If you hiked Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon you know what it takes to accomplish what less than 1% of the 6 million visitors to the Grand Canyon are willing to take on.
If you completed the hike YOU earned your way into the Rim to Rim Club® and should be very proud as we know it takes hard work to accomplish this amazing endeavor! We truly believe this is the best hike in the world!
In 2018 Michelle created the Rim to Rim® – Zion Hike as another endurance hike that is a bit easier than the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike. It provides a hiking route that takes hikers on trails less crowded in Zion while offering amazing views!
The mission of the Rim to Rim Club® is to promote hiking these canyons responsibly, respectfully and successfully while offering a forum to share one’s story and celebrate one’s accomplishment. As well, we utilize our website and social pages to inspire people to get outdoors and on a trail.
In 2019 we launched our Trekmates™ initiative for ALL outdoor enthusiasts wanting to become “trekmates” by joining forces as a “SUPPORTER” in our mission to inspire and empower others to get outside and on a trail!
You can HELP, right now, by sharing your love for hiking with others!
Here’s to all of us as hikers & outdoor enthusiasts working together to inspire and empower others!
Happy Hiking!
Hey ! I just did R2R from north to south (Sept 16 2023) after travelling from the north coast of NSW Australia to do the walk. I am 69 years old and it was my first endurance hike. I started training in February by just doing progressively longer walks starting at 2 hours non stop and ultimately peaking at 8 hours non stop. All this was at sea level. Getting shoes Sox and backpack/ water/ electrolytes sorted out over this period was as important as the miles in your legs. As I got fitter I found a solid hill and just punched up and down, usually with about 20 lbs of weight on, in order to strengthen legs for both the up and down. I didn’t own poles but borrowed a pair when I got to USA and found them a huge help for stability especially going down in the dark. There were 5 in our group ranging from mid 30 to 69. Luckily we got reasonably mild conditions and with a few short breaks made phantom ranch comfortably in 7 hours. Once we crossed the Colorado it got hot and from there on the climb out becomes consistent. Sensible brief rests and keeping up with fluid and food is the key. I drank 9 litres water and 6 litres of water mixed electrolytes over the 13 hours . You can eat all the bad stuff while walking, potatoe crisps , cookies , jelly lollies. It’s great, guilt free nutrition. Everyone we saw on trail was friendly, you meet the crowds from the south rim between the 3 mile and 1.5 mile resthouse. The entire adventure was sensational and I hope to get back for round 2, maybe each way but with a day in between
In the Spring of 2000, my father died and I was grieving, seeking a way through the grief. I attended a meeting of some like minded friends and found out they were planning a R2R hike of the Grand Canyon that fall. Immediately, I realized this might be the activity that would exorcise the demon of grief from my heart.
I began training diligently because I was a little overwhelmed by the idea of embarking on such an ominous task! Rightly so, as the canyon is to be respected.
The hike started on the North Rim on October 1 and was completed on October 3.
When I stepped into the canyon on the North Rim it was sleeting and by the time I was into the hike for about a mile I was peeling off layers as my body warmed with the activity. The view amazing and the adventure super-satisfying, I reveled in each turn on the trail as a new viewpoint of the beauty of the canyon played out before me.
The hike down was filled with stops to take yet another photo, as I knew I may not pass this way again. When the trail leveled out near the bottom, I caught up with one of the members of our team. It was good to see a human again after hiking all day with no other person in sight!
When I arrived at Phantom Ranch, I found our campsite, shed my pack and immediately immersed myself in the river, having felt my hips aching with the stress of the downward hike, needing the discomfort to be quieted by the cold waters. Renewed, I set up camp and wandered around a bit, enjoying the feeling of the first leg of the hike being accomplished.
Later that evening, I entered the Canteen, imbibing in some treats that heretofore were common but now tasted like a decadent discovery. Meeting up with others from our party who had started on the South Rim, we swapped stories of our first day on the trail. Then to bed under the stars to rest up for another day on the trail and up to the Indian Gardens campsite.
Arriving early in the day, I had a lot of time to wander and relax. This was a good stop to allow my muscles to rest and recover after the upward climb.
