Driving to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon

Hi Blog!

During our last stay in Peach Springs, Arizona, we were hoping to drive down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. However, the rain and SNOW kept us from attempting the 20 mile drive along a dirt road with numerous stream crossings all the way to the bottom of the canyon.

On Thursday, March 14, 2019, we moved to Kingman, Arizona. We decided to use Friday to get some logistic done and allow the road to dry out. On Saturday, March 16, 2019, we drove back up to Peach Springs, picked up our permits, and proceeded to drive down Diamond Creek Road. Just after leaving the town of Peach Springs, we saw this old smelter.

We started our drive high above the Colorado Plateau.

We slowly descended below the "rim" and looked up to amazing rock formations.

As we glanced down the road, we could get glimpses of the far side of the canyon walls.

We were amazed to see such large examples of Mormon Tea.

As we began our descent, large sandstone formations loomed above us.

This pyramid formation seemed to lead the way.

At every turn in the road, the colors changes from bright red, to amber to dusty yellow.

There are warnings along our route not to cross Diamond Creek during monsoon season. When we picked up our permit, we checked to make sure it was safe to cross. The Haulapai Ranger let us know that water levels were low enough that it was safe to drive all the way to the Colorado River.

After driving through no less than six stream crossings, we arrived at the Diamond Creek Campground. Dusty was excited to be at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Before exploring, we tucked into our PB&J sandwiches.

As we walked toward the river, we were surprised to see such large sand dunes.

As we climbed up the dune, we had to watch for these delicate spring blooms.

Here is our first view of the Colorado River.

We hiked down to the beach next to Diamond Creek. This area is a popular take-out and put-in spot for river runners. For those doing the 12 day journey, they put in at Lees Ferry and take out here. If you only want a one day trip, you put in here and raft down to West Grand Canyon.

Arizona has received unusually high levels of rain and snow this year. The run-off has caused the Colorado River to turn red. Historically, the Colorado has been red, but with all the dams along the river, the run off sediment has been minimized, keeping the waters generally clearer. Not so this year.

Can you say - Bottom of the Grand Canyon selfie!

After exploring the Colorado River, we decided to hike up Diamond Creek.

The road and the creek take turns from left to right.

After about a mile or so, we returned to our Jeep. We retraced our steps back along Diamond Creek. Once we reached the high plateau, the road stretched out before us.

Diamond Creek provides water to the town of Peach Springs above. It was disconcerning to see this sign from the spring leading to the town's water supply - "Do Not Drink The Water"! We can only assume that the water is treated before it is delivered to the townfolks.

As we mentioned before, we needed to obtain a permit in order to drive down Diamond Creek Road to the Colorado River. This is by far our most favorite souvenir ever. We were authorized to TRESPASS!

Tomorrow, we hope to drive over to Oatman, Arizona and say hello to the local burros. More on that adventure tomorrow. Until then, stay thirsty my friends.