Last week we repeated a backpacking trip down into the Grand Canyon which we had done several years ago — a “lollipop” loop from the north rim down to Thunder River and Tapeats Creek, along the Colorado River, and up Deer Creek. When we hiked this route the first time back in November 2012, we did it in three days and it felt much too rushed and strenuous. But it was so impressive that we’ve been excited to return — this time with five days to relax and soak in the scenery.
Tapeats/Deer Creek Loop, Grand Canyon
April 2015 | Grand Canyon, Arizona
Hiking down towards Surprise Valley.
Thunder Spring
Thunder Spring pours out from deep in the earth.
Thunder River Panorama
Thunder Spring is an incredible spring that emerges from a cliff wall of the Grand Canyon nearly 4000 feet below the canyon rim with the force of a roaring river.
Looking small in a big canyon, above Tapeats Creek.
Hiking down into Tapeats Creek.
Hiking down the Tapeats Creek valley towards the Colorado River - April.
The canyon was in full bloom with a variety of wildflowers rivaling that found in summer alpine meadows. These yellow ones were the most prominent in the lower canyon.
Colorado River Flowers
Wildflowers along the Colorado River.
The Colorado River
The mighty Colorado River. The river's water should be an orangish brown color; however the Glen Canyon Dam upstream collects all the natural silt leaving the river downstream an unnatural (if pleasant) green color.
Colorado River Camp 2
Evening over the Colorado River.
Deer Creek Narrows
The slot canyon narrows of Deer Creek.
Claudia auditioning for a shampoo ad in Deer Creek.
Relaxing in the “Throne Room” where there are about a dozen rock thrones than have been built under a large alcove next to the Deer Creek waterfall spring.
Canyon Yellows
A canyon slope full of yellow wildflowers in April.
Crazy Jug Sunset
Sunset over the Grand Canyon, as seen from near Crazy Jug Point.
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