Hike

Tell Your Story

1. Kate Trusty says

   October 14, 2023 at 8:55 pm

   I am a distance runner (distance jogger, if we’re getting technical). I feel that I’m at my best when I’m out in nature and filling my lungs with oxygen and using my muscles. As a birthday gift to myself and to keep myself accountable, I run a half marathon every year. However, I’ve wanted to challenge myself in a different way, lately.

   In my whole life (American born), I’ve never been to Grand Canyon! As I began to plan and research a visit, I realized that Rim to Rim was 24 miles. I thought this was so appropriate for me to do something epic and hike 24 miles for my 42nd birthday!

   Although a daunting undertaking, I felt encouraged and hopeful that I could tackle such a feat since three years earlier, my sister and I hiked Mt. Le Conte and Chimney Tops in the Great Smoky Mountains in the same day (21 miles, lots of stairs and steep elevation gain/loss). We felt great and didn’t do any special training for it, other than already being in half-marathon shape. However, it must be noted that the altitude was not a component and we were in the protected shade of the huge mountain trees most of the time. We were close to water sources with cascades and the river running close to the trails, that I could easily use my water filter to replenish hydration.

   I spent hours upon hours researching the National Parks website, blogs, websites, books, and interviewing a friend who’s lived the R2R and even R2R2R experience. Although I was already in half marathon shape, I decided to boost my training. I began doing HIIT workouts that focused on lower body strength. Since North Texas is pretty flat, I went to the gym and put the treadmill on 12-14 incline (WITHOUT hanging on to the handle bars) and the stair climber at levels 9-11 (also, no cheating) for an hour at a time. Also, since I live in Texas, heat training was certainly not a problem for me. In fact, I’m unusual in the sense that I much prefer 100 degrees F to 50 degrees F. I practiced “hiking” the flat city streets for the distance of 24 miles with all of the materials that I would cary with me on my R2R adventure. I incorporated yoga and, occasionally, lap-swimming. My husband and I also chaperoned our boys’ XC trip to Angel Fire, NM this summer where I got to experience training in high altitude. I felt great while I was jogging. I felt great even as I ascended a mountain two thousand feet higher over 5 miles in the high altitude. I was feeling empowered and prepared each week… Until… I experienced IT Band issues.

   I’ve been an endurance athlete my entire life and I never knew what an IT Band was until I injured it only weeks before my scheduled R2R hike. Without going into detail over my IT issue, I will mention how distraught I was thinking that my hope to hike R2R would have to be postponed another year. When I met with an orthopedic doctor and subsequent physical therapist, they gave me hope! “Three weeks? Let’s see if we can get you there.” My X-Rays were “perfect” showing strong bones and joints. My issue was purely a soft tissue problem. With lots of prayers, diligent work, and patience doing everything – and even more difficult, NOT doing – what the experts told me, I felt 95% better in time for my scheduled trek. I got the green light from both my orthopedic doctor and my PT instructor with the advice, “Try it out! Going downhill is the worst part for IT issues, so you’ll experience the hardest part first. If you make it down a mile or two and decide that it’s too irritated, turn around. Going up will feel better anyway and you can say that you tried.”

   My confidence was restored, with the exception of my endurance component. For me, running has always been the best way for me to increase stamina and endurance. Running only exacerbates IT Band problems, yet I hadn’t run in nearly a month… I prayed that I would have enough residual endurance to conquer the Canyon.

   I arrived at the SOUTH Rim on Wednesday afternoon, Oct 4, 2023. After driving through the main entrance, I checked in to the Yavapai Lodge, and immediately made my way to the rim. A friend of mine said, “Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time is like seeing the ocean for the first time; it’s overwhelming.” He was 100% correct! As I approached the parking lot closest to the Bright Angel Trail, I got past the trees and a lodge and was smacked in the face with the most breathtaking view. I stood in awe for about 10 minutes before I started to walk a little to stretch out my legs. I couldn’t stop staring. I found a little perch on a rock and sat to gaze and meditate. I couldn’t wait to experience the inside.

   I made sure to HYDRATE for DAYS and WEEKS leading up to the hike. For me, 3 liters a day is typical. Hydration cannot happen the day of. My goal was to STAY hydrated throughout my hike. I ate a delicious dinner at the Yavapai Lodge; salmon and salad. I did some yoga and was in bed by 9pm.

   I set my alarm for 4:25am for a 5am Bright Angel Trail departure on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Not surprisingly, I woke up before my alarm, got on my winter hat, head lamp, layered shirts, and new Brooks Ghost running shoes, and dashed out the door. Two unflattering pics of me all bundled up for the chilling morning, and I was ready to start! I was cautious, bracing myself for any IT Band pain that didn’t ever come. Discomfort, yes. Pain, gratefully no. The longest part of my hiking journey was on the way down. I was mesmerized by what my eyes and entire soul were experiencing. I stopped several times, turned off my headlamp, and gazed at the stars and moon which surprisingly lit up the Canyon walls with a mysterious glow. As the sun began to peak over the horizon, I gradually began peeling off layers of clothing. A healthy fear and respect were still very much surrounding me while I simultaneously expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to have such an experience, descending into the depths of millions and millions of years of Earth’s history.

   I experienced the beauty of solitude. As the morning progressed, I encountered a hiker or two, and eventually several more. I was passed by my friend who has RUN R2R2R a few times but was “only” running R2R that day. Although I insisted on this being a solitary hike, I found comfort that I would have him and his wife waiting on the other end with smiles and transportation. Bless her for driving 4 hours with limited cell service from the South to the North Rim and saving me the time and money of renting a shuttle.

   As soon as I got to the Colorado River, I was invigorated!!!! I MADE IT! I had already conquered what I knew would be the hardest part of my journey! As soon as I got to Phantom Ranch (@ 9:50am) I refilled my water, changed my socks, lathered myself in sunblock, traded my winter had for my visor, stretched a little, and I was off to the races! I was speeding through the North Kaibab Trail with pure joy in every footstep. Despite the heavy load I was carrying in my pack, I felt lighter than I had the day before while just sitting at the dinner table!

   The weather was PERFECT! Blue skies. 48 degrees F at the start of Bright Angel Trail at 5am, 85 degrees F in The Box. Compared to what I’m used to, 85 degree dry heat felt like a Fall November day in Texas.

   Several photos, videos, and bottles of water/electrolytes later, and I was “so close” (according to hikers descending the trail) to the summit of North Kaibab Trail. I laughed to myself as I saw these encouraging faces telling me, “you’re so close!”because I didn’t ask “how much farther?”, and I felt amazing, Not sure my appearance reflected what I was feeling. HAHA! I was enjoying every moment. I approached the parking lot at 4:05pm. My friends jumped out of the car to congratulate me.

   I felt overwhelmed with gratitude that my endurance and strength were enough to afford me the best experience, and that my IT Band didn’t prevent me from my goal.

   What other bloggers have said is 100% true; prepare, prepare, prepare. It will give you the confidence you need to make it from one end to the other. Hydration, electrolytes, and nutrition are instrumental in your success, as well.

   What I packed:
   * Two life straws (water filter straws). One for me and one for a potential hiker in need
   * One banana (potassium and sugar)
   * Large apple (easy to digest, hydrating, sugar, fiber)
   * Premium beef jerky in mini packages (protein, salt)
   * trail mix (protein, salt)
   * Liquid IV electrolyte packets
   * 3 liters of water, refilling at two or three water stations along the way
   * small first aid kit in small ziplock bag (band-aids, ace wrap, antibacterial cream, extra strength Tylenol, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
   * head lamp
   * back-up head lamp
   * sunblock
   * visor
   * sunglasses
   * two extra pairs of socks (wet feet cause blisters)
   * collapsible light weight trekking poles

   I wasn’t planning on hiking with trek poles until my IT Band became an issue. However, I am so glad I had them, if only for traversing the unexpected water passages.

   The experience was worth everything, I will likely do it again. Not sure if I’ll do the same route or take the North to the Bright Angel next time. I did enjoy having less travelers going in the same direction as me, as most hikers and runners were starting at the North. However, I’d like to have a different vantage point.

   Happy Hiking!

   Kate
2. Ryan says

   June 23, 2023 at 11:44 am

   Hello all. I’m actively researching and planning this hike but have a question about the physical trail itself. I do not like heights at all. How much of the trail is along a narrow path with steep drop offs? I tend to slow down on sections like that and hike very close to the non-exposed side.

   • member says

     June 23, 2023 at 6:14 pm

     Hi Ryan,

     There are a lot of steep parts on this hike as you have an elevation change on the descent of over 5,000 feet for the drop down into the canyon. That is something to keep in mind in considering this hike and your decision on taking it on as you for sure have parts that you will be hugging the canyon walls and some that is not an option.

     Hope this helps.

     • Peter Kopca says

       June 27, 2023 at 2:37 am

       I was wondering if it is possible to take one’s time and hike rim to rim in late Nov or early Dec . Would it be possible to go for a 7 night 8 day hike starting in the south rim. I was hoping to be a north bound AT thru hiker starting in Sept until the snow flies and it becomes to deep. I have a brother in Mesa and would like to keep my trail legs by hiking some routes with elevation. Plus I would think getting a back country pass for camping would be easier with the lower temps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

       • member says

         June 28, 2023 at 1:45 pm

         Hi Peter,

         It would all depend on the overnight camping permits and/or your stay at Phantom Ranch, etc. as a basecamp and/or if you choose to stay up on the South Rim you would have a basecamp there at Mather Campground and/or a hotel. Sometimes the weather is great that time of year and would afford you the opportunity to totally keep your trail legs solid. You would not need a permit to day hike just the overnight permits for the inner corridor campsites if you choose to stay in the canyon.

         Hope this helps and best of luck on the AT!
3. Kurt Hanish says

   January 24, 2023 at 7:14 pm

   I did the R2R (North to South) in late September 2022. It took me 11 hours, and the last several hours were exhausting. My goal is to do R2R2R in 2023. I am thinking about starting in the South so I can do the hardest part while I am the most rested. What I don’t like is the fact that the North Rim lodging is so limited and far away from the trailhead. I don’t imagine there is a shuttle to get you from the trailhead to the lodge, is there?

   • member says

     January 24, 2023 at 8:38 pm

     Kurt, congratulations on your hike! Love that the canyon is calling you back. Yes, there is a shuttle from the Lodge to North Kaibab. Check with them on times.
4. Jas says

   September 21, 2022 at 4:53 pm

   Hi all,
   Curious…can I still count myself as a rim-to-rim hiker if I had to make an emergency stopover for the night? Five of us started the hike from the North Rim on Sept 18 early morning, but I developed a fever early on into the hike and hurt my knee during the first 5 miles descent. The fever amplified the pain and I literally limped through the 21 miles to Indian Garden campground. At that point, my husband and I decided to stop since I did not think it wise to try the steep ascent with my fever and a hurt knee, in the dark. Our friends carried on. The park ranger gave us a sleeping bag and we resumed the last 5 miles at daybreak, and finished at the South Rim. So while I cannot call myself a “R2R in one day”, curious if I can be counted as a R2R hiker?

   • member says

     September 21, 2022 at 6:35 pm

     Jas, we are so very happy to hear that you are okay! Wow, that must have been scary for you. YES, you are a Rim to Rim Hiker. What qualifies one as a Rim to Rim hiker and Rim to Rim Club® Member is completing the hike in one TRIP. You did that, welcome into the club!!! And you were also RESPONSIBLE for stopping at Indian Garden where the ranger was!

     • Jas says

       October 4, 2022 at 2:40 pm

       Thank you so much 🙂
5. Trevor says

   August 26, 2022 at 3:21 pm

   I completed Rim2Rim in May of 2022 and wanted to share my training schedule to help others prepare for this incredible Hike safely. I understand everyone is at different fitness levels, but this worked very well for me (early 50s, male, started with average fitness)

   Date Duration Elevation Gain
   10/09/21 8.5Miles 236ft
   10/16/21 9.14Miles 272ft
   10/23/21 11.01Miles 1059ft
   11/06/21 2.5Miles 1394ft
   11/13/21 11.5Miles 1781ft
   12/05/21 12.1Miles 581ft
   12/18/21 10.7Miles 1434ft
   01/08/22 9.7Miles 2169ft
   01/16/22 11.8Miles 1427ft
   01/22/22 11.8Miles 1345ft
   02/13/22 2.8Miles 1220ft
   02/20/22 15.2Miles 1788ft
   03/06/22 13.14Miles 3000ft
   03/12/22 16.2Miles 1969ft
   03/20/22 18.5Miles 1440ft
   04/03/22 20.5Miles 1946ft
   04/09/22 19.01Miles 4014ft
   05/05/22 3.5Miles 974ft (power hike)
   (Downtime to avoid injury!)
   05/23/22 RIM2RIM!

   I hope this helps other prepare. The best advice I received before doing this Hike was “Leave your Ego at home!”
6. Bill says

   May 15, 2022 at 12:55 pm

   Hello.
   A group of us are doing the R2R hike in a couple of weeks. I’ve been searching, but unable to find a GPX file of the route from the North Kaibab Trail to the Bright Angel Trail. Does anyone have the GPX file for this route?
7. Beth G says

   May 11, 2022 at 11:13 pm

   I will also be hiking R2R this weekend in one day. Hope to see others out there doing the same.

   • member says

     May 11, 2022 at 11:17 pm

     Hope you have a great hike Beth!
   • Beth G says

     May 19, 2022 at 8:14 pm

     Opening weekend of the North Rim was hot in the canyon. The high was 107′ at Phantom Ranch. An early start is important. I had to wait for the gates on HWY 67 to be opened by AZDOT along with a few other cars. I finished after dark but I did finish. I would not recommend hiking this on May 15th in the future. It was a spectacular hike. There were a ton of people on the trail and ample water sources, I did stop to filter 1 liter for top off past Cottonwood. The trails are well maintained, even saw some NPS people doing trail work on North Kaibab.
8. Xai says

   May 10, 2022 at 2:37 pm

   This opening weekend for the North Rim, my wife and I and another couple will be backpacking from the North Rim and exiting on the South Rim through Bright Angel Trail. We have a permit to camp for one night at Bright Angel Campground in tents. I’ve tried to gather as much information as I could by reading through this website and members’ stories but there isn’t a lot of information about the temperatures down in the canyon (specifically Phantom Ranch and BA Campground) at night. We know it’s potentially very hot during the day but if you’ve camped at BA Campground, what was your night like temperature-wise (even more helpful if you did your R2R hike in mid-May)? We’re from the Midwest and can easily find temperature/weather forecasts for the North and South Rims but it’s less easy to pinpoint temperatures on the floor of the canyon. Any tips and advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

   • member says

     May 10, 2022 at 4:54 pm

     Hello Xai, there is link on our hike-it page to Phantom Ranch weather but I have also attached it here. The elevation down there is about 2,400 feet. Good luck you on your hike!
9. Patty Wilson says

   May 4, 2022 at 2:19 pm

   Hi R2R folks,
   Looking for some assurance, if you will. I’m hiking R2R in one day over Memorial Day weekend. I’d like to feel I’m in shape as I run 5Ks, I walk at least 3 miles a night and just last weekend I did a 12 mile hike. I have done some stairs work as well. How brutual is like hike and is it doable if you just take time. I have all the necessary equipment with shoes, poles, back, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.