Third day hiking upward to the South Rim was both challenging and rewarding. Thank goodness for great switchbacks and the trickle of water found along the route to wet my bandana and hat to cool down. Reaching the last 1/2 mile of the trail, I was amazed to meet up with a family I had met on the North Rim at the Lodge the night before my hike! We chatted it up and they ask me questions about my hike, they were taking the opportunity to hike a little way down the Bright Angel Trail to experience a bit of the view from below the rim.
Finally, reaching the South Rim, I experienced grand satisfaction and extreme gratitude. The journey behind me, the sights and experiences within me, my grief still present but now a little more distant to my present state.
What a beautiful way to help you to process some of the grief and mourning that we face in life in losing a loved one. Happy to hear that you took on this hike and endeavor and that it provided some wonderful experiences. Thank you for sharing your story Carol and welcome into the club.
Hi Trekmates,
I am planning to R2R coming April season along with my buddy who did R2R in the past, we booked necessary things, since this is my first time and I received 2 stents in my HEART last May, Prior to my heart procedure i am very active in sports Long range Bicycle Rider. I completed my Heart rehab and want to be back adventures, I am non smoker, rarely drinks, i want to get your inputs and advise.
Thank you
-Giri
Ten years ago, at the age of 64, I had a stent installed in the Widow Maker. That same year I hiked Rim to Rim, non-stop, “in one day.” I trained for the long haul and had been in good shape prior to it. I did it in November starting in the dark to finish it in one day. It was and still is the coldest day of my life when I started.
Finished R2R on October 16th. Perfect day for hiking! A little snowy on top of the North Rim but will take that any day when it means 70s down at Phantom Ranch. Blue skies all day long. I’d hiked the canyon before, but stayed overnight camping, doing the full hike in one day is epic, brutal, beautiful and a memory I’ll always cherish. That final 4 miles tests your will for sure and I’m still walking around like a 90-year-old man! Phenomenal experience and you truly meet some wonderful folks pushing for the same goal. Congrats to all who accomplish this! Thanks for your site too, it was helpful as I prepared for my hike.
Sam, so happy you experienced the “balance” and “perspective” of all of it! Yes, that final 4 miles is the test of grit and sometimes we need that test of grit to endeavor on while appreciating what we just did! Sounds like you had a wonderful “day” hike of all things EPIC! Congratulations on this AWESOME accomplishment! Welcome into the club!
My best friend and I just completed this hike in one day on Friday. We had been planning and preparing for it for a year. We went and visited the Grand Canyon last October and looked up to the sky at night on the south rim. We decided then and there we had to see those stars from inside the canyon. We tried to get camping spots but, as everyone knows, it is very hard to get a spot. So we went for it. Started at 6am and finished at 9pm. Took longer than we wanted to but we weren’t alone in that. We met a lot of people doing the same thing while we were going. When I tell you it’s worth all the hard work, I absolutely mean it. Not only am I in the best shape of my life at 32, I did something I never thought I would be able to do. If you are thinking of doing it, just make yourself do it. It’s never too late to do something incredible. Train though! Train hard. We did for a full year. Also watch your blood sugar for the next couple of days. My body was having a hard time regulating it for a couple of days afterward.
So happy you had this beautiful opportunity to be one with the canyon and see the stars from that perspective with the incredible accomplishment of completing the Rim to Rim Hike! Welcome into the club Regal!
I completed a solo R2R2R starting at the North Rim in Oct 2020. I chose to backpack the trip (4 days 3 nights) Bright Angel CG –Mather CG at south rim–Cottonwood. Can’t imagine doing the trip in the summer heat—October was perfect (temps 25–97 degrees). I have to admit that I was humbled by the trail runners that do the same trip in 1 day, but in retrospect I had the time to enjoy the canyon and meet some very interesting people and will cherish those memories. The great thing about the Grand Canyon is that there are a few options for r-r-r or r-r by using the shuttle (not operating in 2020 due to covid), using phantom ranch to minimize pack weight, or one-day trail running (ouch on the knees and toes). I am very interested in the Zion rim to rim if and when the trail reopens. I would see the biggest challenge being water sources since there are concerns about drinking Zion trail water even when filtered. Any updates on the trail or ideas on drinking water would be appreciated.
