Day's Summary: SUMMARY

Grand Canyon South: Mather Campground It's hard to beat waking up in a campground knowing you're at the Grand Canyon. I describe in this video how I used the RAV4 as a jury-rigged camper. I'm in spot #73 at Mather. All of the Mather spots are pretty good, from my experience. I've been in four of them, all told.

Grand Canyon South: From Mather To A Parking Spot At 5:30AM Arizona time, I drive to the Bright Angel Lodge to find a parking spot. Bright Angel is where I would be staying for the next couple days. Parking is scarce so close to the rim, but early morning is the best time to find one. Don't hit the Escalade!

Grand Canyon South: Near Bright Angel Lodge Filming right in front of the Bright Angel Lodge around 5:30AM or so. Obviously the Grand Canyon can't directly be seen from this video, but the knowledge that it's so close is pretty amazing.

Grand Canyon South: The South Rim View Proof that I was indeed at the South Rim. Other than me being in the video, the view is breathtaking. Notice the 3-mile resthouse at around 1:16 (along the Bright Angel Trail).

Grand Canyon South: The South Rim View Looking north.

Grand Canyon South: Short Bright Angel Trail Walk Did you know there is cell phone reception at certain places along the Bright Angel Trail? I made a phone call while on this short walk to the first tunnel.

Grand Canyon South: Short Bright Angel Trail Walk Very short video of tongue-clicking.

Grand Canyon South: Short Bright Angel Trail Walk Short video of what looks like some sort of bear-like creature carved into the rock.

Grand Canyon South: Short Bright Angel Trail Walk: Mules "Don't be afraid to use your motivator!" Yeah, show those mules who's the boss! This video gives a pretty good view of passing mules. Near the end of the vid, the mules pass through the first tunnel.

Grand Canyon South: Short Bright Angel Trail Walk: Mules The same mule team after they passed through the first tunnel.

Grand Canyon South: South Kaibab Recon The plan for the next day was to hike the South Kaibab Trail. It's one of the five corridor trails of the Grand Canyon. A corridor trail is patroled and well-maintained by the National Park Service. If you're hiking alone, or aren't a very experienced hiker, you really want to hike a corridor trail. The corridor trails: South Kaibab, Bright Angel, Plateau Point, River, and North Kaibab. Both South Kaibab and Bright Angel arise from the South Rim and connect via the River Trail (along the Colorado River). Plateau Point Trail branches from Bright Angel. North Kaibab arises from the North Rim.

Grand Canyon South: South Kaibab Recon Another view of some South Kaibab switchbacks.

Grand Canyon South: South Kaibab Recon Expansive, beautiful view of the Canyon along the South Kaibab Trail. The South Kaibab offers some of the best hiking views of the Grand Canyon, bar none. I mention "Ooh Aah Point," an appropriately named vista along the South Kaibab.

Grand Canyon South: South Kaibab Recon A 360 degree pan near the trailhead of South Kaibab.

Grand Canyon South: South Kaibab Recon Slightly different perspective of the initial South Kaibab switchbacks. Hint: it's much harder than it looks to hike UP those switchbacks. Going down isn't all that difficult.

Grand Canyon South: Bright Angel Lodge Room Ah, good ol' room 6130 of the Powell Lodge of the Bright Angel Lodge. It's not a luxury suite, but as you'll see in a future video, it's literally a very short walk to get to the South Rim. The room isn't that expensive considering how close it is to the Canyon. Around $80 a night if I remember correctly. I think it's a bargain. You have to reserve (again, literally) 6 months in advance to be guaranteed such a great room, though!