Plateau Point Trail is one of the most beautiful trails on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. It offers 360 degree views of the mountain ranges. Eight enthusiastic Trailblazers signed up for this adventure. I had never hiked this trail before, although I have passed the Indian Garden a few times in the past and saw the trail sign to Plateau Point. The last club hike on this trail was in 2013, which was led by Chuck.

We started our hike at 5:20 AM, when the sky was still pitch black, but we were not alone. The parking lot had filled with early hikers. We were happy that we got parking spots in front of Bright Angel Lodge, which was close to the trailhead. The weather was perfect, with a high of 82°F and a low of 45°F. One thick layer was enough to keep warm in the early dawn.

Plateau Point hike started at Bright Angel Trailhead. After putting on headlights, a few of us could not wait for the formal introduction and hit the trail right away. With all of us fast and experienced hikers, we continued through the hike at a good pace. Since this was the only trail down to Plateau Point I did not need to worry about anyone getting lost, either. We all agreed that we would stop at Indian Garden to regroup then proceed to the Plateau Point together.

Ken, Terry K, and Chris were in the lead, Tamar, and Vicki in the middle, Terry L, Tom, and I were in the back. Although we had been on this trail many times, hiking down this way and in the early morning was the first time. Tom and I were walking down the Bright Angel corridor while enjoying the scenic views and taking pictures.

Although it was early, many hikers were passing us rushing down to the canyon, most of them were going to Phantom Ranch and some of them were doing the rim to rim hike. After passing two gates, we reached the 1.5 mile resthouse. There was water and a bathroom at this location. Many of us started shedding a layer of clothes at this point, enjoying the cool morning breeze from the canyon.

The sky started lighting up, the canyon getting the first glimpse of sunlight. The Grand Canyon looked so beautiful, like golden dust spread over the canyon wall and painted part of the canyon cheerfully in golden yellow. Due to plenty of rain in Arizona this year, the ground was covered with lush green plants which formed great contrast with the red canyon walls and golden sunlight made the Grand Canyon a magnificent place to be. Soon we reached the 3 mile resthouse. A few of us took a second small break to get some morning snacks and took a bathroom break. I discovered that this stop was the best spot to use the facility. The location of the bathroom set on the top of the hill overlooked the mountain below, the views here were stunning and breathtaking.

Indian Garden in 1906 Cameron Indian Garden Camp from Canyon national park museum collection # 3311c

Another 1.5 miles down to the canyon, we could see the American flag flying over the top of the building on the left, and knew that was the ranger station. The Indian Garden campsite is also located near here. Many small wood cabins came into our view. Lush green cottonwood trees appeared in front of us. There were a lot of benches and picnic tables scattered around the campground. Next to the water station many hikers were refilling the water and taking a well-deserved break. The largest and most beautiful cottonwood tree that covered the water station was removed a few years ago at the Indian Garden due to safety reasons. A new metal bar structure with a seating area had been built to provide the shade.

Indian Garden mule train 1910 from Grand Canyon national park museum collection # 11412

We regrouped here and took a small snack break while enjoying the scenic views before heading to Plateau Point on the left. Through the shaded woods, we walked along the Indian Garden creek, listening to the water trickling over the rocks, making the trip so pleasant. Soon the desert landscape came into view after a few up and downhills. The lush green cottonwood trees and waterfall along the Bright Angel trail could be seen on the right below us, Indian Garden was truly a desert oasis.

After passing the water tank, walking another few hundred yards the metal fence with a large open field appeared vividly in front of us. Ken, Terry K, and Chris had been there before the rest of us. I could see them standing on a large flat rock platform. The views here were spectacular. Standing over the edge we could see and hear the Colorado River roaring far below. I imagined how wonderful this place would be at night, laying on this flat rock gazing at the Milky Way on a clear dark sky after the sunset. This was a heaven-made place for avid hikers. We took our lunch break here and had a group picture before returning our journey to the south rim.

On the way back to Indian Garden, we saw a mule train with passengers resting in this area. Indian Garden was famous for the mule train. Its history could date back to 1903 when Havasupai Indian allowed Ralph Cameron to open his tourist business on the Bright Angel Trail to take passengers on the mule tour to the Indian Garden.

Leaving Indian Garden, we zigzagged our way up to Jacob’s Ladder. Going up to Bright Angel Trail was a challenge, since we had to climb up over 3,000 feet before reaching the top. After passing the endless switchbacks up to the trail, smudging our boots on the matted red dirt, resting here and there under the shade, sipping on water for hydration, and eating snacks to support the energy expenditure, we finally made it to the top.

To our surprise, Carolyn, who was doing her Rim to River to Rim run today, was so far ahead of us and finished her 19-mile run before we even reached 1.5 miles rest house. She was eager to see the rest of us so she headed down to the trail to greet us. What a great surprise to see another Trailblazer in the same place we were.

By 2:00 PM, everyone reached Bright Angel Trailhead. We were so happy that we finished another challenging hike without a sweat, so we celebrated with the famous and delicious Grand Canyon ice cream. We were all satisfied with our day with a great hike in the marvelous Grand Canyon.

PS if you are interested in Grand Canyon history, here is an excellent link.