Hi Dave! Congratulations on the R2R2R! That is awesome that you went in October. Such a perfect time!
Regarding the Rim to Rim Zion Hike, it’s the rockslide that is blocking the trail on the East Side but hopefully it will be fixed one day. As for water on that hike, the key would be to bring enough for the West Rim portion (minimum 3-4 liters) and then you can fill up at the water stations at either Zion Lodge or the Grotto for the next leg. There are very few options on the West Rim trail as one would be reliant on the springs (filtered water) and sometimes nothing is coming out especially if it has been a dry season! Happy Hiking!
I completed the South Kaibab/Bright Angel hike twice and heard about the Rim-to-Rim hike from folks at Phantom Ranch. I was hooked and had to do it. I called the Xanterra office to ask about cancellations and was able to snag one. However, it was for just one person and for one night. What could go wrong? There are going to be other people on the hike, I thought. I started my North Rim descent and all was well until I slipped on some loose gravel. I was able to catch my fall but I broke both my walking sticks in the process. I was mostly fine until I got to the cut-off for Ribbon Falls. That upward slope needed walking sticks and I just did not know how I would be able to do it. I finally did but felt defeated. I called out to find out if anyone could hear me and there was no one. I continued and eventually saw a group coming toward me. Elated! I felt a guardian angel had heard my call. One of the men had a pair of walking sticks he was not using and he gave them to me. This was early July and the temperature was close to 110. We sat in the creek to lower our body temperature and finally made it to Phantom Ranch. There, I was able to buy a pair of walking sticks and did the Bright Angel without incident.
My takeaway? Never, ever, have the confidence to think this is something you can do on your own. It was seriously stupid.
Next, and I know this goes against the conventional wisdom. Most hikers, it seems, do the North Rim to South Rim direction. I want to do it again and I will do the South Rim to the North Rim. I’ll start while its dark and will be beyond all the South Rim switchbacks and close to Indian Garden early in the morning. I’ll have the wonderful shade toward the bottom as it begins to get hot. The reverse is true on the North Kaibab. I’ll get through the box while dark and cool. The top of the North Rim becomes shady in places which will help.
Just my two cents.
I’ve been fortunate to be at Phantom Ranch on two occassions when Alfredo was there. He is a treasure.
To anyone who’s interested. Don’t let society tell you what you’re body is capable of due to its age. The correlation is often more culture driven rather than the reality of unlocked potential. Often we are limited by what we “think” we should attempt, and thus fail to raise our own personal bar to a height we can achieve. Be sensible, prepare, stay healthy, believe, and you can knock this hike out of the park. In April this year my 3am alarm on the South Rim signaled my 70th birthday. I headed down Bright Angel with a headlamp and was at the North rim by noon. I was back at Phantom by 5:30 pm and with the help of wonderful moonlight was back at Bright Angel Lodge by 9:30 pm. My words of advice – know yourself – pick the right time of year – prepare, prepare, prepare physically and mentally – be sensible and a little foolish.- trust – and – do it!
I made the decision last spring to do the R2R with some friends from my gym. I trained by walking long distances and added hikes at a local park with uphill and downhill trails. We did the north to south trail and it was the most challenging physical thing this 67 year old has ever done! We left at 5:00 am and I didn’t finish until 11:45 that night- but I DID it! I had a great friend who walked every step with encouraging words- don’t do this alone! The last 3 miles are killer so be prepared.
I completed the rim to rim on 9/25/19 going from North to South in 1 day. I trained for it for 2 months and thought I could probably complete it without extra training due to my regular exercise schedule. It did not go as planned! Since I don’t plan to ever do that again – I am passing on advice that may be useful to others.
By way of background, I am a 48 year old active female and I do about 80 minutes of fast paced walking five days a week as part of my commute. But it a Manhattan commute – so it is flat. And then I do other aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercise on a regular basis.
