Vasey's Paradise, Grand Canyon National Park

This is a hike that I have done many times. I love the natural beauties of the area, the challenge, the adventure and the fishing. This is a very difficult hike and should be attempted only by those well prepared for this adventure. This hike can be dangerous, especially if weather conditions are bad. The trails are rocky and very steep in places. But rock climbing equipment is not required. I do recommend wearing gloves, however. There are at least two trails that will take you to Vasey’s Paradise; a place where the river comes out of a rock wall in the Grand Canyon. Neither trail is real easy to find or stay on. Both trails begin on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The first one is 6 miles away from Vasey’s Paradise and the other is about three miles from Vasey’s Paradise. If you are backpacking in to stay a few nights, they will both take you about 3 hours or more, one way, to get in. The change in elevation will be about 2500 feet. The GPS coordinates for the longer of the two trailheads is about 36 degrees 28.45 seconds north and 111 degrees 55.73 seconds west. The GPS coordinates for the second trailhead is about 36 degrees 30.56 seconds north and 111 degrees 52.47 seconds west. Dirt roads will take you to these two locations. The dirt roads begin from the highway about 20 miles northwest of Lee's Ferry. Guides that have been on these trails before are highly recommended. Permits are required, as you will be hiking in South Canyon of the Grand Canyon National Park; the portion called Marble Canyon. Enjoy seeing Stanton’s Cave, which once housed large-eared bats, Indian ruins along with pieces of pottery, a mine, ring-tailed cats (they'll steal your food if you're not careful), mountain goats, eagles, vultures, and a lot of other natural beauties. A few camping spots on the beach are available. There is a large pool in this area so that you can swim in the ice cold waters of the Colorado River. Nearby is a view of the Redwall Cavern, where many river runners used to spend the night. Pick up a fishing license at Fredonia or Lee's Ferry. Most of the fish these days are only about 12 inches long. But every now and then you'll land one that is 5 lbs or more. The fishing is good, but the hike is the best. Be careful and enjoy. I like to go down between Oct. and March.