This hike was challenging, yet rewarding.❤️  It is so peaceful throughout the canyon floor, away from the city, seeing the sun come up, only hearing the sounds of birds, frogs croaking and the the trickles of the water from the creek.  We even had the pleasure of seeing a family of Big Horn sheep walking up along the sandstone slabs as my hubby and I were taking it nice and slow and trying not to slide to the bottom! Haha  These guys were just making it look so easy, taking a nice Sunday stroll…such awesome creatures to watch!

My hubby, TJ, posted some great pointers in his hike log, so I would definitely check that out!  He and I did this together and I would say personally for me, coming down was more difficult than going up.  Hard on the knees and exhausted towards the end of a long day doesn’t make it easy for scrambling back down through the canyon.  If you’re in great shape and don’t have knee issues, you’ll be just fine!????

We got on the trail around 6:00am.  I would recommend leaving earlier than that since we’re getting into warmer temperatures.  It gets hot quick!  We made it back to our vehicle around 6:00pm, but we took a few breaks and hung out atop Mt. Wilson for about 45 minutes taking in the views, snacking, hydrating and taking pics.  So beautiful!  Views for days!????

Be prepared!  Mentally and physically….it’s not a walk in the park????  Remember to keep your head up and look for those cairns.  If you miss a cairn, you’ll find yourself backtracking trying to find your route.  Our experience with the navigation with AllTrails wasn’t quite accurate so we just focused on staying to the left and kept our eyes on following the cairns.  Those helped a ton getting us to where we needed to be!

Take lots of water!!  At least 5-7 liters.  As my hubby mentioned….if you are a beginner, it may be wise to have another person go with you and have some form of navigation.  The canyon is very deceiving.  Obviously proper footwear should be worn, trail runners or hiking shoes/boots.  You’ll appreciate the good traction for this terrain. Don’t forget the sunscreen!  Once you get up and out of the canyon, there is no shade and it will be a hot mutha!

This hike is definitely challenging but of course doable.  I think the main key is to do your research before you go…read the reviews, be prepared, leave early enough to give you time to take it all in and take your time so you aren’t rushing and end up injured.  It’s a tough one but the feeling of completing it is all well worth it????????❤️