Day 4 (3rd May 2011) - Grand Canyon, Moenave Dinosaur Tracks and Kayenta - Carolyn, Rich and Emma

Today started  really early for those wanting to see the sun rise over the Grand Canyon. It was absolutely stunning watching the sun coming up over the Canyon and illuminating the different layers of rock, really highlighting the geological history particularly the Coconino Sandstone and the Limestone.


 Figure 1: Grand Canyon at Sunrise
Time: 5:55am
Location: South Rim looking over to the North Rim

The day started at Hermit’s Rest where the majority walked down the Bright Angel Trail to gain a better view of the Canyon. Everyone managed to make it at least a mile and half down the uneven and winding footpath which for most was a lot more challenging than yesterday’s due to a massive temperature rise. 


Walking down the trail we were able to see some Native American artwork over a stonework arch illustrating the wildlife found within this area, the clearest of which being an Elk. Once within the canyon it was possible to the array of different rock types and their astonishing colours.


Whilst taking a well needed break along the trail, there were volunteers restructuring rock formations in order to improve the trail. The resources used to do this were from within the canyon as the rocks were laid down to edge the pathway, showing that the Grand Canyon is conscious of their resource management, whilst encouraging tourism and preserving as far a possible the natural environment.

Despite the gentler gradient of the trail in comparison to the steeper gradient of the Kaibab yesterday, everyone had underestimated how far the climb back up was, the only motivational factor being what was meant to be an amazing ice cream shop, and my god the ice cream did prove to be out of this world, every bite was mouth watering.


Figure 2: Map of Bright Angel Trail
Sourced from: http://hikingohioparks.com/grand-canyon/bright-angel-trail

Back at the top of the Bright Angel Trail before going to the ranger talk we saw further examples of the resource management at the Grand Canyon as recycling bins had been placed at the top of the trails and around the visitor centre. Alongside this in the toilets at the visitor centre there was information about the sustainable water system at Grand Canyon, whereby rain water is used in their drainage system and recycled. 

The afternoon consisted of everyone going to a ranger talk which educated us on the Grand Canyon’s National Park service. We were told how the service’s main aims are to protect the natural environment, its 200 mammal species and over 2000 of its plant species. One of the services main priorities was to ensure that the ancient history and native human culture is still prominent within the park. The ranger talk also allowed us to take part in the Junior Ranger programme which consisted of a questionnaire booklet of the canyon being completed and a ranger talk attended. The end result was that everyone received a junior ranger badge. We all learnt that you are never too old to take part in the kids’ programmes.

Our adventure at the Grand Canyon came to a close at around 5pm. A final stop at a historic tower  site, brief presentation and a group photo marked the end of a spectacular two days which we would recommend to anyone.

And so we travelled from the sublime to the surreal as we journeyed onwards to the Navajo Indian Reservation. The contrast was remarkable as we descended from 9000ft above sea level to approximately 6000. The temperature rose, the trees thinned out and the tourists evaporated but the spectacle remained the same as we rode through tumbling fields and saw some of the sights of the beautiful Painted Desert.

After the wealth of Las Vegas and majesty of the Grand Canyon, the Reservation needed a little adjusting to. The story of Native American Indians being driven from their land unfairly by white settlers is well known but what may not be as familiar is the sense of community that they share. We learned that the money made from the energy plant, is returned to community projects such as schools and healthcare and that the Elder Tribe Council has chosen a path of shared well being over opulence. As a result, the buildings we encountered were run down, often abandoned and many would try to profit selling hand made goods or information to tourists.

While these small market stalls were seen along the roads, there was one that really stood out; the Dinosaur Tracks. Here we found ourselves standing, where dinosaurs had millions of years ago. The theory along the lines that tracks would be laid down in mud by dinosaurs and then an event such as a volcano erupting would lead to volcanic ash and lava covering the tracks and so preserving them. Another theory is that very heavy dinosaurs left tracks further down in the soil’s profile which are then uncovered over time, however this method was unlikely as the dinosaurs were smaller according to the tour guide. The low-key method of presenting these tracks had many of us doubting their legitimacy; after all, we were encouraged to stand in the tracks themselves. However we were assured these were the real things but it was difficult to imagine that these markers of history were being well looked after as the tour guide would often pour water into the tracks and we were treading all over them.


Figure 3: Moenave Dinosaur Tracks
Time: 4:30pm
Location: Moenave, Navajo Nation

Finally on this day, we find ourselves in Kayenta. Arriving late, we found ourselves in a town completely foreign to us, in the dark, surrounded by a culture and people we have never experienced before. Many of us have experienced the stray dogs that follow you around, some of the others experienced the passive-aggressive humour of the locals but all have gained insight into the world of the Navajo Code Breakers through an impressive display at the town’s Burger King outlet of all places. However, we learn that this is due to the proud manager being the son of one of the Code Breakers. Kayenta was also interesting because we were in the middle of a desert like landscape but there was McDonalds, Burger King and a Subway available, a factor that would suggest resources are not being appropriately distributed.