Middle Fork Deer Creek Canyon 3BVI, Grand Canyon National Park

The massive Grand Canyon not only has a vertical filter that leaves all but the most committed visitors out, its mystery and sheer beauty is unlike anywhere else on the planet and continues to pull me back. Our initial plan was 150 Mile Canyon but due to rains we got last-minute permits for Middle Deer Creek and campsites toward the river. We set out on the Kaibab roads to the Monument Point / Bill Hall trailhead.

8 rappels up to 70-80ft, long redwall narrows for 2 hours, rain moved in near the end but stopped — we pushed through. Boulder hopped into the night to reach Deer Creek Spring. Water ran out just as we arrived. Camped near the Colorado River after a 12-hour day. The following morning visited Lower Deer Creek before hiking back out via Thunder Spring. Surprise Valley was bone dry. Camped on the esplanade with a 38-degree night and stunning sunsets. Hiked out in 2.5 hours — another grand Grand Canyon accomplishment.