This steep trail carries hikers from the South Rim to the floor of the Grand Canyon. Built in the 1890s to provide access to mining claims, the trail begins by tunneling through a rock wall. I photographed these tourists from above with a long telephoto lens. Some of them have already passed through the doorway carved out of the thick rock, while another tentatively lingers on the other side, delaying her entry as long as possible. They are all trying to decide how far to go – the nine mile long trail descends 4,500 feet, and takes two days to complete a round trip. I have a hunch these young tourists are just out for a short walk and will hardly scratch the surface of the strenuous Bright Angel descent before returning to the rim. This image tells the story of people about to make some decisions, and this sun-splashed doorway – the portal to the trail itself -- is a perfect spot for such deliberations.