Where: Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon

When: November 2004

What: Plateau Point is a little more than halfway down from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. To get there you have to take a 20-30 minute detour off the Bright Angel Trail, which adds another mile or so to the hike. Totally worth it for the view of what’s to come, though.

It’s at Plateau Point that you get your first clear view of the Colorado River, which was a nice chocolately brown when I was there. For those planning to spend the night at Phantom Ranch, as I did, I always recommend doing this side trip to Plateau Point on the way down rather than the way up. You need all the energy you can get when hiking out of the canyon, so don’t waste it on side trips.

I bet you haven’t noticed my favorite thing about this picture yet. Take a look at the lower righthand side of the photo. Yep, that’s a squirrel standing next to me on the ledge, posing politely for the camera. I may not be smiling, but I’m pretty sure he is.

One last note: A park ranger told me the average visit to the South Rim lasts about 15 minutes. Are you kidding me? It takes 15 minutes just to fight your way through all the gawkers leaning over the edge! If you’re physically able, lace up those hiking boots and get into the canyon. That’s where the real action is at, people!