Today I’ll take you on one of the most popular and beautiful side canyon hikes Grand Canyon has to offer. On day five we pulled over to river left just above a small rapid at mile 117.

As we gathered on the beach to await our fearless leaders I glanced back at the river. That rock on the right looks a bit like an elf ear.

The walk up was fun as there were plenty of things to keep our attention including not falling off some of the bigger boulders.

The hike follows Royal Arch Creek which gives you little snippets of what you will find at the end.

Following a 10-15 minute hike/boulder scramble, we were treated to this: lovely, shaded grotto with a waterfall. Its emerald colored pool is perfect for swimming on a hot day.

Our guides were awesome in letting the shutterbugs of the group shoot the scene for a few minutes before letting the rest of our boat mates dive in. I managed to “work the scene” a bit by shooting it horizontal, vertical and moving a little to the right and left. It’s a pretty small beach and people were itchin’ to jump in.

I zoomed in here to try to isolate the water. I slowed my shutter as much as I could and still handhold the camera without too much camera shake.

This image shows the ledge you can climb up to behind the waterfall and jump into the pool.

 

As we began to gather and head out I walked ahead and turned around to capture the creek coming out of the pool in the distance.

As we emerge from the canyon the upcoming rapid is layed out before us. It was a spectacular side canyon hike and I was glad we got to see it before any other trips joined us at the grotto.

We loaded the boat and headed downstream. I had carried my camera on a Black Rapid sling to help prevent dropping it should I slip or need both hands to get over the boulders.

I hope you enjoyed this beautiful oasis in Grand Canyon. It always amazes me that in such a hot unforgiving environment such places exist.

Happy Shooting!