Grand Canyon backpacking: Clear Creek from the South Rim in Winter

Описание: Grand Canyon: Four days backpacking trip to Clear Creek from the South Rim.
South Kaibab trail down to Phantom Ranch, Clear Creek trail to Clear Creek, Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim from Phantom Ranch.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Trailhead: South Kaibab trailhead, South Rim - Grand Canyon Village.

Itinerary:

Day 1: South Kaibab trail to Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. North Kaibab trail to the junction with the Clear Creek trail. Clear Creek trail to Sumner Wash. Camp at Sumner Wash. About 12 mi, 1220 ft elevation gain.

Day 2: Clear Creek trail from Sumner Wash to the Clear Creek camp. Approx. 8.5 mi, approx. 550 ft elevation gain.

Day 3: Clear Creek trail from Clear Creek Camp to Sumner Wash. Approx. Approx 8.5 mi, approx. 550 ft elevation gain.

Day 4: Clear Creek trail from Sumner Wash to the North Kaibab trail junction. North Kaibab trail to Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River Bright Angel Suspension Bridge. River Trail to the Bright Angel trail junction. Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Garden and the Bright Angel Trailhead at the South Rim. Approx. 14.6 mi, 4430 ft elevation gain.

Trip total: 43.3 mi, 9,127 ft elevation gain.


Hike Notes
A great backpacking trip with endless spectacular views to a beautiful remote location on the North Rim side of the Grand Canyon. Overall it was also easy Grand Canyon backpacking in comparison to some of the routes on the South Rim.
The Clear Creek trail is easy and well maintained. It is best hiked during the winter months due to its South exposure; Therefore it was perfect for my February Grand Canyon trip.
Unfortunately I had to cut the trip one day short because of an approaching winter storm as I could not risk missing my flight back home. I originally planned one more day at Clear Creek camp with a day hike down the Crystal Creek route. It will be for another time. I certainly would like to go back to Clear Creek again.
In this snowy year I had a pretty rough first night at Sumner Wash with very strong winds and some rain and snow mix. Luckily the night at the Clear Creek camp was very peaceful. The second night at Sumner Wash was also windy, but not as bad.
It was fun and very scenic to hike both the South Kaibab trail down and the Bright Angel trail up to the South Rim with plenty of snow on the ground. They were as busy as always and quite a contrast with the very sparse "traffic" of the Clear Creek trail. I really enjoyed the hiking on the North side and appreciated the spectacular views of the more familiar South Rim. The Tonto on the North Side is very beautiful and easy to hike.
Despite the weather not cooperating it was another beautiful backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. I love the Grand Canyon in winter.

Music:
Reminiscence Captured on Tape by Ave Air
Licensed by Epidemic Sound.

#grandcanyon #backpacking #hiking #clearcreek

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Trip Highlights: Grand Canyon Backpacking - Clear Creek from the South Rim
05:29 - Day 1: Hiking from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Sumner Wash
09:46 - Day 2: Sumner Wash to Clear Creek
13:04 - Day 3: Clear Creek to Sumner Wash
17:06 - Day 4: Sumner Wash to Bright Angel Trailhead