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Here's the trailhead and it's all downhill from here--and all uphill on the way back. We're hiking 3/4 mile to the Coconino Overlook.

It's a beautiful cool morning and the trail is nicely shaded.

Right away, we'll see wildflowers.  Here's one known as Scarlet Bugler.

From time to time, the forest opens up to reveal a peep into the Canyon.  We are actually in Roaring Springs Canyon, which will feed into Bright Angel Canyon.

Plenty of switchbacks which ease the steep drop/gain in elevation.  Hikers heading uphill have right-of-way.

Just stopping to take another look at a lovely scarlet bugler when--

A two-tailed swallowtail floats in for a sip of nectar.

If you look carefully, you'll spot another butterfly on the oak leaves.  This is a California Sister.

And the Trail goes ever on.

You can see now that we're almost into the Coconino layer; compressed sand dunes from eons ago.

We're dropping out of the conifers of higher elevation and getting into more deciduous forest.  Looking across, you can clearly see not only the Coconino layer, but the one that lies beneath, the rusty red Hermit Layer.

We'll need to step aside to let these guys by in just a while.

Definitely into the Coconino layer now.  See those striations?  This is a nice example of cross-bedding indicating the prevailing wind direction at the time these old dunes were laid down.

There's an inviting side trail that I just couldn't resist.  It was a nice little balcony walk that revealed a good view into Bright Angel Canyon with a glimpse of the South Rim way beyond.

A fissure in the Redwall below is where the North Kaibab Trail descends to the first campground on your way to the bottom of the Canyon--Cottonwood Campground.  We won't be going THAT far today, however.

And here we are at the Coconino Overlook.

Find a comfortable rock and enjoy a little lunch!

If you look carefully, you'll see the North Kaibab Trail snaking its way into the Canyon.  Enjoy the cool shade because the sun has traveled higher in the sky and our shady trail is now going to be in direct sunlight.

Take your time, drink plenty of water, and stop to rest whenever you need to.  It's a bit harder work heading up the trail, but the scenery makes it worth it.  See you in the parking lot!