Gaelyn set aside a precious day off to go on a ranger's holiday: she took us to Crazy Jug Point!
Crazy Jug is ON the Grand Canyon's North Rim, but it belongs to the National Forest Service rather than the National Park. Take a step over the edge, and you just scored a free admission into the park, which begins where the rock ledge ends.
I didn't think it was possible to be more awed by the Grand Canyon than I already was, but Gaelyn proved me wrong. Quiet so solid I could feel it in my chest. All the North Rim points seem to offer panoramic (from the Latin "canyon all around you") views, but Crazy Jug Point also usually offers complete seclusion (offer does not apply on holiday weekends).
There's a reason tourists don't flock here, and Gaelyn's giant diesel crew cab is a BIG clue. This is a definite "yes" for boondocking, but don't try it with a big rig. High-clearance and low-profile is what you need to get here. And a Kaibab National Forest map, because I'll never be able to give you directions. Marianne's Shunpiker's Guide to Boondocking in Arizona is our friend, too, because she camped here and lived to tell you how to do it, too.
This would work.
In the distance, you can see other view points (right to left: Timp, North Timp, other points I can't remember). At the South Rim you can walk out to points, but the North Rim points demand a greater devotion, and a car.
We behaved unlike tourists and spent hours oohing over the vista. There was nowhere else in the world to be. We had brought a lunch, and Gaelyn sensibly carries blankets in her truck.
The point to the middle-right is Havasupai land on the South Rim.
Here's some cows. You'll see their corral, and maybe their snouts, on your way to Crazy Jug.
Thank you, Gaelyn! We keep saying "that was a great day!" to each other, so we say it to you, too.
30 comments:
I am so glad I am not the only one who tries to take pictures of mushrooms that way. I am a simmering green monster over this trip. (Not really. I'm glad you and Annie are doing it.) Your pictures are gorgeous, and you have the right disposition about the whole thing: slow down, savor everything, and be irreverent. :)
Lucky you! I guess we all need a 4x4 rig, I would love to buy an Earthroamer - then I could camp out there. Cool shrooms, too.
It's a little indecent, isn't it? Like I'm looking up their skirts. At least this one was modestly wearing a petticoat. Thanks about the pictures. And, slow is about the only way we're capable of doing anything.
Teri, I'll have to Google this Earthroamer of which you speak!
For a second or two I thought the North Rim had been invaded by some alien space craft. Then I realized it was a mushroom. Duh!
What views!!!
Wow, fantastic trip and phenominal photos.
This is the best view ever plus peace and quiet, how could you beat it!
When I saw the title I thought....really???? And after hearing about it and seeing that gorgeous picture of the canyon and the one of the mushrooms and of Annie and well all those pictures, then I said.....yup......REALLY!! Lucky you to have such a great personal guide. Envy..envy...envy.......thou shalt not covet thy friends' friend. Or something like that.
Absolutely beautiful photos and good to know about the road to Crazy Jug Point...our kind of place!
Wonderful post and pictures! Gaelyn is such an amazing tour guide! I'm just sorry I was troubled by altitude sickness, I would have loved to have participated more in the North Rim adventure! Glad you two are having a ball!
Mushroom?! I thought it was a fish!
north rim has always been on my list... living vicariously thru a duck was not... oh well...
That's probably the wildest mushroom photo I've ever seen. :)
I had an awesome time. Yet I can't believe you took a photo of me taking a photo of the shrooms. BTW, I stole your shroom shot for being much better than mine.
Thanks for driving home Annie.
Oh, and for the teaser view of Toroweap check out my post tomorrow.
Oh yea, and if you're still around, I'm doing the 3:00 geology talk Sunday and will be out on the Walhalla all day Tuesday.
Awesome mushroom shot! Such an awe inspiring place. Love your photos!
We haven't made it to the north rim yet. It was too early in the year and the road was still closed from snow when we passed by. Thanks for showing us what we missed. We still intend to go there one of these days.
I'm with Sherry. You sure can't beat having your own personal guide! Stunning!
I want to live under that mushroom on the North Rim.
Thanks for showing me a piece of the Grand Canyon that I have not experienced.
Paint, I think you'd have to live here to see everything. Lucky Gaelyn (except for the "work" part)!
Sue, it's currently vacant!
It's awesome, Judy! We never would have made it out there without her!
Gayle and Jim, it's a wonderful summer destination. I don't think we've been too warm since we've gotten here.
Thanks, Jeannie! It is awesome.
Tee hee, Gaelyn! Ah, the elusive, faraway Toroweap - I'll look for it! And, we'll look for you at 3:00 - I'm ASSuming it's on the back porch?
Chinle, don't you love its little skirt?
Heyduke, some ducks gots it and some ducks don'ts.
Ha Maria! A fishroom.
You phunny people, I'm sorry you were so tormented by the elevation. If we hadn't been inching our way skyward since spring, I think we would have been hurtin' units.
Still, you'll love it.
Sherry, it's natural to have friend-envy. Everyone envies your friendship with us - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Harriet, I don't think it's beatable, but never say never!
LD2, thank you!
Love the mushroom in the skirt. There are mushrooms all over the place here and locals say they are good to eat... but I am chicken through and through.
I'm with you. Gaelyn tells us there are edibles, and warns us against look-alikes, but she needn't. I'm still wary of portobellos.
Well, I think you've topped out on this post & these pictures. You win first prize!
MORE stunning canyon shots, sweeping vistas, gorgrous hikes...I mean really?! It's about time you owned up to the fact that you're actually parked in a shopping mall and all these shots are taken from tourist brochures.
And no, I am not jealous...not at all...not even slightly...I am just envious on principle
Nina
Hey Ladies! Seems all is well with you. Sorry I have gotten so far behind. I will be catching up, vacation next week!
Glad you are still at it and having Fun!
Nina, wouldn't that be hilarious! Better than our actual "Walmarts of the US" tour.
Aw, Squashies, I've missed you all! Thanks for coming over!
Now those are some seriously kick-butt photos! Whew! I prefer parts more north in Canyon Country aka Canyonlands Needles, Capitol Reef, Valley of the Gods, Cedar Mesa...have you tried those yet?) but these photos could actually get me back south to the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Thanks, Sue! Now, I could have Googled these places, but instead I'll admit that I don't even know what state they're in. We haven't gotten out of Arizona yet! Okay, I'll go Google now.
I've never seen either rim, and more than likely will not, so it's fun to view them thru the eye of a Duck, assisted by a real live Ranger! :D I've purloined your mushrooms to "paper" my monitor for a few days...a most awesome shot (only missing the wee folk who reside underneath). :)
Karen, my mushroom shot is honored, although it got scared because it thought you said you "sirloined" it.
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