Читать книгу Backpacking Arizona. From Deep Canyons to Sky Islands онлайн

50 страница из 56

3 South Bass Trail to Hermit Trail

MAPS Havasupai Point, Shiva Temple, Grand Canyon, Piute Point U.S.G.S.

SEASON Mid September–May.

BEST October–November, March–April.

WATER Serpentine Canyon, Turquoise Canyon, Slate Creek, Boucher Creek, and Hermit Creek.

PERMITS Required for camping within Grand Canyon National Park.

RULES Campfires are not allowed in the national park backcountry. Pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry in the national park.

CONTACT Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023, (928) 638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca.

HIGHLIGHTS The Tonto Trail winds for over 70 miles along the Tonto Plateau through the eastern Grand Canyon. This hike covers the remote western half of this scenic trail. Starting from the South Bass Trail, the hike passes near the Grand Scenic Divide, where Grand Canyon geology changes dramatically. West of the Grand Scenic Divide, a red sandstone plateau called the Esplanade forms a major terrace about 1700 feet below the canyon rim. The Esplanade abruptly ends at the Grand Scenic Divide, and the Tonto Plateau takes over as the Grand Canyon’s major mid-canyon terrace. This bench is about 3500 feet below the rim and reflects the gray-green color of its underlying shale rocks. Several side canyons allow side trips to the Colorado River and some of its major rapids, as well as exploration upstream.