Bunker Break 2021 - Lollygagging GCNP, AZ, USA
Apr 11, 2021 18:26:07 GMT -8
zeke, rebeccad, and 3 more like this
Post by Westy on Apr 11, 2021 18:26:07 GMT -8
Bunker Break 2021 Part II – Returned for another five (5) night, six (6) day Grand Canyon ramble, featuring an infrequently visited area, a bit of bushwhack, delightful hiking and an abundance of lollygagging in near perfect weather.
Game Plan was mini-loop Waldron, Dripping Springs, Boucher to Slate and return via Hermit. Tweaked a knee less than three weeks (3) earlier on prior GCNP hike. Got lazy, took it way easy and actually spent some solid dwell time under no pressure.
Explored Boucher and Hermit Creek, had great conversation with some seasoned hikers and took afternoon naps. Weather was Grand Canyon perfect!
Descending the Hermit Trail, originally a native American route. The trail was surveyed and constructed exclusively for tourist use by Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad 1911-12.
Have hiked past this sign many times, not today!
After moderate descent hiked another route up back up to the South Rim and over to Eremita Mesa above.
Ascending the sparsely used and rather enjoyable Waldron Trail.
Hiking through the pinion-juniper forest on the South Rim.
Horsethief Tank, intended to collect run-off as a water source. Surprised it’s dry considering two recent snow events.
An abandoned rocky road. Many signs of wild horses. Saw three. They were too quick for photo opportunity.
Enjoyed a lazy mid-afternoon, road walk. I believe this must be the boundary road for the Grand Canyon Wildlife Preserve and ends up ten (10) miles later at the abandoned Pasture Wash Ranger Station.
Old corral built by Louis Boucher, known as the Hermit. Boucher constructed a trail from top of Eremita Mesa to Dripping Springs in 1891.
Navigating the upper Dripping Springs drainage (Hermit Creek) is more bushwhack and route finding than trail hiking.
After a while you find yourself at the top of a break in the Coconino and can follow remnants of the original trail.
Boucher built a small camp nearby for tourists. He left the area upon completion of the Hermit Trail.
Returned to the Hermit Trail for great tread, numerous shade spots and easy access to the inner canyon. A true walk in the park!
Cathedral Stairs, a series of numerous back-to-back short switchbacks through the Redwall.
On the Tonto, first view of the Colorado and Boucher Rapids.
Vishnu Basement Rock from Precambrian time 2.5 to 1.8 billion years ago. Note the Agave Americana in its once in a lifetime bloom. Amazing how Boucher Creek (lower right) carved Topaz Canyon.
Boucher Rapids provided afternoon entertainment watching the river flow.
A beach!
A view upriver.
My kit.
Fabulous morning start for a hike to Boucher Creek’s source.
Tapeats reflections, Topaz Canyon.
Incredible how seeps like these provide a perennial water source.
Next day back across the Tonto at 98° F.
Perfect shady overhang for lunch break.
Exploring Hermit Creek as it flows through the Tapeats.
Combination water therapy and afternoon nap spot.
Last day, treasured every step coming up and out.
Game Plan was mini-loop Waldron, Dripping Springs, Boucher to Slate and return via Hermit. Tweaked a knee less than three weeks (3) earlier on prior GCNP hike. Got lazy, took it way easy and actually spent some solid dwell time under no pressure.
Explored Boucher and Hermit Creek, had great conversation with some seasoned hikers and took afternoon naps. Weather was Grand Canyon perfect!
Descending the Hermit Trail, originally a native American route. The trail was surveyed and constructed exclusively for tourist use by Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad 1911-12.
Have hiked past this sign many times, not today!
After moderate descent hiked another route up back up to the South Rim and over to Eremita Mesa above.
Ascending the sparsely used and rather enjoyable Waldron Trail.
Hiking through the pinion-juniper forest on the South Rim.
Horsethief Tank, intended to collect run-off as a water source. Surprised it’s dry considering two recent snow events.
An abandoned rocky road. Many signs of wild horses. Saw three. They were too quick for photo opportunity.
Enjoyed a lazy mid-afternoon, road walk. I believe this must be the boundary road for the Grand Canyon Wildlife Preserve and ends up ten (10) miles later at the abandoned Pasture Wash Ranger Station.
Old corral built by Louis Boucher, known as the Hermit. Boucher constructed a trail from top of Eremita Mesa to Dripping Springs in 1891.
Navigating the upper Dripping Springs drainage (Hermit Creek) is more bushwhack and route finding than trail hiking.
After a while you find yourself at the top of a break in the Coconino and can follow remnants of the original trail.
Boucher built a small camp nearby for tourists. He left the area upon completion of the Hermit Trail.
Returned to the Hermit Trail for great tread, numerous shade spots and easy access to the inner canyon. A true walk in the park!
Cathedral Stairs, a series of numerous back-to-back short switchbacks through the Redwall.
On the Tonto, first view of the Colorado and Boucher Rapids.
Vishnu Basement Rock from Precambrian time 2.5 to 1.8 billion years ago. Note the Agave Americana in its once in a lifetime bloom. Amazing how Boucher Creek (lower right) carved Topaz Canyon.
Boucher Rapids provided afternoon entertainment watching the river flow.
A beach!
A view upriver.
My kit.
Fabulous morning start for a hike to Boucher Creek’s source.
Tapeats reflections, Topaz Canyon.
Incredible how seeps like these provide a perennial water source.
Next day back across the Tonto at 98° F.
Perfect shady overhang for lunch break.
Exploring Hermit Creek as it flows through the Tapeats.
Combination water therapy and afternoon nap spot.
Last day, treasured every step coming up and out.
