Day 5: Day hike to Ribbon Falls, 12 miles, 1240 feet elevation gain/loss

We were up early to hit the trail to Ribbon Falls, again giving ourselves time before we would have direct sun on the trail and it would be hot. I always love The Box on the North Kaibab trail - it’s such a neat part of the canyon to walk through. And the trail is great in this area - nice and wide and a very gentle grade - we were cruising and made it to the creek crossing in good time. We had talked to several people who had hiked to Ribbon Falls the day before and they advised us to stay low and cross the creek below the old bridge site (this also avoids having to hike up the small hill and back down again). As the bridge has been removed, either way is going to require a creek crossing (and likely getting your feet wet), but it seems the water was more shallow at the lower creek crossing (this is marked by a sign and we found a spot to cross with no issues). From the creek it’s a short walk into the side canyon and a wonderful little oasis. Ribbon Fall is 140 feet high with a travertine spire below the falls. There are several great vantage points to view the falls - there is a trail that goes behind them and it’s a short climb up to an alcove on the north side with some cool rock formations and another view of the falls. Ribbon Falls is such a lovely spot that we lingered for awhile - eating our lunch, taking pictures, and just soaking it all in. It was with some reluctance that we pulled ourselves away to hike back to camp. For our final night Sumi had booked us stew meals at Phantom Ranch. Someone had a heavy hand with the allspice, but it was still a nice last meal before our final day.


Day 6: Bright Angel Campground to Bright Angel trailhead, 9.5 miles, 4400 feet elevation gain

I don’t have much to say about this day - I have hiked this trail so many times I was basically on cruise control (also propelled by that hot shower awaiting me at the end!). I stopped to take a picture of the Devil’s Corkscrew and to refill my water at Indian Garden and that was pretty much it. I had another early start and was by myself most of the way, until past Indian Garden when all the day hikers started appearing. The temperatures were pleasant and it was a nice hike out. It was a fantastic six days in the canyon!