Pungo Canyon runs generally west to east, so morning and afternoon offer some slanting light that filters through the giant ponderosa pine trees.
Looking into the beginning of Pungo Canyon from just below Pungo Rapid (RM28.2).
There are rocky sections of trail where it crosses long talus slopes.
Hiking across small benches dotted with ponderosa pines is par for the course in Pungo Canyon.
Beautiful morning light in Pungo Canyon.
When the trail rounds the frequent rocky ridges and buttress there is often a great view of the river below.
Hiking toward the sun in Pungo Canyon.
Pungo Canyon is 4.5 miles long and incredibly scenic.
The pool at Marble Creek Camp (RM 32.4) is a great place to jump in the river and cool off.
One of the support rafts runs Marble Creek Rapid (RM 32.5).
Just below Marble Creek the river trail enters another short and impressive gorge.
Hikers pass over the top of Ski Jump Rapid (RM 33), which is one of the bigger and more violent rapids at extreme flows.
Looking down onto a commercial raft party below Ski Jump Rapid.
The canyon opens up quite a bit at the MIddle Fork Lodge (RM 35) and it can be hot when crossing the broad, open river terraces between the lodge and Thomas Creek backcountry airstrip. Here hikers cross the bridge over the Middle Fork to the Little Creek.
Stop by and say hello. Volunteers can be very fun to talk to.
Though the ponderosa pines still grow along the river bank, much of the surrounding hillsides have transitioned into treeless slopes covered with sage and grass.
We're not backpacking! Having a commercial outfitter supporting the hiking trip can be luxurious.