Horseshoe Mesa Grand Canyon

Susan and I got out for a day hike down to Horseshoe Mesa in the Grand Canyon over the weekend. Great day out in the canyon as always! Here's a few shots from the day.

(Standard trailhead photo at the Grandview trailhead before hiking in.)

(Microspikes made the icy and snowy first mile or so casual fun instead of a sketch fest to our death. I don't think I would ever try to hike in the canyon during the winter without 'em.)

(Great exposure at the top of this trail. Love it.)

(Still snow on the trail! Surprising to see it stick around so low with such a mild winter. Says a lot about why people usually don't do this trail during heavier snowfall winters.) 

(Looking out toward where the trail continues down to Horseshoe Mesa.)

(Microspikes served us well.)

(Finally out of the snow and basking in the warm winter canyon  air.)

(Ruin at Horseshoe Mesa.)

(Pottery shard found on a limestone rock along the trail.)

(Heading out the right (east) leg of the horseshoe to get to the primo viewpoint.)

(Rad yucca plants.)

(View of the expansive Tonto shelf and the grand canyon from the Horseshoe Mesa viewpoint.)

(Lovin' the sun at the viewpoint. Good stuff.)

(Tourist shot at the viewpoint!)

(Millipede remains.)

(Last thoughtful looks out over the canyon before hiking back out.)

(Susan at the viewpoint.)

(At the viewpoint.)

(Heading back across Horseshoe Mesa.)

(Love these things.)

(Heading back up into the snow and shade.)

(Classic evening shadows at the Grand Canyon. I always enjoy this time of day.)

(Almost out.)

(It just got more beautiful the closer we got to the rim.)

(Sick. Great last view to take in before leaving. Another great day in the canyon.)