So we left on our hike from Hermit's Rest at the west side of the developed area. We took a six mile round trip walk down 1400 feet to Dripping Springs, in a box canyon accessable by going down, then walking along a ledge about a third of the way down to the river. The rim is 5200 feet, and we went down to 3800 feet. It got warmer along the way.
Here are Chrystal and Davy at a fork in the trail.
About halfway in, it opened up to an incredible view down a side canyon. Today was an amazingly clear day and the visibility was hundreds of miles. What a place.
I liked it. I was tired coming back, which took a bit longer than we expected...sort of like reverse mountain climbing. We checked out the 1916 Hermit's Rest lodge, which maintains its rustic feel despite the postcards. They do need a couple of tables and chairs, and an expresso machine, though. (Marin County Man Visits Nature)!
Drove on to Flagstaff, and spent the night...found out that hotels haven't quite worked their way into Cyberspace, but finally got plugged in and wired to the camera, so here we are!