This view is on the Bright Angel Trail looking down at Indian Gardens
campground, which is located 4.6 miles from the South Rim and 5 miles from
Phantom Ranch. It is the lush green area in the upper center of the photo
which you can see as your eye follows the snaking trail. At Indian Gardens,
one trail continues down into what is called the inner gorge where the Colorado
River is located, while a second trail continues along the Tonto Plateau
to an overlook at which you can look down at the Colorado River. The photo
depicts the elevation difference from near the South Rim and the elevation
of the Tonto Plateau. How does one get down there?
These switchbacks provide an example of how elevation is gained and lost as one descends to the Tonto Plateau. In just 3 miles of trail, 3400 feet of elevation are lost. The switchbacks seem to be endless as one is on them. People who do not carry enough water and drink regularly can quickly become dehydrated from the heat and strenuous exertion, and it is not unheard of to have a delirious, disoriented hiker walk right off the edge of one of these switchbacks to his death.
This is a view of the inner gorge and the Colorado River from Plateau Point on the Tonto Plateau, a 1.4 mile hike from Indian Garden campground.
Another shot of the inner gorge from the Tonto Plateau.
Just below the Tonto Plateau as you descend down Bright Angel Trail from Indian Gardens to the Colorado River, you begin to follow Garden Creek. One section has a series of 6 or more cascades, evident in the center of this photo. I've passed them 3 times on various trips, and there are always a number of backpacks alongside the trail marking the location, as everyone stops to play and cool off in the inviting water and scamper over the rock formations. And no, not everyone is necessarily clothed at this point.