We actually started the hike at about 11 AM, at least 2 hours later than we would have had we stuck to our original plan. While it was a lovely temperature at the moment, I knew that we’d be coming out during the hottest part of the day. They were predicting temps in the low 90s F.
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The Great Gallery hike is 7.5 miles or so round trip. The trail starts by dropping 1.5 miles down to the canyon floor with an elevation drop of 900' or so. This part of the hike is like walking down uneven stairs until you get to the last half mile or so which is deep sand.
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While this hike is a bit shorter than The Fairyland Loop we did at Bryce, it is so remote and you are so alone that you have a greater feeling of vulnerability. I reminded Sharon to be careful, since a twisted ankle would become a huge problem. I was really reminding myself though since I'm the one with the "trick" knee and a foot that was crushed in a tractor accident 25 years ago. I have to make sure I lead down with my right foot to avoid hyper extending the bad knee. About two-thirds of the way down, we went through a cattle baffle designed to keep stock out of the canyon which is a remote section of Canyonlands NP.