Rim to river and back day hike in Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon from South Rim

There're multiple signs in the park that don't recommend to do this hike for a good reason. Its 18 miles (28 km) round trip with evlevation gain of 4600 ft (1400 m), which is not too bad, but day temperature of 115 in the bottom does not uncommon during the summer. To make it safely you have to start well before sunrise. We started at 3:00 am.

Bright Angel trail

Arrived to Colorado river by 6:00 am. Swim was wonderful in the cold water.

Colorado River

 Here is one the warning signs after Indian Garden.

Warning about Rim to the River and back day hiking

Way back was slightly slower (4 hours) because of the heat. Even though it's doable the best time for this hike is certainly not during the summber.

The Narrows in Zion National Park

Quite unusual hike, since you mosly walking in the North Fork Virgin river, mostly ankle deep, but sometimes chest deep or there are even sections where you have to swim. Summer heat compensated by cold water and shade, so its pleasant even when air temperature raise above 100°F.

Mystery Waterfalls in Zion National Park

Light and Shadow

Narrows trail in Zion

Day hike when you go upstream and then come back seemed more resonable then 16 miles one way from Chamberlain's Ranch. Orderville canyon was interesting to explore as well even though we did not made it all the way to first waterfall.

Orderville canyon

Drifting downstream

Glenn Pass from Onion Valley hike

We left LA Friday at 2:00 pm with hope to get our permit the same day. Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center closes at 5:00 pm. We was late by 7 minutes and friendly ranger tell us to come back tomorrow. Its good idea to get acclimatization for high altitude hikes, so we went to Horseshore Meadow (10000 ft /3048 m) for this purpose. Saturday morning we finally got our permit, rent a mandatory bear canister ($2.5 per day) and headed to trail head (9212 ft / 2807 m). Easy hike to Kearsarge Pass (11,760 ft / 3584 m) took about 3 hours. Then I hiked to Mt. Gould (13005 ft / 3964 m).

Kearsarge and Bullfrog lakes from Mt. Gould

Looking south from Mt. Gould to Kearsarge lakes (on the left) and Bullfrog lake (on the right). It took me 2:20 to hike from Kearsarge Pass to Mt. Gould and back. Then we descend to the valley and camped near Kearsarge lakes.

Kearsarge lake

Fish

 Sunday we left most of our staff at camp and attempt day hike to Glenn Pass (11978 ft / 3650 m).

Little lake on the way to the Glenn pass

Gelnn Pass

Rae lakes from Glenn Pass