice! 

Hopi House

The Hopi House is located along South Rim Trail, so we decided to take a peak inside before beginning our hike into the canyon. The Hopi House is full of Native American made products. Everything from jewelry, clothing, home goods and more. We just could not leave without getting a few of these handmade goods to bring home with us. Each item we purchased has brought so much joy to us and we truly love the uniquness each item brings to our home. 

We ended up visiting the Hopi House again before our visit was over just because of how interesting, diverse, and beautiful the collection was. This is a must- see shop if you ever find yourself at Grand Canyon Village. 

(Raven's EVERYWHERE- We loved watching them strut around the trails) 

Bright Angel Trail

It was finally time to go into the canyon! Let me tell you, we have done A LOT of hiking, but we were not prepared for this one. If I could give you any advice for hiking the Grand Canyon it would be to pack all of the snacks and extra water, especially in the winter. There are water stations along the trail but in the winter the ones near the top are shut off so you can only fill up before you hike and once you reach Havasupai Gardens which is 4.5 miles down and over 2,000 vertical feet below the rim. You are going to want that water on your hike out of there moreso than the hike down! The Bright Angel Trail can be deceiving as it is hard to tell exactly how far down you have traveled because the trail is essentially embedded in the side of the canyon. Because of this, we traveled much further into the canyon than we were actually prepared for. There are signs posted along the trail that tell you that going down is a choice, but coming back up is mandatory. That is definitely something to keep in mind when attempting this trail. I do not regret descending as far as we did, especially because the views were incredible and we were lucky enough to see wildlife while we were down there. We were also able to take in the Havasupai Gardens and its wide variety of vegetation. It was so much warmer this deep in the canyon as well and after being so cold for weeks, the cozy feeling felt amazing. We took SO many pictures on our way down, but only a few on the way out so I'll share a few of those from the descent! 

(Bright Angel Trail) 

(Tunnel along Bright Angel Trail)

I LOVE all of the tunnels and archways! 

This trail continuously gave you "sneak peaks" of something ahead and it just made you want to continue your hike. This tunnel was one of those examples. 

(Cacti growing out of the side of the canyon along Bright Angel Trail) 

(Christopher on Bright Angel Trail) 

This is one of my favorite pictures. Also, why can't my "off guard" pictures ever look this good?! He is never ready for any picture I take and they always end up being the best. 

(Icy trail conditions along Bright Angel Trail) 

(Bright Angel Trail in December) 

This is another example of "we just have to keep going!" I mean my curious mind could not take the mystery of what was around the corner so we trekked onward. 

(Tunnel along Bright Angel Trail)

And how happy I was that we kept going, because we came across another tunnel! Don't ask why I'm obsessed with all of the tunnels and arches. I just am and I have zero explanation. 

(View from Bright Angel Trail)

These colors are incredible! You HAVE to see them in person. The photos just do not do them the justice they deserve, but hopefully they are enough to get you to plan a trip. The layers of color made us want to continue deeper into the canyon as well. It was "lets go see that deep red up close" or "look we're almost to the next layer, we have to keep going!" 

I will reiterate, it is so MUCH easier to go down, than to come up. Do not let your excitement get the best of you if you are not fully prepared. We had planned on hiking, we changed our mind with trail conditions, and then on a whim decided lets do it, however, we did not prepare our packs for the miles of hiking we actually ended up doing. Just know for sure how far you're going before you actually go. 

(View from Bright Angel Trail) 

(Cacti along Bright Angel Trail) 

(Mules coming up Bright Angel Trail) 

We have already decided that the next time we go to the Grand Canyon, we are booking mules and we are staying the night in the canyon! If taking a mule is your thing make sure you book in advance to secure a spot. I just think this would be such a unique and authentic way to explore the canyon. If you have ever done this please share your experience. I want to know all of the things! 

(View from Bright Angel Trail) 

(Bright Angel Trail) 

(Bright Angel Trail) 

Honestly, the deeper you get into the canyon, the more breathtaking the views become! I just had to keep trekking forward after getting to this point. I loved being surrounded by the desert plants and feeling the warmer temperatures the further we descended. 

(Bright Angel Trail) 

(Bright Angel Trail just before Havasupai Gardens)

(View from Bright Angel Trail) 

(Cacti along Bright Angel Trail)

Heart shaped cacti on an elopement trip? Just another sign it was totally meant to be! :) 

(View from Bright Angel Trail) 

(Sign on Bright Angel Trail- "The Plants You See Here Are The Living Desert. They Grow By The Inch And Die By The Foot") 

It is so important to respect the parks and everything they have to offer. This sign is a reminder of just how vital it is to protect the plants in order for the desert to thrive. 

(View from Havasupai Gardens) 

It felt so good to sit for a minute. We filled up our water bottles, walked around, and took in the incredible views from within the canyon. We knew it would take us two to three times as long to get out of the canyon as it did for us to get to Havasupai Gardens and since that was about 2.5 hours, we knew we needed to start heading back sooner than I would have wanted to. Had we started our hike earlier in the day, we would've had more time but at this point we would be cutting it close to getting back before sundown. We will know better next time. 

Back to the Village

The hike was well worth the journey but we knew we needed to head back sooner than later. Little did we know a little surprise awaited us! We saw mule deer!!! They were just hanging out on the trail as we left Havasupai Gardens. This was so exciting to see them up close. We just hung back and let them graze. Once they moved far enough from the trail we continued moving forward. 

(Mule Deer- Bright Angel Trail) 

(Mule Deer- Bright Angel Trail) 

(Mule Deer- Bright Angel Trail) 

We were booking it to get back out of the canyon before dark! This wore us down pretty fast and we ran out water and snacks. We really underestimated this hike and realized quickly how underprepared we were. Again, know for sure if you are hiking and plan accordingly. I mean overplanning would be best. We really only thought we would descend a little bit and then head back, but the trail was so interesting and we were so curious about what was around the corner. We do not regret our hike at all but we would certainly do things differently the next time around. 

We made it out of the canyon before dark but we were so exhausted! We went back to our cabin, relaxed a bit, and then got ready for dinner at Arizona Steakhouse which is located in Bright Angel Lodge. It is best to have reservations anywhere you go. Even though we were visiting in the winter and there were not as many people as other times of the year, there were still enough to  create a wait if you don't plan ahead. 

Chris and I both ordered the prime rib and it was great. The service was incredible. If you are lucky enough to get seated by the window, you will also have amazing views while you dine. 

After dinner, the only thing left to do was shower and call it a night. We needed that sleep more than anything else but not before agreeing that day four would be spent exclusively on the rim of the canyon! 

Come back next week for Day Four!