Literally 15 seconds after we set up our tent it began to snow. We slept to rhythmic patters of snow hitting the tent & awoke to a postcard view.
And when you're as excited about snow as we are, you're prone to, you know, laying facedown in it.
Upon arriving at the Grand Canyon rim we were greeted by a dramatic sight. As snow continued to fall, fog rolled in, obscuring anything past 100 ft.
It was like something out of a dream. As we peered into the foggy depths, it looked like a bottomless abyss.
Since it was during the government shutdown, we practically had the viewpoints all to ourselves.
Back at camp we grabbed some lunch while the clouds began to part, giving way to patches of blue sky.
We quickly decided to return to the canyon. With the fog gone we could now see far into the distance.
As we'd peer across the canyon we'd glimpse the teal blue Colorado River winding past what seemed like an infinite sea of red rock.
The contrast between the pearl white snow & red-orange canyon ripples felt like being in a painting.
Without the proper equipment, venturing down into the Grand Canyon in snow can be dangerous. Ice covered trails become slip n' slides, making a fall over the edge risky.
Then we traversed over to the most spectacular viewpoint. A column of rock protruded out, coated in snow & ice, testing our every step.
The drop over the side was huge! It was laughable how our eyes widened when we each peered down. We were thrilled & terrified all at once.
This moment is one I will never forget. No words will ever be able to adequately describe it.
True peace is the best way to put it.
As we continued hiking it began to snow in the distance.
The isolated streams glowing from the sun looked angelic.
Each rock formation created its own unique shape. Just like when looking at clouds we'd spot submarines, temples or some other object.
The sheer beauty of this place solidified this as one of our best Misadventures ever!
Light from the setting sun beamed across the canyon. Shortly after, we headed back to camp in anticipation of the dropping temperatures. Warm as it looks, it never got above 28 degrees.
We were thoroughly exhausted by nightfall, so our stargazing session was quite brief. Most of our time was spent huddled up in our tent retelling the days misadventures.
Breakfast in bed! When we woke up it was a brisk 10 degrees!
So the first rays of sunlight were a welcoming sight.
Since you never know when the Abominable Snowman will show up, we grabbed a weapon before hiking.
Once set to more serious matters, we ventured along a new stretch of the Grand Canyon rim.
We were surprised how many trees persisted here. Somehow they survive subfreezing & triple-digit temps.
Once again, the canyon lived up to its name, grand indeed. The second day of hiking was just as good as the first.
Every so often we'd find a view too tempting to not climb down to. As sketchy as it looks, it barely qualified as climbing. But maybe I'm just trying to justify a dangerous decision.
We didn't know what to expect during the gov. shutdown, but were stoked how few people there were. Eventually trash pile ups & issues resulted, but that was long after our Misadventure.
Enjoying the solitude, we'd walk, occasionally stopping whenever something caught our eye. Sometimes we'd sit, scanning every nook & cranny.
Then we'd wander off again in search of the next point of interest, never without a remarkable backdrop.
Sunset was mesmerizing. The most beautiful part was how the shadows constantly shifted, altering the balance between dark blue & sunlit orange.
We watched every moment of it. Entranced in the shifting colors we were in no hurry to get back to camp. By this time, we were pretty used to the cold.
I mean, how could we abandon a view like this?
After a couple hours back at camp to eat & rest, we once again returned to the rim determined to stargaze from the towering cliffside.
Countless stars glimmered, creating the perfect end to a pretty perfect Misadventure. After a nights rest, we drove the 8 hours home. Thanks for tagging along!