Over the past 27 years I have had some active, exciting, challenging, strenuous, fun and awesome adventures. This latest one was a continuation of the same.
For 2026, I wanted to revisit and camp at two places on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon where I had previously visited. Additionally, I hoped to venture on into Southen Utah to Zion National Park or nearby to explore canyons – even, hopefully, to do some canyoneering/rappelling down into one of those slot canyons. Agreeing to join me on this adventure was my friend Mark B. That he has the same sense of adventure plus being a navigator, was a relief to me throughout the journey.
The places I intended to visit were:
1. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon near Jacob’s Lake off of Rt. 89 in the eastern portion, near the North Rim Lodge that burned down in 2025. This area is at a higher elevation and is forested with Ponderosa Pines.
2. Toroweap Overlook, also on the North Rim, but to the west and more open, not forested, rugged landscape.
3. Southern Utah at Zion Ponderosa Ranch to explore into at least one slot canyon.
Another segment of my 2026 Summer Escape from the Phoenix, Arizona oven, will be to travel even further north to Wyoming and Montana in August. More to come about that adventure.
Monday, June 15, 2026.
Leaving Phoenix at 7:30 AM, we had beautiful weather, brilliant white clouds floating in contrast against a clear blue sky. Exiting US Rt. 89 south of Page, AZ onto US Rt 89A led us across the Colorado River at Marble Canyon.
Approaching Marble Canyon, stunning reddish cliffs stood in sharp contrast against the bright blue sky. These are the Vermillion Cliffs. The bright sunshine upon them brought out deep vibrant colors.
Two bridges adjacent to each other cross the river at Marble Canyon. One is the original Navajo Bridge completed in 1929 and is now strictly a pedestrian bridge. As vehicle weights and sizes increased, a new bridge was built, opening in 1995.
An interpretive center over the crossing gave information about the building of the bridges. Prior to the bridges being built, travelers had to go 800 miles to cross the Colorado River. Lee’s Ferry, east of Marble Canyon was the only means to cross over in that area by means of a raft ferrying people, animals and commodities from one side to the other. Building the bridges allowed more settlers and commodities to travel into the area. Here, we had our first view of the river in this narrow canyon. An added bonus was the sight of several California condors perched on the iron struts under the new bridge.
Once across the river we continued to our first destination-out into the Ponderosa Pine forest over dusty unpaved roads to remote camping points that looked out into the vast Grand Canyon.
Waves In The Desert 
Beautiful pictures as always from you. Nancy
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Beautiful scenery. I’m glad that you are able to pursue your desires to visit all of these lovely places plus having friends to enjoy these experiences with you. BIG Sister.
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Mr. D. Ö¿Ö So so nice to hear from you again…. missed your trips. You are in one of my most favorite places to visit… LOVE the North Rim plus Zion & Bryce. Becky just left yesterday morning for Lacey Wa. with her truck I gave her. It was the one I gave to Ruth,,, Tom & Howqards 2009 Ford F-150 the black one,, I am sure you remember,,,, one of the best trucks I have ever owned. Sure do miss Ruth,,, plus having diner with you and Mark L. When you get back. Enjoy the summer in the cooler weather… YES,,, it is hot and humid in Phoenix,,,,ha ha ha Tom Sebasty
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Can’t wait for next trip report… enjoy my friend.
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Hi Don,
I hope you enjoy your trip! I’m off to Hawaii tomorrow for 10 days.
Best wishes, Gary
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So exciting to see you enjoyig one of your dreams. You were in our neck kof the woods. We live just northwest of St. George west of Enterprise.
Snake Gulch just south of Kanab is a true treasure that you should add to your next trip in this area.
I love following your trips. Keep them coming.
Kathu
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Hi Kathy, I love that area and have explored there several times over the past decade+. Snake Gulch was one place I also have visited at the recommendation of a seasoned guy (Jerry) who worked at the visitors center in Kanab. On that trip I was searching for Native petroglyphs art and Snake Gulch, at his suggestion, was an incredible experience-filled with the art. I hiked way back in and then, late in the afternoon knew I had to start out or be caught in the dark. He suggested a couple others that I sought and found. Your part of the world in N. AZ and into Utah are one of my favorite places to explore.
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Fun, fun, fun!! Thanks for sending.
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One of the most strenuous adventures I’ve been on – and worth every moment. With my sense of direction, it’s ironic that I was the Navigator! LOL. It was a great trip. Thanks for inviting me Don.
-Mark
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