   • member says

     May 9, 2022 at 12:05 am

     Hello Patty. This Rim to Rim Hike of the Grand Canyon “tests” everyone differently. The key is to make sure you have trained (sounds like you have) and that you pack accordingly to the recommendations and that you do take your time and listen to your body throughout the hike. With the elevation change of over 5,000 feet descending and then ascending, that is where the “test” comes in. We believe as much as this hike is physical, it is also incredibly mental as well. Go in with the confidence that you have all that you need to do this and that you are stronger than you are. The attitude you take in will help you immensely! Good luck and please let us know how it goes!
10. Dominic says

    May 2, 2022 at 11:50 pm

    I’ve looked around a lot and not seen much about doing this as a straight through NIGHT hike.

    That’s my plan for May 15th when it opens – park south rim, shuttle to north arrive 6pm, hike straight back, crash somewhere on south rim. I know there’s more to see during the day but the lack of people + full moon seems more fun to me. Obviously different dangers involved.

    Has anyone done this or read about people doing it?

    Thanks

    • member says

      May 3, 2022 at 12:03 am

      Hi Dominic, yes, that opening weekend will be busy and we have had club members hike it at night especially under a full moon. Two that left the night I was heading out the next morning. Make sure you have a headlamp that has back-up batteries:). Safe travels and let us know how it goes.
11. Greg Kolish says

    April 25, 2022 at 6:39 pm

    We are curious about the possibility of R2R and flip-flop all in one trip. Looking at 5 days to complete, with a day off in the middle at either the south or north rim. Is it possible, and does the park allow that to happen? Also, we are hiking with 4 people, so my research so far seems to suggest that planning this trip for a specific date. Say, Sept, or Oct, might be sheer luck on it happening. Any tips and hints about getting the specific dates wanted, especially for 4 people?

    • member says

      April 25, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      Yes you can do this as you would just need to secure the permits to camp on the inner corridor trails at the campgrounds and/or you can stay at the Lodge on the North Rim and/or the hotels on the South Rim and then of course try for Phantom Ranch at the base of the canyon. Best bet is to apply for any camping permits and reservations now and have flexibility in your schedule if you want to do this as permits and reservations are difficult to come by.
12. Gourab Chakraborty says

    March 22, 2022 at 4:48 am

    Hi,

    My friend and myself are planning for a day RIM2RIM hike this May 20, 2022 from North Kaibab Trailhead to Bright Angel. We are not getting any accommodation near the North Kaibab Trailhead for the night May 19, 2022.

    Any help with the reservation will be greatly appreciated.

    Thank in advance!

    Gourab

    • member says

      March 23, 2022 at 12:23 am

      Try the Kaibab Lodge (just outside the park) as that would be next closest if you can’t get camping at the North Rim and/or lodging at the North Rim.
13. Derrick Clark says

    February 18, 2022 at 4:50 pm

    Hello,
    My sons and I are set to do R2R in May. We have reservations for one night at North Lodge but unfortunately could not reserve campsite at the bottom (backcountry permit). Originally we were going to split it up into 2 days but are going to have to do it in one day. We plan on starting Hike early in the morning from the North Rim. If we can not make it to the south rim by sunset, can we continue the hike in the dark. In other words is there a permitted time to hike in the Grand Canyon? Not sure if we will need extended breaks for rest. Just trying to prepare for worst case scenario.

    • member says

      February 18, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      Hi Derrick, you can hike the Grand Canyon any time for a day hike (so 24/7 and no permit for day hikes) but please make sure you have headlamps and back up batteries to come out at night as there are steep areas for sure! Good luck on your hike!
    • Mary Becker-Pashanamaei says

      March 6, 2022 at 8:32 pm

      Hi Derrick! My husband and I hiked R2R in one day in May 2021. We left the North Kaibab trail head at 4:45 am and hiked out to a magnificent sunset around 7:00 pm at the Bright Angel trailhead. It was pretty tough but we felt prepared. We trained hard, carrying a lot of weight. Mistakes I made, I didn’t eat enough even though we pack a lot. You have got to eat, even when you don’t want to. I also carried too much water. There are a number of water stops along the way and so there is not need to carry too much water. You can do this! It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but am planning on doing again THIS June, solo. I am 62 years old and a little squart of a chick.

      • Aaron says

        March 21, 2022 at 11:20 pm

        Mary, thanks for this. How much water would say is the right amount? I’ve seen 3 liters. We’re hiking R2R in late May 2022. I suppose it depends on temperature that day.

        • member says

          March 23, 2022 at 12:24 am

          3 Liters is always the best option and then check all water stops to make sure you have access throughout the hike (if they are turned on at various parts) but always try to carry 3 liters.
14. Daniel says

    September 16, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    Hello R2R hikers, Our group has a permit for a North Rim to South Rim hike the first week of November. We are wondering if there are public showers available somewhere on the South Rim. We would like to shower and change clothes before our journey back to Phoenix.
15. gianluca tartaglia says

    July 16, 2021 at 5:01 am

    Hello Fellow Hikers:
    I am planning a South to North Rim hike in one day in Mid October. I am a runner and in great shape overall. Any recommendations on the best route to take? I know the South Kaibab/North Kaibab route does not have water and provides no shade but it is about 2 miles shorter. Is it worth it?

    Thank you all for your reply.

    Luca

    • Greg Shrader says

      August 5, 2021 at 12:07 am

      Luca,

      Just finished R2R North Kaibab to Bright Angel. I did Rim to River and Back on South Kaibab years ago. If you start on the South Kaibab with 3-4 liters of water you should be fine. You can refill at Phantom Ranch and there are three good water spigots at Cottonwood, Manzanita and the Supai tunnel going up the North Kaibab Trail.

      I think the South Kaibab is a scenic route buy Bright Angel has it’s high points as well.

      Good luck.

      Greg
    • david gardner says

      December 27, 2021 at 8:17 am

      Luca,

      I’ve only done the North Kaibab/Bright Angel routes, twice from the south rim and only ever carried 2 liters of water (but made sure watering places were available on the north side of the river). The Bright Angel route is of course shorter, but probably steeper and there is a lot of sun exposure, not a lot of sidewall protection, so make sure to consider this hike when it is cooler. I’ve also done the triple rim to rim, starting on the north rim which took ~22 hours . I swore I’d never attempt that one again, as I was too tired to move at the end and it had started snowing upon reaching the north rim around 2:30 a.m. I had to try to keep warm in the parking lot awaiting my ride which showed up an hour late.
16. Dave says

    May 26, 2021 at 12:52 am

    My two brothers-in-law and I have not heard back yet from our Phantom Ranch submission for June of 2022, so I assume we will get an email soon saying we didn’t get in. I’ll start trying to find an opening next week when May is over. Does anyone know the best time to check online or call? Do they post openings on a certain day or time? Also, even though we put a wide date range, I assume it’s as tough as ever right now with the dorms closed. Has anyone heard if those will be opening up? Thank you!

    • Jeremy N Levine says

      June 4, 2021 at 11:17 pm

      i think i read somewhere they are aiming for Spring 2022 to fix the water filtration system.
17. Ali says

    May 12, 2021 at 9:53 pm

    I have submitted my application to make the hike (North Rim to Bright Angel) in a 3 day period in October. I cant wait, fingers crossed that I am approved.

    I did a hike down Bright Angel a couple of years ago, camped at the bottom and came back up the next day. Wish it was a longer trip so I couldn’t wait to do it again, but the whole thing this time!

    I started training in Jan. Running, hiking (with a baby on my back to equate the weight of the back pack). I hope I am ready when the time comes.

    Wish me luck!

    • member says

      May 13, 2021 at 12:21 am

      Good luck Ali on the permit!
18. Todd kadas says

    May 11, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Thinking about doing it again and came online looking to see if map was necessary. Did it with some friends a few years ago. They managed to book cabin at south end and got reservations at lodge on north end. I did zero preparation and never go hiking. I actually bought hiking boots and a camelback for this trip. To be fair though, i do cycle and run a good deal so the cardio portion of it didn’t concern me. What began to hurt towards the end was my shoulders and chest from the backpack. I likely have the upper body strength of a cup of oatmeal. Was a cool accomplishment. We did bright ángel down since the kaibab guy has no water or facilities from what I understand. Cant recall what time of the year it was bit we left the cabin around 4:30 and finished well in advance of time for dinner. One of my friends dads dropped us off at south and picked us up at north the next morning with a cooler of beers in the van. That’s the way to go
19. Tiffani says

    April 30, 2021 at 8:37 pm

    Can you hike rim to rim in late April? I am confused how you get back if the North Rim roads are all closed, but everything says April is a great time to do Rim to Rim. Any insight would be so helpful, thank you!

    • member says

      May 2, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      The North Rim road (highway 67) is closed in April and doesn’t open until May 15 and that is what we state above for when to hike it (May 15 – December 1 is when the road is open unless snow closes it sooner in November). Most do a different hike in the “off season” which is down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel (not a Rim to Rim but still a great hike) or a Rim to Rim to Rim in the “off season”.
20. Katie OBrien says

    April 3, 2021 at 1:58 am

    How has Covid-19 affected the operation of the canteen at Phantom Ranch? Is it open for meals? Is it open between meals and after the second dinner seating?

    • member says

      April 12, 2021 at 12:10 am

      Best bet is to check directly with Xanterra as they are the concessioner that manages Phantom Ranch to see what restrictions and hours are impacted for the time you are hiking.
21. cdchapman says

    March 5, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    I’m trying to figure out how long to plan for hiking from Phantom Ranch to N Rim? I would leave PR around 3:30 AM.

    • member says

      April 12, 2021 at 12:09 am

      Tough to say depending on breaks and conditioning but for most, that would be approximately a 6-8 hour endeavor.
22. James LaJeunesse says

    January 16, 2021 at 4:14 pm

    How much time is permitted between the two R2R hikes to qualify as a R2R2R?

    • koganti M Rao says

      March 13, 2021 at 3:57 am

      This is just my opinion. If you want to claim you did R2R2R as a day hike, you should finish under 24 hours regardless of how many breaks you take or how long they are!
23. Teresa Mitus says

    November 10, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    I have a question for the experts. My husband and I have reservations at Phantom Ranch next Sept 1. We are in our early 60’s and fairly fit. We are just now seriously working on training. We have been to the GC and hiked down a couple of miles on each trail.
    Our thoughts were, due to the steepness of coming up Bright Angel after a day of hiking from NR, to reverse it instead, and go down Bright Angel, camp at PR and then do the more gradual and plenty shaded N. Kaibab up and out.
    It looks like the general recommendation is from North to South, though, and I’m second-guessing our rationale. We are looking for opinions.

    • member says

      November 12, 2020 at 1:37 am

      Hi Teresa, the elevation gain and steepness of North Kaibab is just as difficult of an ascent and in fact it has a higher elevation and some deem this ascent a bit more difficult. It truly is up to each person and the route they would like to take. Because the distance of the North Kaibab trail is longer we recommend descending it and having that distance covered. Again. it’s all up to each person. Bright Angel actually has shade as well, it is South Kaibab that does not have shade nor a water source. Good luck!
    • Rodney Terrell says

      April 12, 2021 at 12:03 am

      Hi Teresa, In 1971, when I was 18, I ran down the South Kaibab with a full 35 lb pack to Phatom Ranch, intending to camp the night but after the 2 1/2 hour run down the canyon, I felt so good, I decided to run back up the Bright Angel trail in the same day. So I rested 2 hours and headed back up with my full pack. Well when I reached the Indian Gardens rest area I was tired, but I eat food and drank lots of water, but now I was only walking. When I reached the switch backs, I was unloading all the food (in cans) to anyone going down the canyon so that I could just keep putting one foot in front of the other. By the time I reached the top I was in horrible pain from all my muscles cramping up and all I wanted to do was seat down and die. So the moral of my story is, be PREPARED! What saved me was that I was in excellent physical condition because I was a distance runner. And I have this in born drive that makes me push my self, no matter the cost. All together I believe it took me 9 1/2 hours of running and walking. I’m 67 years old now and as I stand at the south rim looking down into the Grand Canyon I wonder how ever did it. How I long for those days of my youth. Nothing was impossible!
      Sincerely, Rodney Terrell
    • MB says

      July 22, 2021 at 4:01 am

      Teresa, I just returned from my first R2R, which I also did solo. I’m 53 yo cancer survivor and in average fitness. I run an occasional 5k, complete 4 miles in 30 mins. on an elliptical almost every day, and eat pretty clean. I took three days so I could enjoy the views. My family and I usually go to PR in the winter, descending South Kaibab and ascending Bright Angel. In June, my husband and I descended North Kaibab to camp at Cottonwood. This time, I descended Bright Angel and ascended North Kaibab for your very same concern. I found it much easier on my legs by the end of the trip. After speaking with a few Rangers, I learned that people, in general, are better at ascending than descending. It seems counterintuitive, but it makes sense, especially with a 30+ lbs. pack. At any rate, each trail has its own elements that make it challenging. You will have a wonderful experience no matter where you start.

      • Ben O says

        December 15, 2021 at 6:04 pm

        I just read your comment, and I would say that you are definitely *not* in average fitness. The average person does no 5k runs, does not run four consecutive 7.5 minute miles, and are not on any sort of exercise equipment even weekly.

        Kudos to you for staying in shape and surviving your cancer!
24. Grant says

    October 14, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    I know it’s 14 miles, but does anyone have a time estimate on how long it takes going from Phantom Ranch to North Rim. We are 30-35 years old and in good shape. Also looks like sunrises around 6:30-7:00 this time of year…I’m guessing you would not want to start this hike before then?

