Schorschi was in America, now in Sweden

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This morning we had to get up pretty early (5.30 am) and started right down to get to the Colorado. The further down we got, the less people we met. Right on the start we ignored this sign.

But honestly, I would not try to do the hike during summer times! When we went down, it was still freezing at the rim but got immediately warmer inside the canyon. The rising sun was glowing into the canyon while the walls where still covered with snow:

Not everybody was so happy about getting up early

When we reached the “first flat level” of more resistant stone, the canyon had a color like being on fire:

And finally we found a spot with a decent view over the river. Still 3000 ft to go.

After 2,5 hours and 5500 ft we reached the river, probably being the first group this morning (in total we saw no more than 10 to 20 people who really went down all the way throughout the whole day).

When we reached the Phantom Ranch we had a long breakfast and enjoyed mild temperatures around 75 to 80 F.  Also, we filled up our water supplies.

You have actually a hard time spotting the rim down from the river (as hard as spotting the river from the rim).

Some people cheat and use rafting boats to get inside the canyon

In order to cross the river you have to pass a cable bridge:

We also had some real cowboys (I think they were jealous when they saw our cool hats ).

The way up was of course a lot tougher.. 5500 ft within 6 miles, no shadow and no fresh water reservoirs on the way. However it took us just a little bit more than 4 hours to get up again.

In the evening we seriously did not feel like cooking any more, so after showering we went straight to a nice steak house and prepared for the next hop to Arches NP.