The only reason I did the hike was as a birthday present for my father. Hi Pop if you are reading this! I don’t usually do “extreme” hikes. But my father loves the Grand Canyon and has been visiting pretty regularly for 40 years and did the rim to rim by himself for his 60th and 65th birthdays. I missed those (kids and work!) so I really wanted to do this hike with him on his 70th birthday.
The way my father described it I figured the hardest part would be the uphill. I trained on a treadmill at an 11-12% incline for 3-4 hours at a time to make sure I could go about 7 miles. I believe we had 9 miles of uphill to get out of the canyon at the south rim. Once I could do 7 miles pretty quickly I felt confident. My pace was about 2.5 miles an hour on the treadmill.
I assumed downhill would be faster – maybe 3 miles an hour – but I didn’t train for it. I knew it would punish my toes. But all I could do for that was cut my toe nails way down as low as they would go the night before.
We chose to stay at a cabin on the north rim, woke up at 3:30 am and drove to the start point a short distance away. We left our car and started down the trail at 4:30 am with head lamps. I believe we were the first ones on the trail because we didn’t see lights ahead of us. But we could see the trail of lights coming down behind us. Some people arrived by what looked like shuttle. I wondered if they drove all night from the south rim where they would have left their cars. That seems like one way to do it. But I was counting on some solid sleep to give me the energy for the day of the hike.
We used camelbaks and trekking poles. I am not sure we saw anyone who didn’t have both items. My father’s trick is to pack Gatorade powder to mix in the water. I think it really helped but I don’t want to drink Glacier Frost ever again after 12 quarts of that! At full strength it was more sugar than I am used to. So I diluted to the point when I realized Grand Canyon water doesn’t taste all the great either so a little Glacier Frost helped.
The unexpected aspect of our hike was that my father’s knees weren’t cooperating. He went into it knowing he was having some knee trouble. But he was limping pretty badly about 2 hours in. All we could do was take it easy. He set the pace and I followed behind taking pictures all the way.
When we got to Phantom Ranch we realized we were many hours behind schedule and our pace was around 1.5 miles an hour on the downhill. We had gone 14 miles and it was 1 pm. And my father was really hurting! But all you can do is keep going. At that point my toes were in so much pain from the downhill, so we were both ready for the uphill. For his knees and my toes the downhill was killer.
Long story short – we kept the same deliberate pace going back out. People passing us said encouraging things like “looking good!” And “you hike your hike” – and that just tells you how pitiful we must have looked!
The uphill was easier for both of us! I never would have expected that. But it was still after dark when we got to the south rim! We were finally out at 10 pm. The last 2.5 hours were in the dark with head lamps again. And I feel pretty sure we were the last ones out. The entire trip was almost 18 hours. The last 45 minutes to find the lodge, get our keys, and find the cabin was probably the worst. But what a wonderful shower!
The next day we got up early for the 5 hour shuttle ride back to the north rim so we could retrieve our car. I didn’t mind the shuttle ride on the back end because my body wasn’t up for anything at that point. And the trans-canyon shuttle we took was top notch.
And here’s what I really did not anticipate: my recovery took over a week. The next day my legs were worthless. I had chills for 2 days and could not go up or down stairs without extreme pain. It was ridiculous. Luckily we had a couple of days in Salt Lake City to recover before flights home. The hike was on a Wednesday and I had trouble walking to and from work the next week and could not wear closed toe shoes. Several toes stayed numb for over two weeks. I can now report that I can feel all my toes again!
What would I do differently? Train for downhill! I underestimated the work going downhill requires from the calf muscles. My calf muscles were tender to the touch for 10 days after. And part of that might be because of the constant “braking” to go as slow as my father had to go for his knees.
I have some recommended splurges for your backpack. Keep it as light as possible but I have no regrets about the powdered Gatorade and a super light pair of sandals that I had to have for the next day because my feet could not go back in my Merrells. I packed Croc swiftwater sandals. And then I brought my yoga belt so that I could do really good stretches at the end of the hike. That was 100% worth it. Everything else was a change in clothes, kind bars, epic bars and a super refreshing apple. Oh and 2 bottles of 5 hour energy. I have never drank that stuff in my life and it was super helpful.
