June 5, 2025
‘Red line’ mile marker 569.2 to 592.9
Hiked today: 23.7 miles / 38.1 km

This morning the sky was considerably clearer and we set off with hopes of a drier walk. After 3 miles more of the muddy road, we reached our first water stop which was a spring down in a canyon. Rob hiked down and back up bringing 2 bladders full of water – 4l to filter and then carry on.

The road which has been taking us across the plateau (approx 8000′ ASL)for all of yesterday and much of the day before, led to a path winding around and climbing a little more until we came to the edge of the plateau. There we met a lady who was hiking in the opposite direction, aiming to complete the section from Cuba to Grants.

When we reached the edge of the plateau, we were greeted by absolutely spectacular views down to the plains below. We descended about 2000′ and hiked on.

Great sandstone cliffs rose up from the grassy plains, forming a massive canyon through which flowed a very muddy river which we had to cross. Mountains were dotted here and there in the landscape.

We wound our way up, around and over the sandstone cliffs, marvelling at their grandeur. Despite the soil being shallow and sandy, we saw some pretty flowers along the way. Because of the loose sandy soil with rock just below, we had to walk miles to find a suitable spot both sheltered from the wind and where the tent pegs will hold. We eventually found a spot with a lovely outlook to cliffs on one side, hills on the other.