Day Seven. It is a short hike up to the springs at the head of Thunder River. Two holes in the Redwall allow water to explode from within and roar down the mountainside. The first 500 foot drop takes only 1/8 of a mile and cascades continue for another 500 feet in 3/8 of a mile until it joins Tapeats Creek. A 4000 foot deep cave lies behind the opening but high water made it impossible for us to enter. So the headwaters of Tapeats Creek.
[DPS: We had originally planned to spend a day exploring upper Tapeats Creek. Unfortunately, since we couldn’t proceed up the narrow canyon just upstream of the Tapeats Creek/Thunder River junction, we decided to take advantage of an unusual situation on the Esplanade ——- running water in normally dry creek beds. Accordingly, we placed our seventh camp beside a minor creek amongst Pinnons and Junipers about 0.8 miles due west of Bridgers Knoll (6603’). As a result, we divided the 4000 ft backpack up to the cars into more amenable proportions.]
Day Eight: It is 14 miles and 4000 feet back to the cars along the Thunder River Trail which switchbacks up the Redwall, wanders along the Esplanade, and grinds up through the Coconino to the North Rim. On the Esplanade we met another group that was heading in and had gotten lost the day before - almost a perfect trip. We reached the car in fair time and returned to Kanab for one of those incredible trip-ending meals. A fine trip through superb country - little of which is protected by the park.
[DPS: With a late start the next morning (following a very chilly night) we stopped for a short lunch about three-quarters up the Coconino switchbacks on the way to the cars, which we reached at about one o’clock.
