Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon’s Nankoweap area? You might be wondering, Where Is Mystic Falls? Like many adventures, this journey didn’t go exactly as planned, but it turned out to be a memorable experience in this stunning location. My initial worry was snow around Saddle Mountain, especially given the early season. Fortunately, despite a snowy winter, spring temperatures had melted most of it. I encountered only small patches near the Nankoweap trailhead – nothing to cause concern.
However, I hadn’t considered the snowmelt runoff. A usually dry drainage from Saddle Mountain was flowing with dark brown water, adding a slight challenge to reaching the Nankoweap trailhead. My original plan was to use the Marion-Seiber route, but the sound of rushing water near the trailhead changed my mind. Knowing there were normally dry pour-offs on that route, I opted for the Nankoweap Trail instead – a decision driven by common sense.
Choosing the Nankoweap Trail significantly altered my day hikes. Camping further down the Nankoweap drainage than intended made reaching Mystic Falls a longer trek. The day hike to Mystic Falls, starting from my Nankoweap Creek campsite, was particularly demanding on my feet due to the distance. Another day hike towards Kolb Arch, though not reaching it, added to the strain. Regrettably, the planned hike to Nankoweap Mesa was cancelled, and I decided to head down to the river instead.
Luckily, I connected with Ranger Chuck for the Kolb Arch hike. He was also interested in exploring the improved Little Nankoweap Route but needed to leave a day earlier than me. With the Nankoweap Mesa hike off the schedule, this worked out well. I enjoyed a relaxed day exploring the Colorado River and the Nankoweap granary in the morning and then relaxing on the beach at Little Nankoweap in the afternoon. Later, I began the hike out on the Little Nankoweap Route with Rangers Chuck and Sam. We camped above the Redwall and finished the hike the next morning.
| Day 1 – San Francisco Peaks | Day 2 – Grand Canyon, South Rim | Day 3 – Flagstaff, Airzona | Day 4 – Saddle Mountain Trail to Nankoweap Trailhead | Day 5 – Nankoweap Trail to Nankoweap Creek | Day 6 – Mystic Falls day hike | Day 7 – Kolb Arch day hike | Day 8 – Nankoweap Creek to Colorado River, Little Nankoweap Route to above Redwall | Day 9 – Little Nankoweap Route to rim | Day 10 – Saddle Mountain Trail back to parking area | Day 11 – San Francisco Peaks | Day 12 – Monument Valley day trip | Day 13 – Tuzigoot Ruin day trip | Day 14 – Flagstaff Arboretum |
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