ALL HIKERS

DAY 4: HORN CREEK TO SOUTH RIM

     Last night was the first night it did not rain.  I am up at 3:00, have breakfast, pack my gear, and leave just after 4:00.  I figure I'll have to use my headlight until after Indian Garden.  I know it is only 1.75 miles to the Plateau Point Trail, but it seems a lot farther than that.  Eventually, I reach the Tonto Trail West sign.  There used to be another sign here warning against drinking the water at Horn Creek because of the uranium contamination, but it is now gone.  I guess that means, if you drink the water now, your body will only glow softly at night.  Another twenty minutes and I reach Indian Garden.  It is pitch black and surprisingly no one is up yet.

Tonto West sign
10-11-2006 @ 5:06
Indian Garden sign
10-11-2006 @ 5:28

     I only take a short break and then start up the trail.  In a little while, I no longer need my head light.  Upon reaching the 3 mile rest house, I see the Park Service has put in a new sign.  I guess they feel they need two signs here telling people what this is.

3 mile rest house
10-11-2006 @ 7:04
3 mile rest house
10-11-2006 @ 7:06
New sign at 3 mile rest house
10-11-2006 @ 7:14

     I'm surprised no one has passed me from below.  The views looking to the north are always good in the morning.

North view from Bright Angel Trail
10-11-2006 @ 7:26
North view from Bright Angel Trail
10-11-2006 @ 8:30

     I have complained to myself on previous hikes about the poor condition of this section of the trail.  The Park Service must have heard my thoughts because there are crews working on the trail and numerous new cedar logs by the side.  Just before reaching the 1.5 mile rest house, a college age kid passes me from below.

1.5 mile rest house
10-11-2006 @ 8:48
1.5 mile rest house
10-11-2006 @ 8:48

     I get a little bit of satisfaction when the college kid takes a break at the 1.5 mile rest house and I pass him back.  I always get teased in this top section when I reach the lower tunnel.  I keep thinking I am nearly at the top, but there is still some work left.  However, when you can see Kolb Studio and reach the last tunnel, you know you are nearly there.

Lower tunnel
10-11-2006 @ 9:26
Kolb Studio from below
10-11-2006 @ 9:53
Tunnel nearest the top
10-11-2006 @ 10:03

     As I pass the Kolb Studio, it looks like they put a new wooden roof on it recently.

   
  Kolb Studio
10-11-2006 @ 10:09
 

     I take the shuttle to Hermits Rest to get my car and then head to the campground for the night.   

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