    Thans,
    Grant

    • Dave says

      October 18, 2020 at 4:42 am

      We did it in about 6.5 hours on Thursday but that was after 4 hours from the south rim to Phantom Ranch with a 20 minute stop at Cottonwood to filter water out of the creek because there was no water from PR to the north rim. 5 -7 hours is a good estimate
25. S Hogan says

    September 28, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    My son and I had planned to do R2R this year but had it messed up by COVID and the east entrance closure.
    On Labor Day I was thinking of any possible way to get from the South Rim (where we’d end our hike) back to our car at the N. Kaibab trailhead. I came up with the idea that I should just hike R2R2R. I had trained enough but was still pretty nervous about the idea.
    Four days later I was sleeping in my car at the NKT. I got on the trail at 4:40am and was mingling with tourists at the South Rim by 12:36pm. This was a new record for me (4th R2R hike).
    I stayed at Maswik Lodge and was on the trail again at 4:44 Sunday the 13th of September. I took the time to stop at Pipe Beach at the Colorado River and go for a swim. It was AWESOME! to experience as the sun was coming up. This was the first time I’d seen the thermometer at Bright Angle Campground below 70 degrees.
    I was reached the NKT at 1:53pm – still a pretty good time I think. I got a burger and fries at Jacob Lake and spent the night in Panguitch before driving home to Idaho on Monday.
    Going R2R2R was an amazing experience. A little training goes a long ways.
26. jim murphy says

    September 28, 2020 at 3:08 am

    just finished R2R N/S camped along the way- 3 nights/4 days.

    • member says

      September 28, 2020 at 5:25 am

      Awesome!

      • Peter Kopca says

        June 27, 2023 at 2:49 am

        Is it possible to go South to North and back again during the winter months in 8 nights and 9 days. I was wondering if it would be easier to get permits because of the lower temps. Would it also be possible/feasible to camp each night.

        • member says

          June 28, 2023 at 1:47 pm

          Yes, all depending on weather and securing the camping permits for the inner corridor trails. Key is the weather conditions (trail conditions of course) and the permits for overnight camping.
27. Grant says

    September 22, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    Howdy!

    I’m a first timer to the Grand Canyon and looking for some advice since Covid messed up original thru-hike plans. We are all fit and capable late 20s early 30s. Prefer not to camp though.

    We are scheduled to hike South Rim to Phantom Ranch Oct 23, then Phantom Ranch to North Rim Oct 24. I found a shuttle provider but its $500 bucks and 5 hours with the current east gate closure. I am wondering if our time would be better spent having a more leisurely time in the bottom of the canyon and hiking back out the south rim instead of sprinting up the north rim and spending 5 hours in a car.

    Can you tell me your opinion on this? Would I be missing a lot by not completing the North Rim? Or would it be not worth sprinting up and spending that much time in a car?

    Thanks,
    Grant

    • member says

      September 22, 2020 at 8:01 pm

      Grant, wow $500, that’s a lot.

      Since it is your first time, our recommendation is to hike down South Kaibab (epic views and to be taken in) and then up Bright Angel and stay on the South Rim.

      You can always go back and visit the North Rim and the North Kaibab trail but the hike above is amazing and something you can take on without worrying about the logistics during this sensitive time.

      • member says

        September 22, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        As well, since you have a Phantom Ranch reservation, you can day hike up North Kaibab a bit on the flat part after some rest since your day one is all a descent. You have a great trip ahead of you.
    • Gail Block says

      September 26, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      Hey Grant,
      We just returned from the Canyon. Hiked down South Kaibab, spent two nights at Phantom Ranch, and then hiked up the Bright Angel. While I have never done rim to rim, I can tell you that this was a phenomenal experience,. We experienced the beauty of two vastly different trails as well as enjoying a day at the bottom.
28. JW James says

    September 11, 2020 at 4:39 am

    Why don’t you shuttle from the South to the North on the 24th?

    We are hiking from North to South Kaibab on Sep 26th. My in-laws are staying with us on the North Rim and meeting us after we complete the hike.

    • Jeremiah DeLlamas says

      September 17, 2020 at 9:14 pm

      How do I make a post on this website? I am hiking rim to rim from North to South in one day on Friday, October 9th. Trying to find someone to exchange keys with at the bottom and dry each other’s cars around. Anyone interested? Jeremiah DeLlamas 801–885-7834.

      • member says

        September 17, 2020 at 9:37 pm

        You just did:)

        • Jeremiah DeLlamas says

          September 18, 2020 at 5:18 pm

          Nice and easy, thanks.

          Does any know of a company that will shuttle your vehicle over from North to South rim? I see companies that will shuttle you around, but wondering about a vehicle.
29. Sterling Vanbeek says

    August 10, 2020 at 6:39 am

    I did rim to rim in one day started at like 2 am to catch the van back to the northside.

    It was pretty hard but I only really started hiking seriously a few months before this I did the bright angel trail first to test myself

    • sarah sandoval says

      August 23, 2020 at 11:13 pm

      hello! what shuttle did you take back to the North Rim? TransCanyon isn’t running right now.
30. Ken says

    April 18, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    I have a question about alternate transportation options since the shuttle service is not scheduled to open at least until 6-1-2020 due to the COVID-19 situation. At the moment, our plan is to hike North Rim to South Rim in late May, while parking our car at the South Rim. Both rims are scheduled to be “open” but with very few accommodations at the North Rim. What are options for us to get to the North Rim from the South Rim the day before our hike?
31. Leah Wrazidlo says

    March 4, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    What is the nearest airport to fly into? Planning on starting on the North Rim going to the South.

    • member says

      March 5, 2020 at 1:39 am

      Flagstaff, AZ for South to North Route and St. George, Utah for North to South Route.
32. Amy says

    February 6, 2020 at 3:19 am

    Am hiking R2R late May-June. We have HIGHLY COVETED spots at Phantom Ranch on 6/1/20 but so far no luck for camping spots at Cottonwood (looking to hike down from South Rim on 6/1, night at PR, hike to Cottonwood on 6/2 out to North Rim on 6/3). wondering if anyone has 4 extra camp spots at Cottonwood in exchange for 2 spots at Phantom Ranch, we have one female spot and one male spot in the dorms.
33. TC says

    August 1, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    This site was very helpful when I was researching, so I feel obligated to give back to the site by posting some tips. I hiked from the North Rim campground to the South Rim campground last Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019. This was not an ideal time by any means (given the temperature), but it was my only option. It’s a tough dayhike but doable if you’re healthy and train appropriately. I really enjoyed the hike. The scenery changes throughout the hike which kept it interesting the whole way. Now for the TIPS: The key to my happiness on this hike was to stay drenched, and hydrated. I wore a long-sleeved performance shirt, hat, shorts, hiking shoes, thick socks, and a hydration pack. I also used a thick cotton dishtowel that I soaked in water and hung over my head and neck during the hottest portion of the trail. I used the rivers to cool off in… shoes, clothes, and all. I carried three liters of water (never used the third liter but still a good idea to carry for backup). I hydrated the day before the hike and during the hike. I drank Nuun electrolytes and ate Gu when I needed an energy boost. My lunch was PB&J sandwiches, trail mix, and summer sausage that I bought at Phantom Ranch (really good). In regards to training, the stair-stepper at the gym was my best friend. I did a few outdoor runs in hot conditions to prepare for the heat. I also did two big hikes (significant elevation gain) a month prior. One more tip, take the time to go to Ribbon Falls, it’s worth it. Hope this helps.
34. I. C. says

    July 15, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    Hi.
    My wife and I, with our two teenage sons, completed our rim to rim hike a couple of weeks ago.
    We started by getting our Phantom Ranch reservation about a year ago. We also got the dinner, breakfast and lunch sack from Phantom Ranch. A great option to reduce the weight of our backpacks.
    We started on the North Rim, stayed at the Grand Canyon Lodge the night before and went down the North Kaibab Trail. We stayed at Phantom ranch for the night, and continue up to the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail. We also had a reservation at the Thunderbird Lodge on the South Rim to rest after our hike.
    We then used the TransCanyon Shuttle to get back to our car at the North Rim.
    I want to thank you for all the great advice on this website!
    All your tips were really helpful in planning our journey, staying safe, and especially being able to enjoy it. Thank you!

    • member says

      July 15, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      So happy you and your family had a great hiking & Grand Canyon experience and that our website helped! Welcome into the club!
35. Eduardo Rodriguez says

    June 22, 2019 at 11:31 pm

    Hi there
    How can I get from the Jacob Lake Inn to the start of the
    trail at the North Rim?
    I need to be at the start of the trail around 5:00am for a cross
    Canyon hike on Wednesday 11 September 2019.
    Regards

    • member says

      June 23, 2019 at 12:27 am

      You would need a car or shuttle as Jacob Lake is 45 miles from the TH.

      • Eduardo Rodriguez says

        June 23, 2019 at 12:55 am

        I have been in contact with Trans Canyon Shuttles who said:
        “We will be happy to drop you off at Jacob Lake Lodge. You will need to be in touch with Gateway Tours to arrange for transportation from Jacob Lake to the North Rim”.

        I have reached out to Gateway Tours and am awaiting their reply. In the meantime are
        there any other means of getting to the North Rim trail head? Car is not an option as my car will be awaiting me on the South Rim. What about cab/taxi service? Is that something that is readily available and easily arranged?

        • Eduardo Rodriguez says

          June 29, 2019 at 1:57 am

          Update: 29 June 2019-

          I have contacted Gateway Tours (435)689-1737 and have organised a shuttle transfer from The Jacob Lake Inn in Fredonia to the trail head on the North Rim. The will pick me up at 5am and have me at the start of the trail by 6am.

          So anyone ever looking for a shuttle to the North Rim trail head (because the Grand Canyon Lodge is fully booked) then Gateway Tours is your answer. Please note however that there is a 2 person minimum charge for any shuttle transfer with them.
36. Xochitl says

    May 10, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    Hello,
    First of all Ive been dreaming of hiking this beauty. please I need an help. I have sent my permit application several times but no luck. When is a better time and how besides faxing. ill be doing the south rim as I will be a beginner and not trying to push my self. Hubby and I will try to go down SK stay one night in BA or PR and come up BA. Any suggestions as to parking, bus, , time frame or weather, would be appreciated. We were trying for September but I guess we are not lucky again. Will try for October.

    Thank you,

    • member says

      May 16, 2019 at 2:48 pm

      Hi,

      Due to the weather, September and October are the best times to hike Rim to Rim so getting a permit or reservation at Phantom is more difficult during that time but keep trying as that is the BEST time to hike. Our suggestion is to try for other dates throughout the year and see what you can land. There is a hiker shuttle bus you can take to get to the South Kaibab trail OR you can park along highway 64 just west past the sign for South Kaibab trail (you cannot park in the South Kaibab trailhead area).

      • Xochitl says

        May 20, 2019 at 8:42 pm

        thank you! ill keep on trying.
37. Tara says

    May 1, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    Group of three 20-somethings hiking R2R memorial day weekend, with camping permits. We are camping first night at Cottonwood, Second Night at Phantom Ranch, Third morning/day hike up and out bright angel. Weather wise in late May, what are the temps like during the day and night? in the canyon at both places? Are sleeping bags necessary, are puffer jackets necessary, raincoats necessary, etc.

    Any advice for three newbies is really appreciated as we prep the right packs!

    • member says

      May 16, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      Love that you have permits for the weekend! Tough to answer on the weather as it can go any way. Sometimes last week in May can be hot but also cold. Our suggestion is to pull up the weather a few days before you leave and adjust accordingly. Keep in mind of the elevation changes which impact the weather. Good luck on the hike!
38. Kevin says

    April 22, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    Group of four doing R2R on 5/19/19. We wanted to hike in two days initially but had a miscommunication and feel forced to do it in one day. We’re starting north rim doing N. Kaibab to Bright Angel and ending at South.

    Is it worth doing in one day if we aren’t confident? We’re all mildly athletic but very little hiking experience. Again, we’d planned on camping but all the permits are filled.

    Any advice would be wonderful.

    • JasonB says

      April 30, 2019 at 3:56 am

      Hi Kevin,

      The hike is doable, but keep in mind that if you are on a time schedule (to meet a shuttle, family member, etc…), you may need extra time to complete the hike. You could be in for a long day.

      The hotter the temps, the harder the hike, so pay attention to the weather forecast.

      If you attempt, try to time your hike so you hit Phantom Ranch no later than Noon. It’s a good place to rest up before you start climbing out and you can get calories you don’t need to carry (just cash to pay for them)

      Pay attention to the water situation. You want to keep your pack light and the biggest driver of pack weight will be the water you carry. Don’t over pack. An extra 10 lbs can feel like 50 during the final climb out (I had that issue last year in my R2R “day hike” – extra weight and I had to pack it all out).

      The hike is 24 miles, 5700 ft down and 4300 ft up. Its a challenge. You know best your group’s capabilities. Think about it. Discuss it and decide.

      Best of Luck

      JasonB
39. Kelly says

    April 15, 2019 at 8:49 pm

    We are looking for a ride from the South Rim to Jacob Lake on May 14th. There are two of us. We have Phantom Ranch booked for the 15th and we want to do the Rim to Rim but we are a day early for the main shuttle. We are leaving our car at the South Rim so we can hike out and drive home.

    Let me know if you have any ideas. The North Rim opens a month from today. How exciting. Let the season begin.
40. Kay says

    March 29, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Hi everybody,

    I am looking for advise. I just got a temporary reservation for our r2r hike with a very stern warning from the rangers. We have a group of 4, with no previous Grand Canyon hiking experience. They made that seem like a big deal. However we are all in training and most of us are up to 3-4 miles daily and a 10-11 miles on the weekend. We have a couple over achievers doing 6-8 miles a day. We are aware of the heat and the box. Are the rangers just trying to scare us off?????

    The trip is in July 30, 2019. I know, heat of summer. We plan on starting at 4:00am from the North rim North Kaibab Trail, hopefully getting to our Bright Angel campsite by 10:00am beginning of dead hours. If it doesn’t look like we are going to make it, plan B is chillin’ at Cottonwood campground until 4:00pm and then heading the rest of the way to Bright Angel. After a good night’s sleep, again leaving at 4:00am making it to the top of the Bright Angel Trail OR as with day before, chillin’ at the Indian Gardens Campground from 10:00am until 4:00pm. That doesn’t seem so bad to us.

    Any advice? Are we crazy or are the rangers being scary?

