Day 342 - Tonto East, Tonto West

First rays of light on the northern wall.

Lush vegetation and fresh spring water at Phantom Ranch.

Taking Tonto West towards the Bright Angel Trail.

I love spotting the bright yellow cottonwoods from a distance. It means water is close!

Indian Garden is full of Blacktail Mule Deer! I had a relaxing dinner with a few of them. 

Campsite for the night, right next to a bubbling stream.

Spent the first hour of the day laying in my bag waiting for sunrise. When you go to bed at 8:00, it's amazing how early your body is ready to go (Looking forward to the long days of summer).  I started the day with some oatmeal and banana and headed off to explore Phantom Ranch. Looks like a great place to camp with friends. I then meandered back to the South Kaibab Trail via the River Trail and hiked back up to the Tonto Trail crossing. Headed east for a couple miles to Cremation. Don't think I made it because I never saw anything aside from some Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep. Then took the Tonto Trail West to the Bright Angel Trail and Indian Garden to spend the night. The Tonto Trail, being fairly unknown and unpopular, was actually my favorite trail. Great views and no one else on the trail. Near Indian Garden I found a secluded spot by the spring and setup camp. Another night of Edward Abbey to pass the evening.