My youngest daughter Sophi and I have a great adventure awaiting us. We will be hiking the Royal Arch Loop.
The Royal Arch loop is a 5 day hike in the Grand Canyon.
Our flight leaves for Las Vegas, March 13, 2008, early in the morning. We will drive an All-wheel SUV from Las Vegas to Tusayan where we will stay the night. The next morning, early, we will leave for Pasture Wash (park dirt road) and cross the Havasupai Indian Reservation to reach the trail head for the Bass Trail. We should be on the trail in the early morning.
I hiked the Royal Arch Loop last year at this time and it was the toughest hike I have ever done. The trail leading down the canyon is not really a trail, it is a tributary to the Royal Arch Creek and the Royal Arch Creek itself. It is strewn with boulders and deep drop offs. It becomes a trail of commitment as it is very difficult to retrace your steps.
The second day we should reach the natural arch. I’m hoping to get many outstanding photos of it and the trail itself. Later in the second day there is a 20 foot drop that requires ropes. Sophi and I practiced roping by going over to Lowes at Bandera Point (San Antonio, Tx). She did very well—great form. She is not afraid to lean over the edge and then walk down the side. The third day we will hike along the Colorado to Elve’s chasm. I hope we can go up Elve’s chasm a bit to see the natural arch from a different vantage point. We will then head for Garnet Canyon and pick up the Tonto trail at its western-most point. The next day is a hike along the T0nto to the Bass Canyon where we will hike out. It should take us 5 days hiking and 4 nights. We are psyched.
The celebration is planned at Pasta-to-go in Tusayan. For the past several years it has become a tradition to celebrate hikes by feasting at this wonderful restaurant. Spaghetti dinner, salad bar, beer on tap!!!
