Below the rim

Plateau point is a world-class day hike on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Last week, the National Park Service reopened after a federal employee furlough, renewing my desire to go back to the world's largest canyon. 

The south rim is only 90 minutes from Flagstaff on highway 180. While there are many options for hiking below the rim and traversing the width of the canyon, I will only describe the route for plateau point. If you are interested in reading a first-hand account of a rim-rim backpacking experience, check back in the spring of 2014. 

The bright angel trail drops you down below the south rim to gently but steadily descend towards Indian Gardens, on your way toward the Colorado River in the basin of the canyon. Along the way to the Gardens, there are water refill stations    At 1.5 mile intervals. Once you get to the Gardens, take the trail labeled for plateau point. If you stay on bright angel trail, you'll arrive at the Colorado river in 3 more miles. From the plateau point, Enjoy panoramic views from more than a thousand feet above the river (while you are still 3000 feet below the south rim!). 

Round trip, it's a 12.2 mile trek. It should take somewhere between 6-8 hours depending on your level of fitness. It's recommended to hike in the fall to avoid overcrowded trails and extreme heat.