    Thanks,
    Kay

    • JasonB says

      April 2, 2019 at 1:48 am

      Hello Kay,

      Looks like you got the Provisional Permit. I got one back in Feb 2019 (just after the NPS spooled back up after the gov’t shutdown) for campsites I wanted for a May 2019 R3 hike. Its not a big deal, but you do need to return the Hiker Information Sheet or no permit and no hike.

      Reason for getting it is you hit two of the three red flags identified in the “Important Hiker Information” sheet that should have been part of the e-mail from the Ranger.

      The three red flags are:

      1) Hiking Solo
      2) Hiking in Summer
      3) Hiking greater than 10 miles a day

      For your R2R hike for July 30 gets the Summer Red Flag. The NK trailhead to BCG hike is 14 miles, which gets you the greater than 10 miles in a day Red Flag.

      You need to fill out the Hiker Information Sheet ASAP.

      Two areas of importance: Hiking Experience and Equipment Carried

      Hiking Experience: Focus on your weakest team member. This is the person the Rangers are most concerned about. While GC experience is nice, as is desert hiking, not everyone has that option. Note any hikes or training hikes that involve distance, heat, and significant altitude change…with load (i.e. a pack) – identify the hike/trail (Mt X, YYY Trail, PCT, etc…). Again, focus on your weakest team member. The Ranger is looking for evidence that your weakest member has a reasonable ability to do the hike successfully.

      Equipment Carried: If you are doing a basic hike with no special equipment (raft, climbing gear, etc…) this should just be a basic summary of your main equipment. I kept it very generic and focused on safety equipment. I’m solo hiking a R3, so I figured the Rangers would be more interested in that.

      Once you turn the form in, the Rangers should get back to you within 24 hours. I faxed them at night and had a response (permits approved) the following morning.

      As for the hike, you are looking at things correctly. If making good time, push on. If behind schedule, stop and wait until the temps improve. On my R2 day hike at the end of last June, I made the mistake of hiking between Phantom and Cottonwood (I was going up NK) during the middle of the day. The Box is Hot, but even after you get out, the rest of the trail is also Hot, with very limited shade. Temps were consistently 115+ in the shade (whenever you could find it) and it was very dry (<1% humidity) – I had a digital temp/humidity sensor. You will be hiking downhill vs. my uphill, but either way, mid-day temps are brutal during the summer. If you fall behind schedule, wait.

      FYI…In Cottonwood, the best shade is around the Ranger Station, but the water is mid-camp (up trail) from the Ranger Station.

      Best Regards,

      JasonB
    • Glen says

      April 8, 2019 at 8:32 pm

      Sounds like you are training enough, but make sure you are doing hills ,up as well as down. Bring some foot guide for your feet and undercarriage! I’ve done it about five times and always in one day with a days rest for return trip. And Yes the rangers do scare off the unprepared! Funny thing though, if they know that you have done it previously, then they become enthusiastic
    • JasonB says

      April 12, 2019 at 1:20 am

      Hello Kay,

      Did you get your permit confirmed?

      Best Regards,

      JasonB

      • Kay McKenna says

        April 17, 2019 at 1:19 am

        Hi Jason,

        Thanks for asking. We did get the permit, but after discussing it with the group we decided to add an additional night. We are hiking 7 miles to Cottonwood first day, 7 miles to Bright Angel second day and out the third day, splitting the trip with a long rest at Indian Garden during the dead hours. The rangers were much happier with that. There seemed to be plenty of availability, we got responses within a week.

        Kay

        • Kay McKenna says

          August 7, 2019 at 3:08 am

          Hi Everybody!

          I’m going to give you a follow up. We completed our hike last week. Yes, in the heat of the summer. However, we did luck out with rain on our third day, and it was welcomed. We did a three day trip as described above. First day camped at Cottonwood, second day camped at Bright Angel (became Junior Rangers while there) and hiked out the third. It was amazingly beautiful the entire time. We’ll maybe except for the “glamour gals” flitting up and down the South Rim Bright Angel in their flip flops and yoga pants while we were trudging up with our packs, sweating like a you know what…

          My advise is to hit the stairs. We all trained on hills for endurance, but that didn’t even prepare us for some of the climbs. There are literally stairs carved into the path. If I did it over I would concentrate on doing stairs at our local high school stadium in three hour blocks each weekend. We were sore from coming down on the first day, so going uphill on the last day was a breeze. Different muscles, I guess.

          We did get up at 4:00am every day and finished hiking before 10:00am. That really is the best way to go. We were blessed with overcast skys most of the time. The week just prior to ours they hit the summer high on temps. I am sure our week was the season’s low. I would have hated to to it in full sun. The time flew by with so much scenery to look out we hardly didn’t notice how long we were walking.

          It was an amazing trip! I am so glad I did it!
          Kay
41. Glenn in Texas says

    February 6, 2019 at 9:44 pm

    I got an email from a friend who was able to secure one night at the Grand Canyon Lodge, with five rooms and was looking for a crew to hike rim to rim. Eight of us signed up and flew from various cities to Phoenix, then drove up to meet the shuttle on the south rim on October 5, 2018. Because of road washouts, we learned from our shuttle driver that it would be an 8 hour trek to the north rim! That didn’t sit well with some of us, so there were quick calls made to airports looking for helicopters that could fly us to the north rim. We then learned that helicopters don’t have a place to land on the north rim, so when we inquired as to whether they could just hover 10 feet or so off the ground and drop us, the helicopter pilot promptly hung up the phone. Oh well.

    The good news is the shuttle ride was only 7.5 hours and the driver was a great guy. Unfortunately, we got to the lodge way too late to take in any of the views, so it was a quick dinner and then to bed for our early wakeup.

    Hit the trail at 5:30, with first daylight around 6-6:30. Going down the north rim was harder to me than up the south rim, as my toes got pretty beaten up on the constant downhill. Our group broke into three smaller groups, based on hiking pace, and we stopped often for snacks and water.

    We reconvened at the Phantom Ranch around 12:30, had some more snacks and lemonaid, then started up the hike again and pretty quickly crossed the river and hit the Bright Angel trail heading up. It was a long afternoon of hiking, but with some terrific views and a light rain shower that cooled us off.

    As soon as we summited the south rim, right around 17:30, the wind had picked up and temperature dropped to 40 degrees. We had time for a quick picture before the skies opened up with a heavy rain along with some sleet and snow. The hotel room in the Best Western were nice, with good hot showers and comfortable beds. We were excited to eat at a restaurant rather than trail mix and energy bars.

    Grand Canyon Death March 2018 Team – Denton, Neil, Amy, Glenn, Adam, JR, Richard and Ryan
42. koganti rao says

    February 6, 2019 at 6:17 am

    Any one knows how old is the oldest person did Rim to Rim day hike from North to South and how long it took? Just curious as I plan to do it next year at 85th birth day!
43. Suze says

    January 24, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    Can anyone share the reaons for the NPS recommendation that children under 8 do not hike to Phantom, plus the recommendation that children do not hike in winter or summer? I am considering a hike with my almost 9 year old for the mid to late February 2020 and would like to fully understand the reasons supporting the recommendation. No doubt exertion and extreme heat/cold will be a factor in their recommendation, but I’m wondering if there is anything else that I haven’t considered. I have hiked to Phantom in the winter but other than a little snow heading down into the canyon the conditions were favourable on that trip. Presumably some times in winter there can be a total white out blizzard resulting in an inability to see the trail and a requirement to call the whole thing off! Many thanks

    • Louise Miracle says

      February 14, 2019 at 12:12 am

      Hi, Suze — In answer to your question about why children under 8 are not recommend for hiking to Phantom (especially in the summer months), kids don’t have fully developed cooling mechanisms in their bodies, as compared to us adults. Consequently, they can be hiking along looking great and then suddenly “crash,” especially if they haven’t been monitoring their “ins and outs” (i.e., food and water intake, along with urine output). I’ve been a PSAR (Preventive Search and Rescue) volunteer ranger since 2006, and on the trails we’re constantly talking with parents who may not know their kids are more at risk for the heat-related illnesses (such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, rhabdoymylisis). In fact, anyone who hikes the Canyon should know the symptoms and treatments for these all-too-common illnesses. Interestingly, children who are in their parents’ backpacks are really at risk since they’re getting heat from their parents’ plus ambient temperatures. Hope this helps.
44. Ian says

    January 8, 2019 at 7:17 pm

    We are looking at running R2R2R in November. Where do I look to see what water options will be working at that time of year?

    Thanks.

    • JasonB says

      March 17, 2019 at 10:30 pm

      Hello Ian.

      Per NPS website, Seasonal Water sources are typically shut down between Oct 10 and Oct 30.

      For a November R2R2R, the current website status is likely what you will have available in November.

      South Rim – Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trailheads
      Indian Garden
      Bright Angel Campground/Phantom Ranch
      Manzanita Rest Area

      North Rim – North Kaibab Trailhead will be shutdown and you will need to got to the North Rim Backcountry Information Office (it has year round water). Depending snow status and North Rim trail/road condition, round trip to the Backcountry Office and back to the NK trailhead will add 1 to 2 miles to your R2R2R.
45. Suzanne says

    January 5, 2019 at 12:30 am

    Hello! Can anyone help me with indication temperatures in August at Phantom Ranch around 4-5am and Indian Gardens around 8-9am please? We have a 2 night stay at Phantom and plan to hike out to the South Rim using the Bright Angel trail. We would like to avoid hiking in the worst of the heat but also are mindful of potential thunderstorms. We don’t have a permit for Indian Gardens camping and realise we may not be able to get one so need to plan for hiking from river to rim in one day. We are familiar with the Bright Angel trail but have only hiked from river to rim in December, which obviously is a very different experience! Any guidance you can offer is much appreciated. Thank you.

    • member says

      January 6, 2019 at 10:46 pm

      Hi Suzanne. From our experience in August you are looking at Phantom in low 80’s at that time and then Indian Garden about the same as that as you reach a higher elevation.

      Good luck on your hike!

      • Suzanne says

        January 13, 2019 at 7:30 pm

        Thank you! 80 sounds manageable. Perhaps the most difficult part will be leaving Indian gardens approaching 10am with no shade. Presume if we haven’t left Indian gardens by 9am then we should stay there until after 3pm.
46. koganti rao says

    December 1, 2018 at 6:37 am

    Any one knows how old is the oldest person ever hiked Rim to Rim as day hike?

    • Rod F. says

      January 12, 2019 at 4:31 am

      I hope older than myself – planning to hike R2R (South to North Kaibab) next year before I turn 70. During my younger days (1981) we backpacked R2R2R. It was a great experience.
47. Steve W says

    September 2, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, I hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim; I will share with you some of my experience.

    I started in to the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim, elevation 6,840 ft., temperature 48 degrees with the calm illumination of the moon. I could see the lights of the North Rim Lodge on the other side of the canyon 10 miles away. I was hiking, not flying, so the distance I would cover would be 23.5 miles. A quarter mile down the trail I saw a hiker heading the other direction, even though it was early in the morning I expected to see more people as this is the most used portion of the most used trail in the Grand Canyon. I didn’t see another person for more than two hours and the lights on the south rim were no longer visible.

    Large sections of the trail were illuminated by moon light so well there was no need to use the light I had attached to my hat. When the trail was in the shadow of the moon it was very dark and difficult to see where the trail headed; twice I went the wrong way and had to go back. There was no artificial light and the only sounds were from me and the wind. The sky was clear with stars of varying brightness; more stars than I have ever seen. I thought of people that were here many years ago seeing the same stars and feeling the cool breeze.

    I stopped for water at Indian Garden, 4 ½ miles in to the canyon. From here to the Colorado River, 3 miles away, the wind, stars, moon and canyon walls would be accompanied by another sound; water rushing down the stream over the rocks and the occasional small waterfall. Being in this majestic place with the wind, stars, moon and water was very humbling. On several occasions I could hear echoes of the water off the canyon walls; it sounded like many people talking at once unable to recognize a single voice. Did I hear echoes or voices from the past?

    The Colorado River, elevation 2400 ft., was a welcome site since I knew Phantom Ranch, my next stop, was fewer than two miles away with no steep hills. Phantom Ranch (Bright Angel Campground) is a place of special memories for me as my son and I visited ten years ago and five years ago. This time was much different; it was 4:40 AM and the temperature was 72 degrees. When we were here previously the daytime temperature was 120 degrees in the shade; the needle on the thermometer in the sun was pinned past 140. Of course it’s a dry heat.

    After a 30 minute break it was just beginning to get light from the sun; I continued on for six miles to the Cottonwood Campground. I was accompanied by sounds and sights of the Bright Angel Creek heading from the north to the Colorado River. On the way to Cottonwood I went through “The Box”. This is an area that gets particularly hot during summer days, usually exceeding the temperature at Phantom Ranch. I was grateful to experience this area at a comfortable time. There was an increase in elevation from Phantom Ranch to Cottonwood but somewhat mild.

    After a break at Cottonwood I continued with full sun on the trail knowing the North Rim Trailhead was fewer than seven miles away. There was a continued increase in elevation and some steep areas by the time I got to the Manzanita Rest Area for water; 5.4 more miles to go on this glorious hike.

    The final 5.4 miles was the greatest rate of change in elevation of the hike. There were very few stretches that were level for more than a hundred feet, then the hike uphill continued. I remember thinking of the planning stage when I thought, “It will be a great experience, sure the last five mile will be tough; you can do it”. I stopped every couple of hundred feet to take a 30 second break and drink some water. This was the most strenuous stretch of hiking I have ever done.

    I arrived at the North Rim Trailhead 14 hours, 29 minutes after I stepped foot on the Bright Angel Trail on the south rim. I had gone from 6,840 ft. elevation to 2,400 ft. elevation to 8,240 ft. elevation. This was truly a humbling, strenuous, joyous, awe inspiring experience that I am extremely grateful I was able to accomplish.

    • member says

      September 2, 2018 at 3:34 pm

      Steve, love that you had such an amazing experience on your hike and you witnessed the canyon stars in their glory! Sounds like this hike will stick with you for a long time! I just missed you as I was coming down North Kaibab on Wednesday! Thank you for sharing your Rim to Rim Story! Welcome into the club!
48. Rhea Allen says

    August 27, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Any options beside the trans shuttle from getting from S to N rim? My son and I are doing a r2r on Oct 15th and the shuttle leaves really late in the day. We want to be on the trail by 6am but really didnt want to have to arrive the day before.

