Lisa and I hit up the Grand Canyon for the first time back in June 2017. We were in a rental car from Tucson then. This time, though, we rolled in with Usain. The Grand Canyon wasn’t even on our radar for this snowbird trip (not that we really had an itinerary) since it’s usually freezing up in northern Arizona this time of year. But it’s warm, we’re nearby, the Grand Canyon is truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so we decided to head out from Flagstaff for a fun day trip. Speaking of fun, back in 2017, it was a blistering 97 degrees at the rim and a scorching 115 in the canyon. This time, it kicked off in the 60s. That’s a huge difference for any outdoor adventure, especially for a strenuous hike!

Our goal for this visit to the Grand Canyon was to hike the Bright Angel Trail again. In 2017, we walked down to the 1.5-mile rest house and then back up. Given the difference in temperature this time around we planned to walk down to the 3.0-mile rest house and then back up for a 6-mile hike. Given the grade of the trail and the number of switchbacks, it was actually an easier hike than some others we have taken on this trip. But this hike starts at 6.860 ft and we hiked down to an elevation of 4,700 ft. Down is hard on the knees and back up is a workout. We Midwest prairie dwellers always struggle a bit with breathing at higher elevations. After our hike, and a quick walk through one of the gift shops, we got back into Usain for the 90-minute drive back to Flagstaff.

Naturally, we had to get our picture again by the trailhead sign upon the completion of our Bright Angel hike.