--- In grandcanyon@yahoogroups.com, "pkbinder" <pkb711@...> wrote:
>
> I've hiked all the maintained trails, but this September I'll be
> heading to Havasu to take pictures of the waterfalls. Any cautions or
> stories? Any advice? Paul
>
We hiked into Havasu first week of Oct. 2005. It was amazing. I would
advise looking at the campsites farthest from Havasu near Mooney
Falls, There are a several really great sites down near Mooney Falls.
I found that the angle of the sun was not particularly good for
pictures that late in the year. The sun never really struck the falls
fully leaving you to deal with shadow areas that were tough to expose
properly. I got some pretty good shots but would have liked better
lighting, AM or PM same thing, the angle of the sun into the canyon
never got to where I really wanted it.
No matter you will be amazed at the falls. Hiking down a DRY, desert
canyon and seeing the gorgeous blue water seeming to appear out of no
where is hard to describe. The Drive to the HillTop is long and we
slept in the van in a full parking lot when we got there. Way more
cars than I had expected. The hike in is not bad, steep at the start
(down) then a long fairly level walk down the canyon. Be aware that
the pack mules and horses travel AHEAD of their tenders. You hear them
coming, then they come hustling up the trail with nobody in sight,
finally a wrangler comes along following the herd. Be prepared to give
them a little room.
I envy you, we had planned to return this past Oct. but made a
tactical error. We hiked in and out Hermit Creek Trail in the Canyon
first. Havasu was to be our second stop. Unfortunately the Hermit
Creek Trail took it's toll on our rookie hiker and he was unable to
continue backpacking without his big toenails. We regrouped and headed
to the Arches and Mesa Verde instead.
Enjoy your trip, if I can answer any specific questions feel free to
email me. Ive got a few photos to share also.
Be sure to bring your tripod, and don't miss the shot of Mooney Falls
from about half way down the trail to the base, you'll know the spot
when you see it
Harold