    • Katarina Schatz says

      August 27, 2018 at 9:00 pm

      would be interested to know this answer as well!
    • member says

      August 27, 2018 at 10:14 pm

      Flagstaff Shuttle and charter is another option as they do custom shuttle times. Contact information is on our shuttle tab/page of this website.
    • Christina Robertson says

      August 29, 2018 at 6:30 pm

      Rhea, it’s Christina (and Joe) again. We will be “jumping off” from the N on Oct. 15th. Have you figure out your logistics yet? We’ll be staying overnight at the N on the 14th and hopping the free shuttle from the NRim Lodge to the trailhead.
49. Alexis Mcgilvrey says

    August 3, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    Does anyone know of a service that runs in the winter that can take you from the south Rim to the north Rim for a R2R ending at Bright Angel?? any info would be greatly appreciated!!

    • member says

      August 3, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      Hi Alexis,

      The access road (HWY 67) to the North Rim closes on December 1 until May 14 (unless snow closes it sooner) so you would need to do a R2R2R in the winter months and hike it on foot to access the North Rim.

      Hope this helps!
50. T Gordon says

    May 29, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    I booked a R2R trip from Bright Angel to North Kaibab from June 24th – 27th, 2018. Unfortunately, I was not able to book a site at the North Rim campground due to lack of availability. I read somewhere in a comment section that there are non-reservation tent spots available at the North Rim for R2R hikers, but I was hoping that someone could please confirm that before I commit that idea. I imagine that I will have “earned” my time on the North Rim and will want to bask in the afterglow of the adventure.

    • Jackie says

      June 16, 2018 at 11:21 pm

      T Gordon, I am planning a trip and have the same dilemma – all the campgrounds online are booked. But someone on Facebook confirmed that there is a hikers area. No reservation needed, but if you have a vehicle they won’t allow you to use it. It’s $6/night. There’s pay showers there too 🙂
    • Tyler says

      August 25, 2018 at 5:59 pm

      What was the verdict? I’m in the same boat, I got a backpack permit for a R2R with plans to stay at the north rim and I thought that was included in the permit. Would be perfect if this was true. We will not have vehicle with us.
51. VS says

    May 21, 2018 at 5:38 am

    My wife and I plan to hike from North to South with a night’s stay at Phantom Ranch last week of June. We’ll be staying at the North Rim Lodge the night before. Questions:

    – how far is the North Kaibab trail head from the lodge?
    – any recommendations about start time for the hike from North Rim, in order to make it safely through the Box? We’ve been training for about 6 months and are reasonably fit.

    Thanks for your help!

    • member says

      May 21, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      1. One and a half miles. You can sometimes get a ride from the lodge but you can park at North Kaibab trailhead too.

      2. By 5:00 am

      Good luck on your hike!

      • VS says

        May 22, 2018 at 3:59 am

        Thank you for the quick response!
    • James T says

      June 3, 2018 at 4:20 am

      just did the same hike as you guys. free shuttle from the Lodge (you can also drive yourself and leave your car at the trailhead). Last shuttle leaves at 6:00 AM.

      Everyone’s mileage will vary on when to leave, but it all depends on your pace, your interest in taking pictures, taking detours to Ribbon Falls for instance and the time of year you go. I left at 7:00 AM, and got some great lighting as the sun was a little higher at that time. I also took some detours and rests to just enjoy the nature and peace and still made it to Phantom Ranch a little before 2:00 PM. (The Box was hot, but I stopped and took breaks and took a dip in the creek too).

      Good luck!
52. Tiane says

    May 8, 2018 at 5:29 pm

    Hi everyone,
    Anyone planning to go from the south rim to north rim on 5/20/18. We are hiking from the north rim to south rim and need a ride back and since we are paying off the hefty student loans (doctoral) don’t want to pay the expensive shuttle costs. We’ll definitely pay for gas. Thanks in advance!
    -Tiane
53. Paul says

    April 23, 2018 at 11:10 am

    1) Is there a toilet at the carpark at the North Kaibab trailhead ?
    2) Are there toilets at regular intervals along the North Kaibab trail ?

    • member says

      April 23, 2018 at 7:07 pm

      1. Yes
      2. Please see map at top of this page

      • Paul says

        April 24, 2018 at 1:56 am

        Thank you ! (Silly me, didn’t consult the map !)
54. Paul says

    April 23, 2018 at 2:41 am

    I will be doing the Rim to Rim in one day at the beginnig of June … starting at North Kaibab
    trailhead.
    I understand there is a small carpark at the trailhead for overnight parking.
    How early in the morning should I get there to ensure I can get a space in the carpark?
    And is there a charge for the overnight parking?

    • member says

      April 23, 2018 at 2:52 am

      Yes, there is a parking lot at the North Kaibab trailhead. There is no charge to park overnight. Try to get there by 5:00 a.m. but vehicles do come and go during the day so hopefully something opens up either way for you. Good luck on your hike Paul!

      • Paul says

        April 24, 2018 at 1:58 am

        Thank you.
        I was hoping you may say 6am. Ah well, one less hour to sleep. I should survive 🙂

        • Courtneyse says

          May 21, 2018 at 4:02 am

          Please note no vehicles greater than 22 feet are permitted at the North Kaibab trailhead lot.
55. billy bob says

    April 6, 2018 at 5:14 am

    is south kaibab to river and then back up bright angel considered a rim to rim hike?

    • member says

      April 6, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      It is not, an official Rim to Rim hike is going from one rim to the other rim, however, the hike above you mentioned is a great one!
56. Susan says

    March 14, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    I am very afraid of heights. I tried to descend South Kaibab Trailhead and had to turn around after 100″ (some kids ran by me and that was it!). I heard that the North Rim trail is more wooded and doesn’t have the “scare factor” of the S. Kaibab trail. Can someone confirm this? I do want to do the rim to rim, but don’t want to get stuck because I am afraid to move! Thanks.

    • Steve says

      May 23, 2018 at 12:29 am

      North Kaibab trail is wooded at the top but as you rapidly drop into the canyon you leave behind the trees and you go through numerous exposed sections. At least one section of the trail is cut into a vertical wall. While the trail is relatively wide, if heights bother you, this one might not be for you.
57. db says

    February 23, 2018 at 5:20 am

    Planning to hike r2r (north to south) starting on July 12, staying at phantom ranch for one night and out using bright angel trail on July 13th.

    Am reasonably fit and have done several multi day hikes. Planning to start at about 5am.

    Will this give me enough time to go through the box before it becomes an oven or is there another strategy I should be considering?

    • member says

      February 23, 2018 at 5:34 am

      db,

      Starting at 5:00 a.m. will be perfect for you especially since you are staying at Phantom Ranch. You will be starting at day break which is nice so you can see the beauty of the canyon. A normal paced descent with a water/bathroom break or two will get you down to Phantom about 10:30 a.m. so you should be fine through the box. There are also parts of “the box” where the creek is next to you and parts with shade so because you won’t be in a hurry you have a respite as well.

      Good luck on your hike!
    • koganti Rao says

      March 21, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      Look at the weather forecast for Phantom Ranch and decide how early you want to start the hike. If I were you I would plan on leaving at 3AM for a July hike even if you are staying at Phantom Ranch.
58. Ray Callahan says

    January 23, 2018 at 5:37 am

    I’ve hiked the canyon rim to rim twice. north to south, once 5 years ago and last October. I hope to hike it again one more time this spring with a friend that has not been. Last October, my wife, a friend and I started the hike. About half way to Cottonwood, my wife’s left knee gave out. We barely made it to Cottonwood. She had to be rescued by helicopter. My friend and I continued the 4 day hike uneventfully. They say that if you hike it, you either say it was the worst experience of your life, or you can’t wait to go back. I have hiked it twice and really want to hike it again, but this time over 8 days, not 4 as before so I can really get to enjoy it. Hiking the grand canyon can be very strenuous or very enjoyable. Someone not in great shape probably should not attempt it, but if you are in great shape, It will be hard but very doable and very enjoyable. Hiking the Grand Canyon is one of the most enjoyable things I have done and can’t wait to go again. I’m 71 and had no problems last October.
59. Brian Cross says

    January 10, 2018 at 10:08 pm

    I would like to do a R2R2R this year. How many days should I plan to do it comfortably? I am 59,good shape too.

    • Justin Valley says

      February 9, 2018 at 5:10 am

      Hey Brian we did R2R2R in five days. It was pretty comfortable with the exception of a really big third day because the yurt on the North Rim was closed down. Depending on the time of year you’re going you may be able to break it down a bit differently.
60. Randy says

    December 29, 2017 at 4:44 am

    North to South One Day – completed Saturday October 28

    We drove to the North Rim with some friends who had a camper and spent the night. Dropped in at 6am and we climbed out 11 hours later at the top of Bright Angel. While we hiked, our friends and wives, drove around to the South Rim and set up camp. We had a combined 1 hour in stops for breaks every 2 hours and a 30 minute lunch. The weather was perfect – 36 degrees at the rain in the morning and within an hour we were down to shorts and T’s – mid-80’s down through the canyon. Put a light jacket on at the last water stop on the way out. My companion and I did a lot of training hikes prior to the R2R but everything was climbing and not descending. I had hurt my knee skiing back in January but it healed and I forgot all about it. Unfortunately after we descended about 4000′ my knee started to hurt and I could only step down with my left leg and then as we came out I could only step up with my right leg. That slowed us down to about 2 mph on the climb out. Knowing what I know know now I would have worn my knee brace and used my trekking poles on the way down (I didn’t pull them out until lI start to climb). The water was turned on the whole trip so we only needed to carry 1 liter but I had 2 in the camelback. My companion and I both had just finished a weight loss program monitored by a nutritionist (I lost 40 lbs – 20% of my weight) so they helped us with our eating and electrolite plan for the day – basically protein/carbs every 2 hours and electrolytes (drinks and pickles) every 3 hours.

    We had a great day, we prepared well, except for working on the descent, and we hit our goal of under 12 hours. We are now preparing to go and do the South to South (Kaibab to Bright Angel) in January with an 8 hour goal.

    • member says

      December 29, 2017 at 5:33 am

      Randy, congratulations on your hike and welcome into the club! Happy to hear it went great with the exception of your knee issues. It’s amazing the test the hike puts on the knees! The poles and brace will for sure help you! Enjoy your January hike!
61. Preston says

    October 19, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Hiking R2R South to North tomorrow Oct 20. So we are looking for a way back. Key swap or shuttle from North to South. Let me know if you’re interested.
62. James P says

    October 9, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    Hiking r2r for second time Sunday October 15, North to South. Looking if anybody wants to meet up and hike along with for part of the hike (3-4 mph).

    • Josh J says

      October 11, 2017 at 8:10 pm

      I’m hiking/running the same route that day. I’m planning to run down and mostly hike up. Not sure if you’re planning the same, but I’d love to email you with some questions since you’ve done it before. Otherwise, perhaps I’ll see you at the TH or along the trail.
63. Robert N says

    October 2, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    I completed the rim to rim on Sept. 20th, 2017 in one day starting at the No. rim and up the Bright Angel. I hiked this alone but had completed a lot of training including three 1 day hikes down the So. Kaibab, over to the Phantom Ranch and up the Bright Angel in the past 12 Months. What I am really proud of is the fact that I am 68 and started hiking at 65 averaging approximately 900 miles per year. It proves that you can do it at any age with the right training and desire. All 4 Grand Canyon hikes were incredibly beautiful.

    • member says

      October 2, 2017 at 6:28 pm

      Welcome into the club Robert! What an inspiration you are and happy you trained the way you did (SK to PR up BA for training hikes) as it sounds like it helped you have a great experience!
    • Mark A Chrzescian says

      October 9, 2017 at 11:02 am

      Great job Robert, I’m 62 and doing the trip solo this Saturday. Hike Supai with my daughter in May and this canyon 4 years ago. You are only as old as you feel. Always been active and always will be. Again Great Job!
64. Jessica Ihler says

    September 11, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    I am wanting to do R2R with my husband next spring but will have a 10 month old baby to bring as well. Would this be a horrible idea for the little one? If it is something that you think we could manage what route do you suggest? I would love any tips and advice. Thanks!

    • peaches lopez says

      November 17, 2017 at 7:39 pm

      Yes, that is a horrible idea. Why would you ever consider this with a young baby.?
      Reckless, irresponsible. That baby would be much happier at home. You would be much happier without the extra weight and responsibility.
65. Hannah says

    September 11, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    I have a reservation at Phantom Ranch for 1 male and 1 female in the dorms for this Friday, September 15th, 2017. I am wanting to trade it for a cabin reservation OR a bright angel camping permit as my husband and I would like to sleep together that night. Any interest please email me hrboyd77@yahoo.com
66. Bernie says

    September 4, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Just returned home from our RTR hike, South to North. What wonderful, beautiful, amazing, long, fun, scary, fantastic hike! My sister drove out from the LA area, and we shot up to the South Rim from Prescott, AZ, my home. Our long walk started at 5:20am and finished at about 6:45pm on the North Rim. We took it slow, enjoyed the views, ate a lot, drank even more(H2O). Everyone on the trail was awesome. The Rangers were not thrilled with us hiking RTR, I’m sure because they have had to deal with so many unprepared people attempting the trek. It was about 105 degrees at Phantom Ranch, so we stayed wet to keep cool. The hardest part of the hike for me was walking along the cliffs with sheer drops towards the end of the North Kaibab Trail. I don’t like heights/being on the edge of cliffs(the views were amazing though). One other thing to know is there is no cell service on the North Rim, so come up with a plan for pickup ahead of time or plan on walking an extra 1.7 miles to the lodge like we did. This was such a great experience, and more challenging than I expected. Train, prepare, pack well, and enjoy this awesome walk through about 1.5 billion years of geological history!

