This map (above) shows our overall route.

Click on photos to see larger image.

Last April, Ben and I began a backpacking trip beginning at Kanab Point.  My back gave out on the first day and on day 3 I summoned a helicopter rescue.  I have spent the intervening months trying to understand my back issues.  I never really did, but I tried strengthening my back muscles, figuring it could only help.  I did another Grand Canyon backpack last October where my back did better, but not great.  So I was a bit concerned about this trip, especially since I would be going solo.

I was mostly interested in looking for ancient rock art on the Esplanade.  I know there is a lot out there, and I have found some great sites.  I didn't have any specific information regarding location of any rock art, but I have often found it on the Esplanade when I wasn't even looking for it.  Besides, I love the Esplanade and this gave me an excuse to get out there again.

The Esplanade is notorious for being hot and dry, so I decided to go in March, when it's cool, and within a week or so of a significant rain.  I was packed up and ready to go for several weeks as I kept tabs on the weather in Fredonia, Arizona, the closest weather station to Kanab Point.  So on March 4 I took off for Fredonia and Kanab.  Because I was doing this trip at the spur of the moment, I didn't have enough time to get a backpacking permit in the usual way.  One can get a permit at Pipe Spring National Monument near Fredonia, but to get there before they closed for the day, I had to leave my home in New Mexico before 6 AM.  I got to Pipe Spring around 3:30 PM, got my permit, and drove to Kanab where I checked into a motel.  They don't open until 8:30 AM -- too late considering the drive to the trailhead is about 2 hours, assuming you don't get lost.  The Arizona Strip is notorious for being very remote and confusing, with numerous unmarked dirt roads.

Although I didn't have very specific plans for this trip, I was hoping to get to the far side of Scotty's Hollow and check out it's many branches.