It was totally worth it to make this epic trip with my father (the best Grand Canyon guide!) to celebrate his 70th birthday. It is an experience I will always cherish.
What a memory you made with your father and so happy to hear you made it and that you recovered. People for sure underestimate the impacting descending in the canyon can bring and so glad you took poles! What a GIFT you gave to your father going with him for his 70th!
Hiked Rim2Rim on Thursday, September 19.
Flew from Seattle to Las Vegas. Drove 4 1/2 hours to the North Rim on Wednesday. Enjoyed a couple of beers from the Roughrider Saloon at the North Rim Lodge and watched the sunset as we sat in adirondack chairs overlooking the big ditch. After dark we grabbed a couple of slices of pizza to go from the Deli in the Pines adjacent to the Lodge and drove back to the North Kaibab Trailhead and slept in the car that night. There are bathrooms and drinking water at the trailhead. The parking lot is fairly large and when we arrived at 7pm there were plenty of open parking spots. My alarm clock woke us up at 4:30am Thursday morning and we were on the North Kaibab trail at 5am. It was 44 degrees and I started out in shorts, a long sleeve shirt and my Black Diamond Alpine Start hoody. Probably could have done without the long sleeve because I warmed up quickly as we started hiking. We hiked by headlamp for 2 hours under a star splattered sky. Lots of mule poop on those first couple miles of the trail. The sun had risen by the time we reached the Supai Tunnel. Those two miles were steep and I was thankful for my trekking poles. I had 3 liters of water between my Nalgene and my osprey water bladder, but in hindsight it wasn’t necessary to carry the extra weight in water as we were able to refill at every water station along the pipeline. Stopped for our first break 5 miles down the trail at Manzanita and enjoyed a bagel and cream cheese and an orange. The trail is a pretty gentle decline most of the way from there to Phantom Ranch. Snacked on trail mix and beef jerky along the way. We timed it right and came thru the Box in mostly shade around 10am and made it to Phantom Ranch at 11am. We stumbled into the canteen and I was so happy it was air conditioned. I was surprised there weren’t many people in the canteen actually, maybe only about 10 others. We enjoyed some delicious lemonade ($5 for a cup and $1 for each refill) and ate lunch inside and chilled out for about 30 minutes. Back on the trail we took the Silver Bridge across the Colorado River and we were now hiking in mostly full sun, 100 degree heat all the way to Indian Garden. I drenched my hat, buff and shirt in the creek every chance I had and took a few quick breaks in the rare shady spots. Shortly before we made it to 3-Mile Resthouse, we were back in the shade for the rest of the hike. That climb up the Bright Angel switchbacks was brutal though anyway. I remember telling myself from Indian Garden that it was a mile and a half (to 3-Mile Resthouse) and then another mile and a half (to 1 1/2-Mile Resthouse) and one last mile and a half (to the end). But those segments could not have felt longer. The climb up to the Bright Angel Trailhead is a helluva steep one. We finally finished in 13 hours – North Rim to South Rim. Months in advance I had booked a cabin at the Bright Angel Lodge so we stumbled our way directly to the hotel lobby and checked-in. The guy at the desk said to me “You know, you’re among a fraction of a fraction of the number of people that come to the Grand Canyon, hiking Rim to Rim in a day.” That’ll make you feel pretty incredible when you’re as whooped as I was. The cabins at the Bright Angel Lodge are recently renovated and exceeded my expectations. After showering and putting our sweaty dirty clothes back on, we put our name in for a table at the restaurant at the Lodge and had celebratory drinks in the Harvey House Tavern before dinner. We reflected on the months of planning and preparation that got us here and savored all the sweet moments we shared on the trail. Hiking Rim2Rim was one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences of my life!
EXCELLENT story. I’m hoping to hike the GC one day. You give me hope and I can’t wait! Hoping the summer of 2020!