    • member says

      September 5, 2017 at 5:32 pm

      Welcome to the club Bernie! Love the expression “long walk”. Happy to hear all went well!
67. Larry LePere says

    August 17, 2017 at 3:37 am

    I just turned 60 in July of 2017, and went R2R with my two 20 something sons on August 8, 2017. All of us had trained for greater than 5 months, with a lot of elevation training, but no training hikes longer than 7 hours. We anticipated going from the South rim to the North Rim would take us about 12-13 hours.
    Our first problem was that we only got about 4 hours of sleep the night before. This was a huge mistake, but not one we could fix on the morning of the hike. We started our descent at 3:30 AM.
    We went down the South Kaibab trail, and that ALSO turned out to be a big mistake. I felt the trail was in terrible shape (although I’m not a big hiker and perhaps I’m just used to walking on sidewalks – compared to sidewalks, the SK trail was in horrible shape) I did hear from a number of other hikers who took that trail down that day, who also felt it was in very poor shape. On the contrary, I heard that Bright Angel was in very good shape. So, a flip of the coin and we came up on the wrong end. It took its toll on me, as my knees are not in nearly as good a condition as my son’s are – so what we anticipated would be about a 3 hour descent turned into a 5 hour descent – and a painful one at that – mostly due to my inability to keep pace.
    That slow descent also delayed our entry into the Box. We had started at 3:30 AM in order to get completely through the box prior to the heat getting to be an issue, but our slow descent had us entering the box at about 9 AM and not 7 AM – mistake number 3. We got through the Box in relatively good time about 2 hours for the 3.5 miles – but that left us on the flat, very hot section between the Box and Cottonwood Campground at 11 AM. The next 45 minutes was a very slow go, I was getting overheated, and we decided to do the honorable (and smart) thing and go sit in the Bright Angel Creek for 45 minutes or so. My body cooled down nicely, and we replenished our water using disinfecting tablets and creek water, and we made Cottonwood Campground by about 1:30 or 2. Son Stephen headed up the trail at this point, but I needed rest, and avoidance of the heat of the day, so me and my other son Dan rested until about 4:30.
    We then headed up the rest of the North Kaibab trail, and it was without any further incident except that I was so drained from the lack of sleep and rough descent that it took 9 more hours to go the final 7 or so miles – slowly, deliberately, and without pushing myself too hard – but it took 9 more hours. Dan left me at about 8:30 PM (about 4.5 miles from the North Rim) to get out and tell Stephen, and my daughter Jacqueline, who was waiting for us all at the rim, that I was in fine shape but just very much behind schedule (she had been under direction that if we did not show up by 7 PM, to go alert the Rangers).
    So, at 1:20 AM on August 9, I reached the North Rim, just short of 22 hours for the trip.
    We were in pain during the ascent, but now (about a week later), all we can remember was how really awesome and interesting the trip was. One sad note, several days before our trip, a woman hiker died due to heat exhaustion – so it was a real reminder (as was the encounter with the rattlesnake that Stephen had) that there are very real dangers if you do not prepare properly. If you get too hot – go sit in the creek for a few hours until the weather cools off. Its not the worst thing in the world to exit at 2 in the morning (I know!). Bring water, food and electrolytes. Take your time, don’t push yourself beyond your limit.
    Good luck, be safe – It is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
    As difficult as the hike itself turned out to be, there was and is nothing to describe the feeling I got at about 10:30 PM when I realized that I was likely the only person in Bright Angel Canyon at that time – the entire side canyon lit by the near-full moon, only the sounds of the canyon and me, and not one other human being in there. That realization alone was worth the entire trip.

    • member says

      August 18, 2017 at 3:27 am

      What a great recap of your trip and just as we try to convey all that enter. Welcome into the Rim to Rim Club® Larry (and sons Dan and Stephen). As time goes by you will totally reflect on the memories and I do believe you will hike Bright Angel as well one day. It must have been super special to have those moments on the North Kaibab Trail alone under a full moon. Thanks for you sharing your story Larry!
    • mike carter says

      August 30, 2017 at 3:51 pm

      Larry, not to be snarky but the 1st mistake, if not hiking with someone who has done this before, was not doing an exploratory or preliminary hike prior to the hike you just mentioned. My very first R2R was planned as a 4-day, 3-night hike, staying at the inner canyon campgrounds. I gained invaluable knowledge of the trails and the physical demands prior to attempting a R2R as a one-day adventure. I come across many hikers who have underestimated the demands of this hike. I wish I could tell them before they begin and commit to their hike. I am glad to hear you all made it out safely.
68. Sean says

    August 3, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    A group of us are headed to GC to hike R2R from North to South in September this year. I’ve been looking at side trips while we have downtime, but having a hard time finding maps to get us to places. Does anyone have a GPS file (KML/KMZ/GPX) of how to get to Supai Tunnel and Roaring Springs? I’m trying to plan out the trip as best as possible.
69. David Gosling says

    July 19, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    No story, yet:) Going in early August.

    Just wanted to say thanks for the fantastic website/info source.

    Dave.

    • member says

      July 19, 2017 at 3:08 pm

      You will for sure have one David! Thanks so much for your kind comment and good luck on your hike!
70. Robert says

    June 28, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    Hi, all.
    I have an opportunity to do a *nighttime* R2R in mid-July. Been searching here and on other sites for trip reports from people who have gone S to N overnight but haven’t found any.

    FWIW, I’ve done a S rim-to-river, a N rim-to-Roaring Springs and a rim-to-rim (N-to-S). I live and train in the SW desert. Mountain climber and trail runner. Good with the altitude, good with the distance. My logic is that leaving the SR at 7-8 pm will enable me to beat the heat. Crazy?

    • member says

      June 30, 2017 at 5:31 pm

      Robert, there have been others that have done a nighttime Rim to Rim hike. Most have done them under a full moon. If you go the key is an obvious headlamp with backup batteries. We have not done a nighttime Rim to Rim but have hiked out of the canyon at night (most times the last 1-2 miles). Hopefully some of our other club members that have done the nighttime hike will reach out to you. Your other option is to leave EARLY in the morning (getting to Phantom Ranch by about 11:00 a.m.) and then rest at Phantom Ranch during the heat of the day and then hike out early evening where you would only have a few miles of nighttime hiking. The canyon is SO very beautiful to see in the light so our hope is you are able to see it! We actually camped out with two guys two summers ago that went South to North at night (we were still camping when they came back) and they wished they would have went in the light. Good luck either way!

      • Robert says

        June 30, 2017 at 11:25 pm

        Thanks for the advice.

        • Pamela van den Berg says

          November 8, 2017 at 2:15 am

          I’ve done the “R2R And Back Again” over 10 times, always starting at midnight and under a full moon. You won’t regret it.
71. Glenn "Goose" Gregson says

    June 23, 2017 at 11:59 pm

    When I was 13 years old on a family cross country vacation trip from NC to California to visit grandparents, my dad decided to make a stop at the Grand Canyon (our 1st ever visit)… He was so in awe of the panoramic views that he made the decision that he, my 12-year old brother, and I were going to hike down the Bright Angel Trail the next morning to the Colorado River & back up & out… Mind you it was August & the temperatures were in the 100’s at the bottom!! This was back in 1963 & my dad might very well have been locked up for child abuse had we made this trek in today’s day & age… He carried a backpack with 3 cans of pork & beans and 3 cans of fruit cocktail and a canteen that the three of us shared… The trip down seemed rather easy to us in spite of the heat & we enjoyed every step… We put our feet in the Colorado River & stayed just long enough to enjoy our scrumptious lunch…
    The trip back up & out was grueling to say the least and there was a time that we feared we weren’t going to make it out. We kept plodding because we knew that mom was nervously awaiting our return… It was miserably hot but a rain storm popped up out of nowhere which we thought would prove to be a blessing in disguise… It was NOT!! After getting drenched, the three of us began to shiver with what we know now was the possible onset of dehydration & hypothermia… Long story short, we made it out, cold wet, & exhausted… I remember clearly my dad saying that it would be his last trip EVER to the Grand Canyon… Guess what?? It was NOT… Within days after that fateful 1st hike, my dad had the itch to go back, and go back we all did!! My dad fell in love with the Canyon & went back year after year hiking many of the trails, often with my brother & me… After I graduated from college & went on to play pro baseball, I would find out from my mom when he was going to be there & I surprised him more than once when my season was over… I actually surprised him on the trails a couple of times. My dad would go back sometimes twice a year after he retired from the railroad in NC & introduced dozens of his friends to his beloved Grand Canyon… Years ago when he was 81 years old & could no longer do any serious hiking, he would fly to the Grand Canyon & spend days just sitting at some of his favorite viewpoints… I met him out there that year & he asked me to walk with him slowly to the first tunnel as you head down the Bright Angel Trail… He struggled with his breathing, but I told him that it was remarkable that he was still hiking his beloved Canyon… A month after he got him he discovered that he had lung cancer & only lived another 9 months… His health deteriorated so quickly that we were unable to fly him back out for one last visit to this place he loved so much… I made a promise to him on his death bed that as long as I could put one foot in front of the other, I would continue hiking Rim to Rim in his honor…
    In his lifetime the two of us hiked Rim to Rim together a couple of times & over the past 10 years since my dad passed, I have returned annually for Rim to Rim hikes (always in a day & always North to South or South to North) and on two occasions I have gone Rim to Rim to Rim with only a short recovery before trekking back across… I timed it one September when there was a full moon for my trip back across which was an awesome experience!! Each time I hike those trails my dad is with me every step of the trip in spirit & I always stop on the Silver Bridge & throw a penny into the Colorado River, shed a tear, and continue on my way… When I get to Phantom Ranch, I buy a big lemonade & sign both his name and mine to the guestbook before venturing on!! To any of you out there that has a Rim to Rim trip on your bucket list, I offer you just one piece of advice: DO IT!! You won’t regret it & you will go back more than once to do it again!!

    • member says

      June 25, 2017 at 7:41 pm

      Oh Glenn, LOVED reading your story about the memories with your father and the relationship you all built with the canyon. This place and this hike is so special for all of the reasons you mentioned. Your father will be with you always on those hikes. Thank you sharing your story! Proud to have you and you father in the club!
    • Pankaj Bhasin says

      May 17, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      OMG. What a vivid explaination. LOVED it. Thank you for sharing. I almost teared up. Going to grand canyon rim to rim , north to south day hike. Will definitely remember your story …
72. Chris says

    June 23, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    I just finished a R2R trip with some of my family and a couple of friends (6/14/17 – 6/17/17). There were heat advisories every day, but my buddy and I kept a good pace, finished our days by about 0900, and didn’t have any trouble at all. Bright Angel CG was by far my favorite stop, even though that was the hottest day of the trip. The creek made all the difference.

    I carried 4 liters of water every day, and that was nearly twice what I actually needed between camps. Hike early and stay cool. My base weight was about 11 or 12 pounds, and fully loaded I was at about 31 pounds. I could’ve dropped a pound or two of stuff (4 pair of socks instead of 2 max, warm hat and thermal bottoms for night, etc.) and been even more comfortable.

    As far as conditioning goes: I am, for the most part, a lazy bum. I have a desk job, I could stand to lose 15 pounds or so, and I don’t go to the gym. I walk my dog about a mile or two almost every day, and go on periodic day/weekend hikes (once/quarter-ish). I did zero conditioning for the R2R, and I was just fine. In fact, I’ve been more sore after walking around the zoo all day.

    If I were to go back, I would probably skip Cottonwood and Indian Garden and just do North Rim to Bright Angel to South Rim.
    Overall it was a great trip. Filled my phone with pictures and my head with memories.
73. Bob says

    June 4, 2017 at 12:22 am

    Considering doing a R2R2R at the end of October, to coincide with significant personal event. Is that unreasonable that late in the season? If so, because of hours of daylight? Potential inclement weather?

    • Mike Merrill says

      June 11, 2017 at 12:43 am

      4 to 5 retired guys from Prescott AZ doing R to R Sept 12-15 from North to South camping at Cottonwood, Bright Angel and Indian Gardens.
    • Larry LePere says

      August 17, 2017 at 4:00 am

      Bob – I was just at the Canyon in August for an R2R trip, and a number of the folks I ran into during the trip told me two things: 1) you are nuts for trying to do this in August! (although I saw several others who were involved in a R2R trip) and 2) most sane people do this in October, when the weather is more forgiving. My only bit of caution would be that, if you are unlucky, you could get some really cold weather in late October. And, the biggest reason we went now was the days are still fairly long, and we went during a full moon. Short, cold days and really dark cold nights nights would be a bummer. Will you have a fun moon during your walk? It helps immensely.
74. Gary Vassallo says

    May 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    In May 2018, I’m thinking of trying a rim to rim to rim hike in one day. Starting from the Bright Angel trail head on the south and using the North Kaibab trail for the north, this entails a day hike of about 76 km with a 3100 m climb. Does anyone have information about similar hikes or am I just mad? I’m 60 and am currently practising longish 25 – 50 km hikes with appropriate climbs to see whether I have a reasonable chance to complete my dream. I reckon south to north would take about 8 hours, but the climb back up the south rim after 60 km could be a killer.

    • Len says

      May 22, 2017 at 8:26 pm

      Last Saturday, May 20, 2017, I completed one day Rim to Rim, going down the South Kaibab trail and up the North. I was part of a group of about 30. It took me 11 hours and 8 minutes. I am almost 53 and have been preparing for this hike for about 4 months. I walk at least 5 miles daily, ride a bike and do regular cardio workouts (spin classes). I am in decent shape. The hike took everything I had and I cannot imaging turning around and doing it again the same day. I was sore next day and am still a little sore, but did my regular 3.5 miles this morning.

      I saw plenty of runners going Rim to Rim at a very fast pace, but my guess is these are the same people that run marathons and do triathlons. I am not in that category. To give you a better idea, the fastest people in our group finished in about 10 hours and you do not want to know about the slowest.

      Hope that helps.

      • Gary Vassallo says

        May 31, 2017 at 2:59 pm

        Thanks, Len. I’m certainly no athlete but I’ll keep on practising longer hikes with increased climbs in the next few months. Fortunately, I live in northern Italy with many trails close by.
        I’ll make a final decision in October and only go if I have a reasonable chance of success. Perhaps you can join me (at least one way).
      • Larry LePere says

        August 17, 2017 at 4:08 am

        Gary – I’m also 60 and just did that very same hike (Aug 2017), except I went down the South Kaibab and not the Bright Angel. My suggestion would be to take the Bright Angel Trail down, it has to be in better shape than the South Kaibab was for my trip. Also, try to avoid the two other mistakes I made (not getting enough sleep, and hiking in the heat of the day).
        The good news is, you are not mad, and if you are training with 25-50 km hikes, I think you are all set.
75. Connie Wisnousky says

    March 12, 2017 at 12:46 am

    We are planning a 3 day RTR in August. We will be coming up in one day. Does the Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail have the best views? Trying to decided which trail to come up. This will probably be the only trip possible to the Grand Canyon in my lifetime. Any suggestions?

