THE GRAND CIRCLE PART ONE
This large cluster of National Parks and public lands in Northern Arizona and Utah offers opportunities to view America's largest concentration of diverse scenery, geologic shapes, and the remnants of ancient civilizations. This was a combined trip between Off the Beaten Path and the National Parks Conservation Association.


GRAND CANYON


Visiting this area in late October brought a new perspective for me. The angle of the light in the canyon created extra gold and red colors. Less visitors is also a perk of the time of year. Brynne Harold, the NPCA representative of this journey, also became trip photographer.
Thank you Brynne for sharing your fantastic pics with me and allowing me to share with others!

SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL

The two pictures above are a section of the trail known as The Chimney. It is a narrow heart pounding zig zag built into the Canyon's wall. 

These Juniper trees seen here, clinging to the walls along the edge of the trail, are incredibly hardy. They grow out of mere cracks in the limestone and can survive these conditions for more than 600 years.

The South Kaibab Trail was built by the National Park Services, starting in 1924, to compete with the more popular Bright Angel Trail. I prefer The South Kaibab because the views are more dramatic and it is less exposed to the sun making it a cooler hike.

OOH AAH POINT

This is the first photographic opportunity of the trail. A great place to take in the full vista of The Canyon, as the Navajo Sandstone juts out from The Canyon wall.

THUNDERSTORM OVER THE NORTH RIM
I want to especially thank Brynne for this exquisite shot!


Stay tuned for PART TWO: Horseshoe Bend and Zion