Grand Canyon in Spring - A 4 day tramp of stupendous Springtime floral color in the Grand Canyon. Left to right: Brittlebush, Alternate Transportation, Desert Spiny Lizard, Gooseberry-Leaf Globemallow, Cliffrose, Beavertail Cactus, Desert Four-O'clock, Fruit of Apache Plume, Evening Primrose.

Switchbacks - From the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the bottom at Bright Angel Campground where I spent 2 days is 10 miles distance and 4000 feet elevation loss. Along the way are numerous switchbacks and stunning views.

Cliffrose

Desert Phlox

Desert Spiny Lizard - These guys are prolific in the canyon and for kicks they often do push-ups or run with their tails curled upward. I'm sure these antics are done to impress the gals!

Fleabane Daisy

Evening Primrose

Colorado River - I met my reward of the Colorado River after a long day tramping down from the South Rim, just a short distance more to Bright Angel Campground. But I had to get to the other side.

Swing Bridge - Over the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground are two bridges, a suspension swing bridge and a steel truss cantilever bridge (in the background). If you cross by mule, you'll cross on the truss bridge - the swing bridge is too narrow and besides the mules won't cross a bridge where they can see through the footing to the river below.

Common Pricklypear

Trailing Four O'clock

Gooseberry-Leaf Globemallow

Bright Angel Canyon - I used my spare day to tramp to Ribbon Falls, and a very long day it was. But it was also a day of floral excellence. First through Bright Angel Canyon, then to an open desert region with stupendous wildflowers, and finally to the falls. Returning with legs of throbbing complaint, my artistic side said "yea, that was great."

Desert Four O'clock - Although this perennial is abundant along the track near Bright Angel Creek to Ribbon Falls, all except this one were still budding in late April. I suspect after the first week in May the region would be engulfed in its blooms.

Brittlebush - Abundant and prolific, Brittlebush dots the desert landscape with bundles of yellow flowers. It is but one of many in the sunflower family.

Hedge-Hog Cactus

Apache Plume - Part of the rose family, the fruit of Apache Plume has feathery rose-colored plumes, earning it its name. Unlike other flowers where going to seed means lack of elegance, the fruit/seed is truly more attractive than the flower. The next picture is that of its fruit.

Fruit of Apache Plume - Feathery, rose-colored seeds in the shape of a plume, the fruit of the Apache Plume is more stunning than its flower. The previous picture is its flower.

Century Plant - After 20 to 40 or more years of toil, the Century Plant (part of the Agave family) uses all its stored energy to send up a tall stalk to flower, and then it dies. This one has sent up its stalk, but its white flowers are still in bud.

Specklepod Milkvetch

Ribbon Falls - After sauntering much of the day away enjoying the desert bloom, I reached my goal of Ribbon Falls. It is up a side canyon about a 6 mile walk from Bright Angel Campground. I am told there is also an upper falls and an upper-upper falls, but these will probably have to wait for another lifetime.

Cardinal Monkeyflower - In the dark, wet alcoves surrounding Ribbon Falls was this brilliant red flower.

Desert Larkspur

Brownfoot

Beavertail Cactus

Alternate Transportation - Each time this alternate transportation passed (while in the mist of dust and fragrance d'mule), I had the unique opportunity to ask How's your crotch? I always got a grin and many times I got the remark it's harder riding these things than walking. Not my style (at least not yet), but a good way to view the canyon.

Thinking of Ice Cream - After 2 days at the bottom, I wisely spent 2 days tramping out with a night at Indian Gardens. The day out brought broken water lines, so there were no refill locales. I thus carried 4 liters, consumed 3 on the 5 mile distant, 3000 feet elevation gain journey out. No wonder I was thinking of ice cream.