Day 4: Grand Canyon Part 2 and Walnut Canyon - Tuesday, March 7th

As we left the Grand Canyon on Monday, we were tired from fresh air and walking. We were uncertain if we'd come back on Tuesday. But a good night's sleep rejuvenated us and The Canyon was calling us back in the morning. We had walked the west side of the South Rim trail on Monday, and today the east side of the trail, shorter and less traveled, was our task.

After a quick breakfast at the biggest and busiest continental breakfast I've ever seen, we headed out for The Canyon again. The morning was noticeably warmer, and this time we didn't need a hat or mittens. The walk on the west side was more wooded, more remote, but still rewarded us with stunning views of The Canyon.

This was our third day of standing next to steep cliffs, and I noticed that the funny, queezy feeling I always get in my abdomen from high places was becoming less noticeable. Maybe I could get used to these situations and be a brave soul when encountering high places.

We spent the morning walking the east Rim Trail and enjoyed seeing the second trail that takes hikers to the bottom of the canyon - South Kaibab Trail. This one didn't look as icy as Bright Angel Trail, but it is apparently steeper and travels along more dramatic cliffs and ledges. I was envious of the excited folks donning their backpacks for a few days at the bottom of the canyon. Maybe some day...

San Francisco Peaks Viewed From a Rest Stop

Now it was time for the two-hour drive back to Flagstaff. We had taken I-40 and Highway 64 on our way to Tusayan, but we planned to take the more scenic route on Highway 180 on the way back to Flagstaff. This would lead us through the mountains that contain the San Francisco peaks, with Mt. Humphreys at elevation 12,670 feet, the highest point in Arizona. This snow-covered peak dominates the horizon in Flagstaff and that area contains the Snow Bowl, with its downhill skiing. We were told that the recent 37 inches of snow made for outstanding skiing at Snow Bowl. There's so much to do in the area! Just the San Francisco peaks area has 30 hiking trails, everything from easy to extreme. We only had time to appreciate the peaks from a rest stop.

Sinagua Homes on the Walls of Walnut Canyon

The number one thing to do in Flagstaff according to Trip Advisor is to visit the Walnut Canyon National Monument. We knew virtually nothing about this attraction, but we decided to make it our afternoon outing. It's only a few miles outside of Flagstaff, and totally worth the trip. This was our third canyon encounter in three days and probably the most educational. It's more than just a scenic hike. This part of the canyon contains homes from the Sinagua people who lived there until about A.D. 1250. Their homes were built into limestone ledges in the walls of the canyon. The natural geology provided a floor, a roof, and a back wall. They built the side walls and the front wall and door. What an amazing place to live!

Just a Few of the 240 Stairs on This Hike

The hike contains 240 stairs, so it's quite a descent to get down to the homes. The views are amazing and it's fascinating to look at walls that were built by the Sinagua people about a thousand years ago. There are 300 rooms in the area, 200 of which were probably for storage of food and water with the other 100 for living space.

These creative people grew corn, beans, and squash on the rim of the canyon, carried water up from Walnut Creek at the bottom of the canyon and also collected snow melt and rain. They hunted for game in the area. They were eventually forced out of the area for reasons unknown and probably merged with the Hopi people.

As a side note, I enjoyed the best look at a redtail hawk that I've ever seen. We were walking back up the canyon and a beautiful redtail soared through the canyon just below us. I had my binoculars just about everywhere we went, so I was able to get a really close look at this amazing raptor from above, with its red tail and other markings in plain view. Wow! One of the highlights of my trip!

I knew if I could lift this ledge just a bit, it
would allow more sunlight through.

There! That did it!

This rock had fallen on the path, and I moved it
out of the way so the fair maiden could pass.

Wow! What a full day! Walnut Canyon was an unexpected surprise. Truly worth a few hours on a balmy afternoon. It's educational, inspirational, and a good workout for the legs. Our activities for the trip were complete. Now it's back to the hotel to eat some leftovers, rest up, and prepare for the journey home.

One last thing. OK, so you may think we are really compatible travel partners. But things are not always as they seem. What happens when a cautious, reserved, super-careful person travels with a risk-taking, live-on-the-edge, adventurous person? These photos give you a hint.

How in the world did she get out there?

Yep, like always - living on the ege.

Ain't no way I'm going out there!

I take my eyes off her for just a second and look what happens.

She knows no fear.

It was a harrowing experience, but I survived. She probably gets bored because I'm always holding her back. I can't imagine what she'd do if I were not constantly warning her to be careful.