    • member says

      March 12, 2017 at 12:58 am

      The South Kaibab trail has the most scenic views but remember there is no water and no shade on this trail so fill up on water at Phantom Ranch. Good luck on your hike Connie!
    • Brian says

      April 3, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      I agree the South Kaibab is more scenic, but can be brutal. Heed the warnings of “no shade or water” especially if hiking in August. Suggest you start out early from Phantom.
      Good luck and enjoy
    • Rick says

      May 1, 2017 at 9:11 pm

      I have been to Phantom thrice. The views from south Kaibab are awesome, but if you are hiking UP you will miss them. My first trip was on Aug 20. 110 plus at Phantom. If you really want to do South Kaibab I recommend going south to north, even with the extra elevation gain. You can leave Phantom right after breakfast to get through the box before it heats up. Ribbon Falls if you have time. If you can bypass SK then north to south is better, and take Bright Angel with three water stops and shade and a creek for cooling. The extra 2 miles is mostly along the river to the start of BA. Again start early as Devil’s Corkscrew is HOT.
76. Crystal says

    October 17, 2016 at 12:56 am

    My husband and I have talked doing a R2R for years. Now, finally, we are in the early stages of planning. We are looking at late June of 2017. I have read several R2R posts and some suggest N-S while others suggest S-N. I’ve read that S-N gives you a longer but less steep climb on the second day. Having never done this before, how do we decide?

    • member says

      October 20, 2016 at 12:00 am

      South Kaibab is a steeper descent but less mileage so you would have a more gradual climb up North Kaibab. If it is your first time we recommend going North Kaibab to Bright Angel especially if you are taking two days.
77. Nick says

    October 12, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    I’ll be hiking w my girlfriend rtr in one day, looking for someone to trade keys with. We plan to hike between the 17 and 21 of October. Email me at Nicholas.sieckowski@gmail.com
78. nick says

    October 9, 2016 at 1:43 am

    my girlfriend and i plan to hike Rim to Rim as a day hike between 10/17 and 10/20. If anyone is interested in a car swap please email me at nicholas.sieckowski@gmail.com —– thanks!
79. Crysti says

    October 1, 2016 at 6:45 pm

    My friends and I are to R2R (day hike only) on October 14th. Anyone available for a car swap? We were thinking North to South for us, but are willing to switch it up, if necessary, to work with someone else’s plans.

    crystirose@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    • Jim Loupe says

      October 4, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      Crysti,

      My wife and I are driving out on the 14th from Southern California. We are going to hike the R2R on Saturday the 15th. Same way N2S. Come on hike it Saturday 🙂

      Emailhloupe@cox.net (wife) Heather
      Emailjloupe@cox.net (Me) Jim

      Regards,

      • David Wang says

        October 12, 2016 at 6:36 am

        It is my dream to hike Grand Canyon rim-to-rim, but the North Rim is going to be closed very soon. I wonder if I can still make it this year. I just hiked Mt. Whitney in one day trip on September, and wonder how harder rim-to-rim 26 miles could be with compared to Mt Whitney one day trip of 22 miles.
        Thanks,

        • David Wang says

          October 12, 2016 at 6:52 am

          BTW, I would like to do rim-to-rim in one day
80. Melissa Hirner says

    September 28, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    My best friend and I decided in March that we were going to hike a Rim to Rim, so in August we took off! It is one of the hottest months but we were lucky enough to have cloudy days, and enjoyed a rainbow early one morning after a rain shower. On Day 1 we hiked out of the North Kaibab trailhead and set up camp at Cottonwood campground, since we still had plenty of daylight we hiked to Ribbon Falls. It was my second time going there and I was excited to show my friend! It was worth it to see the look of amazement she had, it was the highlight of her hike she told me later. On Day 2 we hiked from Cottonwood to Bright Angel campground, our afternoon hike was the black bridge and part of the river trail. What a stunning view the Black bridge is! We also took time to venture around the silver bridge since we knew we wouldn’t see it as well in the morning. We never saw a rattlesnake, thank goodness, but a king snake did make an appearance (that is what someone at Phantom Ranch said it was). The 3rd Day we hiked out on the Bright Angel trail pretty early to avoid the heat of the day while climbing up out of the canyon. we did encounter a scorpion a half mile into our hike that day, we didn’t see it at first so it was definitely a surprise! Overall, it was a Grand adventure made even more special with a great friend! One day, I want to do a solo hike in my park 🙂 I may be a Missouri girl, but the Canyon will always call to me. Two down many more to go!

    • member says

      September 28, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      Sounds like you had a great adventure Melissa and so nice of you to share it with your buddy!
81. Ann says

    September 28, 2016 at 8:19 pm

    Our group of four women hiked Rim to Rim over four days (9/16-9/19). We took the TransCanyon Shuttle from the South Rim to the North Rim and arrived around 6pm. We camped at the “Hike and Bike” campground (no reservations needed – based on availability). Our campsite was at the edge of the North Rim – beautiful. The next morning we hiked down the North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Campground. It took us much longer than expected because one of our hikers had a very overweight backpack that she had to be unpacked and packed every time she filled up on water. It was a beautiful hike down the first part of the North Kaibab. We got to the Ribbon Falls turn off (didn’t go to Ribbon Falls because we were behind schedule) when it started to get hot, which slowed us down some. We got to Bright Angel Campground and set up our tents just as the sun was setting. Took the next day to rest and enjoy Phantom Ranch/Bright Angel creek. The last day, we were up early and started up the Bright Angel Trail by 6am and made good time with very little sun (heat) slowing us down. It was a great experience. If I was to ever do it again, I would want lodging at the North Rim and Phantom Ranch. This was my first experience hiking with and sleeping in a tent and I’ve determined it’s not my preference.

    • member says

      September 28, 2016 at 10:38 pm

      Totally understand this Ann and hiking Rim to Rim allows one to earn any kind of bed so hopefully you will get to stay at the North Rim Lodge and Phantom Ranch! Congratulations on your hike and welcome to the club!
82. Al Andersen says

    September 27, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    Hi, we are hiking north to south rim on 10/1/16. One of the guys going with us is going to drive to the south rim and then start hiking down to meet us at Indian Gardens. Initially I was sold on coming up the Bright Angel trail. Now I’m thinking the SK would be better as it will give him better views. So any thoughts on coming up BA or SK?

    Thanks,

    • member says

      September 28, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      Al,

      South Kaibab has the most amazing views (our cover photo is of South Kaibab trail) but it does not have water or shade so just keep that in mind. It is also shorter so he could literally have a great day hike and meet you half way.

      Good luck on your hike this weekend!
83. Sarah says

    September 27, 2016 at 4:37 am

    Hi Everyone!

    My 3 friends and I are doing the rim to rim hike Oct 1 to the second. Is anyone available for a car swap?

    Thanks,
    Sarah
84. Steve Brown says

    September 20, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    My two friends and I are doing the RTR with Wildland Trekking 10/17 – 10/20 2016. I am really looking forward to the experience. We are experienced hikers and do a National Park trip every year. I am a little nervous because I have not been able to train as much as I normally would for a trip like this. The mileage is not the concern as much as managing the weight. I normally carry around 20 lbs and it looks like we will be carrying 35 or so. I will post again after I get back.
85. Doug says

    September 6, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    I find myself with a bad knee (osteoarthritis) that is lately acting up and getting in the way of my planned R2R that was to start 18Sep. So am looking for alternatives that don’t totally blow my reservations on N Rim (16 & 17) and later on S Rim (22) but avoid having to make hikes 2d in a row (was going Cottonwood–>Phantom (2nights)–>Indian Garden–>S Rim). I am no kid (>70)!
86. Josh says

    September 6, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    I am doing a RTR hike from the South Rim to the North rim on September 24th, camping on the North rim on the night of September 24th, and then hiking back to the South rim on September 25th. I have two friends who are doing the RTR hike with me on September 24th, but they are both taking the shuttle back to the South rim on the 25th. Is anyone else doing a RTR hike on the 25th from North to South? I would love the company.
87. Mel says

    September 6, 2016 at 11:25 am

    We are doing a south to north r2r 10-11 to 10-13. Anyone want to swap cars?
88. Kimberly Russell says

    September 2, 2016 at 5:53 pm

    I am heading out for a R2R starting September 11 and ending September 14. We are starting off on the North Rim and spending 3 nights in the canyon, each at a different campsite (so excited).

    I plan to buy fuel for my jetboil beforehand but will not be able to take the remaining fuel/canister home afterwards because of airplane safety.

    Is there a communal share system on the South Rim? I really don’t want to throw away the fuel if there is someone that can use it. Is anyone starting their journey from the South Rim on September 14 and would like the remaining fuel?

    • member says

      September 2, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      Hi Kimberly,

      We know of one at the Bright Angel Campground but best to check the Backcountry office for the spots on the rim. Good luck on your hike!
    • Steve Brown says

      September 20, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      How did it go?
89. Jay says

    August 31, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    Planing to do a north rim to south rim, park the car at south rim and shuttle to north rim and stay overnight!

    Are we allow to camp anywhere near trailhead with permit?
    Anyone done it?
90. John says

    August 31, 2016 at 3:45 am

    Hey, what a great site with useful tips and wonderful comments. I’m planning to do rim to rim hike during labor day weekend (September 3-5) and was lucky to reserve a stay at Phantom Ranch! Planning to go down South Kabaib trail, sleep the night, leave at 5am next morning towards North Kabaib trail, and return to Phantom Ranch in time for dinner, sleep the night, then hike back up to South Rim using Bright Angel trail. The round-trip North Rim portion will be 46km in one day. Has anybody done this before (well, I’m sure they did), any tips? I’m preparing for a marathon and can run 20km, but with the backpack (planning to bring SLR camera as well), the heat, and the elevation difference, not sure if I’m too optimistic.
    If you will be at Grand Canyon during labor day weekend, please let me know. Perhaps we can attempt this challenging hike together…
    Cheers
91. Jeff says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    My brother and I are doing the rim to rim in two weeks – south rim to north rim. Our plan is to depart on the South Kaibab trail at 4 am. We want to be through “the box” by 10. Is 6 hours, with a short stop at the Phantom Ranch, enough time to get through “the box” or should we plan on leaving earlier? Thank you.

    • member says

      August 19, 2016 at 8:49 pm

      Jeff,

      If you are heading down South Kaibab you will most likely be at Phantom Ranch in 3-4 hours and you will clear the box in about 2 hours so you would be out by 10:00 a.m. (with a break at Phantom). The only bummer about needing to leave so early on a one day Rim to Rim is you will miss South Kaibab in its glory as some of the views are amazing up near the top so hopefully you get back to day hike part of South Kaibab down to Cedar Ridge, etc.

      Hope this helps and good luck with your hike!

      • Jeff says

        August 22, 2016 at 2:20 pm

        Thank you. This is helpful. We will be spending a day and a half at the south rim before doing the rim to rim hike. We have also visited the Grand Canyon previously and have been able to take in all the views doing day hikes. Thank you again for the advice.
92. Scott says

    August 15, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Heading back for another one day R2R- this time South to North on Monday September 19th, 2016. I plan to go down Bright Angel Trail as it is close to the lodging. I’m staying overnight at the North Rim and “contemplating” a R2R2R (hiking back on the 20th), but have the shuttle reserved if the legs are too tired. Having hiked out in the heat of the day last year, I plan to start the hike at night (about 1AM- and I’m looking forward to the amazing night sky). Last year my R2R took 12 hours and I suspect it will be about the same this year. Just putting this out there to see if anyone else is hiking during that time and interested in joining me.

    • susan whitbourne says

      August 23, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      That’s awesome! I’ll just miss you – going sept 8& 9 for a North to South
93. susan whitbourne says

    August 1, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    Hi Everyone,

    I’m planning a solo R2R September 8-9 North to South. Anybody interested in a car swap or planning to be in the GC at that time?

    This is my 5th visit to the GC and my first R2R would love to meet others who love the place as much as I do.

    Susan

    • Cathy T says

      August 22, 2016 at 2:59 am

      Hi Susan, Did you find someone to do a car-swap? I might be interested, although I also wanted to do North to South. Is there any chance you would do South to North?

      • susan whitbourne says

        August 23, 2016 at 5:08 pm

        Hi! I have all my reservations already set for a North to South and can’t change it , unfortunately 🙁 Please let me know if you think you might like to work something out!!!
94. iam12xcel says

    July 23, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks for such an informative site. I am hiking a R2R North to South with 5 other women the end of this August. We plan to stay over at Phantom 2 nights (have reservations). We have all been training, but are most concerned about the heat factor and wanted some guidance on our plan for hiking N Kaibab. We have read in multiple places not to be hiking in the “box” from 10am-4pm (that’s most of the day). We also want to be able to see the canyon and are not necessarily in favor of hiking in the dark-starting really early am to be through the box before 10am. So keeping the “Box” in mind–we were wondering about this strategy-what if we start at 7am hike to Ribbon Falls (~6hrs-so we can enjoy the hike) stay there for about 1-2 hrs and then head towards the box at 3pm so that we are hitting it at the end of the heat and also still get to Phantom (3 hrs later) in time for the 6:30pm dinner (they tell me we cannot be late). Is this a logical strategy or do you suggest something else? Are we crazy for thinking like this? We want to do this smart and also in a way that is safe. Please advise–anxious to hear from you

    • member says

      July 26, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Because you are staying at Phantom you have an advantage. Key with the “box” if you are hiking any time past 10:00 a.m. through it is to take breaks (there are spots in shade and the creek is right next to you). Make sure you fill your water at Cottonwood before heading in. If you go to Ribbon Falls that is a nice break as well so you should be good to go. On the dinner, it is served Family Style so you must be there at your designated time.

      This will be a great experience for you as you are taking it slowly and have two nights at Phantom which will provide you nice rest & recovery.

      Good luck and let us know how it goes!

      • Linda Rice says

        July 27, 2016 at 2:17 pm

        Thanks so much for your quick reply–your strategy makes sense. As I said, we were just concerned because everywhere we read it said NOT to be in the box between 10am-4pm. You have helped reassure us. We will be sure to let you know how it goes. Getting excited!
    • Kate says

      August 13, 2016 at 9:59 pm

      Thanks for posting this. I am also hiking same end of aug. I had this same concern and feel much better after reading the reply. Also taking our time to enjoy this awesome trip but definitely didn’t want to chance missing dinner! 😊 Enjoy yourselves!

