LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 33 e Little Colorado (Mile 61.5): As long as it isn't in flood, the Little Colorado River flows a bright turquoise blue that clashes beautifully against the orange canyon walls surrounding it. It can be a 20-minute stop if you're short on time, or a half-day meander. e Tabernacle (Mile 74.5 ): e Tabernacle is a 6-mile roundtrip hike with very little shade, making it nearly impossible to do in the heat, but for a winter trip it offers expansive views almost from the start. Words simply don't do it justice, so make sure it's a stop on your trip. Elves Chasm (Mile 116.5): For all the spectacular scenes in the Canyon, few have such a universal effect on visitors: Laughter. A five-minute walk from the river's edge reveals a cascading waterfall and inviting pool. Adventurous souls will find their way into the cave behind the waterfall, which leads to a jump-off point into the pool from about halfway up the falls. Deer Creek (Mile 136.2): As if the 100+ foot waterfall emerging from a near-vertical waterfall wasn't awe-inspiring enough, the slot canyon above has carved a sinuous chasm in the purple- hued sandstone. Aer a steep climb, it's possible to follow the vertigo-inducing trail into the canyon, past petroglyphs to a natural patio overlooking the smaller waterfalls that continue slowly carving out the side canyon. Matkatamiba Canyon (Mile 148.5 ): Called Matkat by most river runners, there are two ways to approach the flat terrace a short distance from the river. e easiest is to scramble steeply up to level ground and follow the well-worn path, but the fun lies in the streambed itself. e stream pinballs between magnificently layered limestone walls so narrow it's possible to press your palms into one side and your feet into the other to spider walk your way upstream. Tuckup Canyon (Mile 165 ): To start, Tuckup is reminiscent of Matkat, with grey undulating walls rising almost vertically from the canyon floor. If you're up for it, a harrowing climb up the wall followed by a traverse along its edge eventually gives way to a more open boulder-strewn riverbed. A couple miles upstream awaits a gravity-defying conglomerate arch. Far from the river and main canyon, this is one of the quietest places I have ever set foot. For all the uproar about massive waves and challenging rapids (and there are many), the Grand Canyon's splendor is best experienced with a pair of hiking boots and a PFD. Nearly every side canyon and camp offers some way to stretch the legs and find a spectacular view. Now, put in for your permit, and invite me as your guide!

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