Welcome back to the Escalante Route Trail Series—daily trail dispatches from our backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon.

Day 2 delivered everything we love about canyon travel: mellow morning miles, ambitious side quests, and terrain that looks impossible until the route reveals itself.

We eased out of camp through shaded river walking before climbing up toward Unkar Hill and the ruins, detouring in true Grand Canyon fashion to chase pottery dreams and expansive viewpoints. From there, we tackled long, off-camber traverses and an unrelenting descent back toward the river.

And then... reward. We landed at one of the most unexpectedly luxurious campsites imaginable: a private-feeling river beach complete with swimming, sunbathing, yoga, and the sound of rapids in the background.

In this episode:

1. Side quests to ruins and canyon overlooks
2. Route finding across improbable terrain
3. Long traverses and knee-testing descents
4. Swimming and lounging at a dream river camp
5. Reflections on luxury, solitude, and desert magic

🎧 Hit play for side quests, classic Grand Canyon route-finding, and one of the best campsites of the entire trip.

Where to learn more about Allison:

1. She Dreams of Alpine Blog
2. Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

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