I am celebrating my 60th by hiking R2R on Oct 13 -14 2019. We are leaving our car at NRim campground on Oct 12, 2019, and wondering if there would be anyone who could drive it over to the S Rim by 1pm on Oct 15 when we climb out. That would save one of us 9 hours of shuttle and drive time so we can all be together at the end of our R2R. Is anyone driving from the South Rim to North around 1pm on Oct 15 so I could catch a ride back to my car at the N Rim? I would rather not spend 9-10 hrs just to bring car- if I can provide a car to drive for someone who needs to get from the North to the Sout rim that would save me a whole day of travel. Thanks!
What a great experience! I ran and hiked (solo) from the North Rim to the South Rim in about eight hours on September 9 and had a blast! The trip down North Kaibab was much more difficult to run than I expected it to be. Poles were very helpful and I highly recommend them. Nice to travel light with a Camelback and minimal gear to allow for faster travel. Everyone I passed was so friendly. The lemonade at Phantom Ranch really is as tasty as everyone says! Happy welcoming staff too. Plenty of water available on both North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. Great day and great photos for my 2020 calendar. My brother drove around from the North Rim to the South Rim and hiked down a ways to finish with me. If you’ve got a good driver and can do this by staying at the North Rim Lodge the night before it helps a lot.
A friend and I just completed R2R, N-S. It was so incredibly amazing. We backpacked and camped two nights, once at Bright Angel and the other at Indian Garden. Hiking up from the bottom was my favorite part, especially snaking around the Colorado on trails. I was sad when we lost sight of her. I absolutely want to do it again!
Just completed N-S R2 R with Son, Daughter, Grandson and co-worker friend. Phenomenal experience and must say that training definitely paid off.
After watching a Youtube video of someone doing the Rim2Rim I thought that would be fun! Knowing that my 60ish yr old body wouldn’t be able to do it in one day I got on the Phantom Ranch website to see about getting a bunk. A lottery and a 15-month lead time stopped me pretty quick. But I looked at the availability for a cancellation during this coming fall – no dice. Then I looked at this spring and WOW, there was an opening on May 23. so I snagged it. Driving through a whiteout snowstorm I arrived at the North Kaibab TH. The few miles of trail was snowpack with some mud. I was wearing micro-spikes so no traction problems on the way down. After I dropped down to around 7,500 ft elevation, the snow turned to intermittent rain, then clearing by the time I made it to the Box. The rest of the day was warm and partly sunny. After a nice breakfast on Friday the 24th, I started up the Bright Angel Tr. Warm and sunny. Met up with early risers and trail runners coming down while I was going up. The trail up to Indian Garden was very pleasant and just a few other hikers. By the time I got up to 3-mi rest it was getting pretty zooey. Lots of day hikers coming down and by the time I made it to 1.5 mi rest it was pretty much bumper-to-bumper. Got to the top and took the shuttle to Tusyan and to my hotel. Saturday morning I took the shuttle back to the North Rim and my truck. A super hike. Wish I could have snagged a 2nd night at PH just to wander around the bottom. Oh well, next time.
I have completed three R-R-R trips, done at intervals of five years to celebrate significant birthdays. I was just notified that I “won” my Phantom Ranch lottery request for next year so nothing stands in my way of going again in May of 2020 to celebrate my 80th.
This site continues to inspire me with the challenge of mind versus body to complete this 44 mile trek.
Norm, THIS makes our heart melt! Congratulations and happy soon to be 80th birthday. Proud to have you in the club!
Wow Norm! Impressive! Way to Celebrate and you literally hit the lottery! Woo Hoo!
Congrats!
Happy 80th!
Hi Norm,
Are you going to do Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim for your 80th with 1 night at PR for your 80th? That is impressive.
I celebrated my 75th and 80th in 2010 2015 doing R2R day hike North to South. I plan to do the same on Sept 19, 2020 same thing, God willing.
Best wishes
Hi, My two kids and I are hiking R2R N to S this June 10th and 11th. I have looked into shuttles and shuttle services that will take our car from N to S…I was wondering if anyone knows if Uber or LYFT run rides from S to North and visa versa??
The Trans-canyon shuttle runs North to South and South to North. Please visit our shuttle page above