Thunder River and Deer Creek in Grand Canyon (May 2006)

This was Kim and my 17th anniversary trip for 3 nights and 4 days into the depth of the Grand Canyon, backpacking for almost 30 miles, experiencing some of the best parts of the canyon. We camped two nights in Tapeats Creek area, and one night in Deer Creek. Total distance was 10 miles day one; 3 miles day two; 6 miles day three; and 9 miles day four. Rim elevation is 7200' and the river is around 2000'. Dave accidently left about 1/3 of the food home and in the truck, so we rationed and lived on fewer calories. What a great weight loss program!













Thunder River cascading down. This river drops 1500' in one mile, and is the world's shortest river, and the only river that drains into a creek!















We can finally see our camp site down below at the left of the mouth of Tapeats Creek in the sandy area. Boaters are not allowed to camp here anymore, so we had it all to ourselves!








Our camp spot next to the river and Tapeats Creek.
















Sunrise hitting tops of the canyon from our Tapeats Creek camp site.
















The middle gorge is the narrowest part of the river through the Grand Canyon. On this day we hiked 5 miles from Tapeats to Deer Creek, with awesome views of the middle gorge.

















View of Deer Creek Falls from the river.





















Kim admiring the power of the water coming down Deer Creek Falls. We both swam in this cool water, as it felt good on a 90 degree day.















Dave at the mouth of Deer Creek Canyon above the waterfall and Colorado River.












King David sitting in the 'throne room'. Deer Spring gushing out behind him. This water was the best tasting water ever!