      • iam12xcel says

        September 17, 2016 at 1:13 pm

        As I promised I would let you know how our trip went–we hiked Aug 25 down North rim –started out at 40+ degrees-quickly got to 85 and just as we got to the “BOX” it began raining! I have never been so happy to see rain when hiking! We got to Phantom in time for dinner and saw folks who got there after dinner and they were served–it was in paper cups but they did get dinner! August is their monsoon season so you need to be prepared for rain which we were and it was a welcome respite from the heat. Our hike out Bright Angel was cloud covered which kept the temp at a nice 60 degrees. Hope you had a great trip as well Kate!
95. Erin M says

    July 19, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    Good Morning!
    I’m looking to see if anyone has ever hiked rim to rim during New Years? I’m looking to start on the North Rim from a Yurt, hike down to Phantom Ranch December 31st and hike up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim on January 1st.
    If you have hiked during this time, how was the weather?
    Were you able to drive the Yurt? And if so, is there a shuttle on the South Rim that takes people back to their cars on the North Rim?
    My main concerns/questions are regarding the logistics of getting to the Yurt and what I do about a rental car and the weather. If anyone has any advice, please share! Thank you!

    • member says

      July 19, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Hi Erin,

      The road to the North Rim is closed as of December 1 each year (even earlier if weather closes it) so you would need to do a Rim to Rim to Rim that time of year. Best bet is to call the backcountry office (contact information is on this page above) regarding questions on the yurt. Good luck!
    • susan whitbourne says

      August 1, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      I’ve wanted to do this, too! However, I wanted to stay at the South Rim and just descent the S. Kaibab, stay the night at Phantom Ranch, and ascend Bright Angel. This seems to really be the only enjoyable way to do it since the North Rim is closed. I’ve also been planning a rim to rim hike this Sept (Sept 7-9) and have looked into pretty much every option for having my car moved from N to S – but there really isn’t a service that is provided for this unles you personally hire someone to do it. I’m going to leave mine at the S. Rim and take a shuttle to N. Rim

      Hope this helps!!
96. Brent Dutton says

    July 11, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Anyone up for a car swap on 8/24/16

    • Cathy T says

      August 22, 2016 at 3:03 am

      Hi Brent, I would be up for a car swap Labor Day weekend if your dates are flexible. I prefer hiking North to South since it’s been awhile since I’ve done the R2R.

      • Alex says

        August 30, 2016 at 12:55 am

        Cathy T are you still up for a car swap labor day weekend?

        If so please email me: alextaylor116@gmail.com

        I’m really keen on doing rim to rim, but probably will not if I have to pay for a private shuttle.
97. AT says

    July 2, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    Hi guys,

    Am doing a R2R North to South hike over 3 days, 2 nights (8/27 – 8/29). Was wondering about the logistics of parking your car and getting to the trailhead. Is it the norm to park your car at the North, hike all the way to the South, then take a shuttle back to the North to get the car? Are there any other ways or modes of transportation that you would recommend? Thank you!

    • member says

      July 7, 2016 at 11:35 pm

      AT,

      That is the best way. You can park your car at the North Kaibab trailhead and when the shuttle takes you back around from the South Rim to the North Rim they will take you right to your car. Easiest and most efficient way to do a Rim to Rim hike logistically!

      Good luck!

      • susan whitbourne says

        August 1, 2016 at 2:48 pm

        This has been my big logistics question, too.

        Thank you so much!
98. Jason says

    June 7, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    Last year a co worker mentioned that 11 years earlier (when he was 21) had hiked down Bright Angel and hiked back up the next day. His story left me fascinated and having relocated to Arizona 4 years prior, I was even more intrigued by the Grand Canyon and of course placed it on my list of things I wanted to experience. So, in Sept of 2015 my wife and I drove to the Grand Canyon and hiked down to the 3mile rest house and back up again. This was to be our “dry run” for a hike to the Colorado river and back up to the South Rim. Three weeks later during Labor day weekend, (starting on a Sat.) we returned to the Bright Angel trail and hiked down to the Colorado and back up. This included “day time night hiking” because we had no permit to camp. We just rested as needed (the rangers were very friendly and assured us it was fine to rest along the way and to even nap if we felt the need) and finished on Sunday. This left me with an AMAZING feeling and yet, I needed more. I returned to work and shared the “epic” tale of our conquest with my co worker who immediately felt the urge to return to the Canyon and get revenge for having been physically and mentally destroyed 11 years earlier. We agreed on one thing immediately: We must complete a R2R! On Fri the 27th of this year we left my vehicle on the South Rim, caught the shuttle to the North Rim and camped at our reserved site. Saturday the 28th, we began our journey and just as I had done 7 months earlier, we rested along the way and as much as we needed. It was a challenge that we embraced and on Sunday the 29th, we climbed out of the trailhead at the Bright Angel Trail! Hard to describe the feeling of a 45year old man and his friend (who is 12 years younger) when completing this unique challenge. All the people we met along the way were so nice and encouraging when they found out we were attempting a R2R. So, Thank you to all of those people we met! One other thing we had agreed on DURING the hike: We were finished with the Grand Canyon and no longer had “an urge” to complete a hike there….uh, yeah, about that…it’s been 9 days since finishing the hike and I have been thinking about it more and more and I realize that I am NOT finished, That beautiful Canyon is beginning to call me again. This time a R2R2R is the journey I want to take on. I don’t know why, but this amazing place is addicting and of course I am willing to oblige! Thank You!

    • member says

      June 10, 2016 at 5:50 am

      Jason,

      Welcome to the club! You earned it! Happy to hear you had a great experience and that you are being “called” back. It happens to all of us as the wear and tear of the hike tests us mentally and physically but once you climb out and realize what you just accomplished you want to go back and experience more of it. Good luck on your R2R2R as now you have experience and that is priceless!
99. Ann says

    June 5, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    I, along with 2 friends, are planning our first Rim2Rim hike. Thanks to this website and all the helpful information we feel we are ready for the adventure. We will be camping at Bright Angel Campground on June 15, 2016, and I was wondering if anyone would like to have our tent to camp in the following night. I am trying to avoid carrying it out of the canyon!

    • member says

      June 10, 2016 at 5:47 am

      Ann,

      Happy to hear our website has helped you! If you don’t have a taker as far as your tent please make sure you check with Phantom Ranch as you can pay to have the mules take it out. Key is to leave no trace on your hike. Good luck with your hike and let us know how it goes!
100. Laurie says

     June 3, 2016 at 4:42 pm

     A friend and I are doing a 4 day rim to rim in one week! We both having been training but started late training with weight! We are both up to 30-40 minutes doing stairs with 20 lbs…. any suggestions for the next 7 days? Should we give our body a rest the day before – any guidance very much appreciated!!

     • member says

       June 10, 2016 at 5:26 am

       Hi Laurie,

       Rest a few days prior is a good thing. Good luck with your hike and let us know how it goes!
101. Seth says

     May 30, 2016 at 5:06 am

     We finished our first R2R on Saturday, 5/28. Started at 5:05 am on North Kaibab and emerged at the top of Bright Angel at 5:17 pm. Beautiful hike! It was a little hot in the afternoon going up from the river to Indian Gardens but thankfully we got some cloud cover after that.

     Still walking a little funny but glad we did it!

     • Akib says

       June 5, 2016 at 3:33 pm

       Did you get a walk in permit? If yes, how long did you need to wait to obtain one? Can I get a cottonwood permit from South Rim?

       Thanks in advance.

       • Seth says

         June 10, 2016 at 3:29 pm

         Hi Akib,

         We did not get a permit because we did the hike in a day with no camping.
     • member says

       June 10, 2016 at 5:29 am

       Welcome to the club Seth! Sounds like you had a great experience!
102. Fred says

     May 26, 2016 at 5:59 pm

     May 16, 2016: There are some things you only need to do once in your life, and yesterday’s Grand Canyon R2R hike was probably one of those events for me. I’m so glad I challenged myself as I did, but I don’t mind admitting that was one tough hike! But also an absolutely incredible experience.! I made it in 13.5 hours, slightly over my 13-hour estimated time to complete, but had I not stopped to shoot over 400 pictures with my Smartphone(!!), I’m pretty sure that I would have come in at least an hour sooner. But to reiterate, there likely will not be another attempt to shave off time from my mark.

     • member says

       June 10, 2016 at 6:14 am

       Fred,

       Welcome to the club! First off, we are still smiling at the reference to an “Uber Mule” on your blog post = love it! Happy to hear all went well and your wife was there to greet you for that last mile and a half with Gatorade and a candy bar. Loved your story and your pictures and hope the body has healed.

       And we know you said “this R2R was probably a once only event” but don’t be surprised if the canyon calls you back!

       • Fred says

         June 14, 2016 at 12:42 am

         Thanks very much for your kind comments. And you may just be right about doing it again. As time passes from when I did the hike, doing another r2r is something that I might consider. Especially since my wife has said that might be interested in doing it herself!
     • Denise says

       June 12, 2016 at 9:07 pm

       Hi Fred,

       I left a comment on your first story on your blog because the Rim to Rim blog post wasn’t allowing comments. I am interested in buying a photo from you. The one that the Rim to Rim club on facebook used to talk about your blog post. Let me know if this is possible. Thanks.

       • Fred says

         June 14, 2016 at 12:52 am

         Hi, Denise,
         I just sent you an email with a couple of photos attached. If they are for your personal use, then the only thing that I would ask is that you make a contribution to this National Park Foundation or this website.

         Have fun Out There,
         Fred
103. Alan says

     May 24, 2016 at 6:27 pm

     Can my service dog come along with me on these rim 2 rim hikes?

     • member says

       June 10, 2016 at 6:15 am

       Alan,

       There are no dogs allowed on the trails but we don’t know about a service dog so that is something you would want to check on with the backcountry office.
104. Al says

     May 21, 2016 at 5:37 am

     Anyone up for a car swap the evening of May 29? I am up for hiking either way to make it happen. Party of 3 (me and my two teenage sons)

     • Kelly says

       May 22, 2016 at 9:42 pm

       Hey Al,
       I am interested in the car swap may 29.
       Email me!
       Kayoung1@g.coastal.edu
105. Andy says

     May 19, 2016 at 8:47 pm

     Is doing r2r from North rim to South in three days two nights (Bright Angel and IG campgrounds) doable in September Long weekend?

     We’re not avid hikers or in a great shape, in late 20s and in decent shape. The thing that concerns me is that we might not be able to do get down to Phantom Ranch in one day without getting bogged down by the heat when in the box. Any advise from people who’ve done this before?

     Does it get too hot in the box to be able to pull of North Rim to Phantom Ranch in one day if we start at 4-5AM?

     Thanks!
     Andy

     • member says

       May 22, 2016 at 4:05 pm

       If you leave that early you should be fine Andy as far as the box. Three days will give you plenty of time to rest and recover. Key the next few months for you and your group is to get the knees strong and the cardio in excellent shape and body ready to carry a backpack. Get used to the pack up and down steep hills. Good luck on your hike!
     • member says

       June 10, 2016 at 5:32 am

       Andy,

       If you are staying at Bright Angel that will give you time to rest along the way. The struggle with “the box” is when people are doing a one day hike and not taking breaks. North Kaibab to Phantom is definitely doable if you leave at those times. Good luck with your hike!
106. Laurie says

     May 16, 2016 at 11:22 pm

     My nephew and I are supposed to hike down to Phantom Ranch Sept 12, 2016 from the South Rim. After spending the night at Phantom hike up to the North Rim and shuttle back to the South Rim. One HUGE problem, he can’t make it and there’s no female dorm availability (so my sister could go in his place). Does anyone out there want to switch with me??
107. Sarah Legh says

     May 16, 2016 at 7:54 pm

     My husband and I and our 2 kids are planning to hike north rim to south rim on August 1st, taking either 1 night to camp at Bright Angel and the potentially a second night to camp at Indian Garden, or just head out.
     Can someone tell me please if there is typically water at the rest stops that say they are ‘seasonal’ at this particular time of year?
     Anything else you can tell me would be awesome!
     Thanks!

     • member says

       June 10, 2016 at 5:33 am

       Yes, there is water at all stops in August unless there is a break in the pipeline. Key is to check with NPS and backcountry office just before you leave to make sure there are not issues with the pipeline.
108. Brian says

     May 11, 2016 at 12:23 pm

     I am planing a rim 2 rim 2 rim next week. I will be doing this with my wife and another couple over 4 days. 1st day will descend on the South Kibab trail to Phantom Ranch, day 2 Phantom Ranch to North Rim. day 3 North Rim back to Phantom Ranch, day4 Phantom Ranch up Bright Angel to South Rim.
     Anyone here do this? What should I expect in this trip? I have done Bright Angel to Phantom Ranch 3 times but have never been on either Kibab trail.
     Also, have been having trouble with my plantar fasciitis (heel spurs)! hope this doesn’t hold me back!

     • Richard says

       May 13, 2016 at 3:45 am

       South Kaibab is a lot of step and a half steps to accommodate the mules(who poop and pee a lot). Your thighs will be jelly but it passes. Start early, it’s going to be hot. Soak your shirts in the creek along the way to cottonwood and at the ranger residence. Be sure to fill your water there. Roaring springs looks like a water stop but it’s a half mile down and off the trail. Beer and ibuprofen are your friends.
109. Jay scott says

     May 9, 2016 at 8:53 pm

     What is considered a “daytime” night hike?
110. betty says

     May 6, 2016 at 2:58 am

     what about hiking rim to rim in Jan 22 and staying the night at phantom ranch?

     • Richard says

       May 13, 2016 at 3:23 am

       North rim is closed in January. You would have to start on south rim, hike up to north rim and have to turn around and go back to phantom ranch. Doable if you are in ultra marathon shape.closed means the road in is closed because of snow and there are no services. the trail can be very icy and require crampons. People do camp, with a permit, on the rim and also at Cottonwood campground which is about 7 miles below the rim but still cold in January. Temps well below freezing on the north rim.

       • Erin M says

         July 19, 2016 at 3:36 pm

         But ya’ll posted about starting at the North Rim Yurt, about 10 mins from the North Kaibab Trailhead. I guess the main question is – how do you get the North Rim Yurt to start?
111. Seth says

     May 5, 2016 at 5:42 pm

     Four of us are staying at the North Rim 5/27 and hiking NR to SR in one day on 5/28. I figure we can keep our packs nice and light since we’re not packing tons of clothes and such. I’ve heard on the way down, you crisscross water quite a bit. Are there spots where we’d want to remove our shoes?

     I’ve done South Rim to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel the next day. I’ve got a good handle on Bright Angel but have no experience with North Kaibab. Any tips appreciated!

     We’re all bringing 2L camelpacks, tons of snacks, and stuff.

     • member says

       May 6, 2016 at 4:19 pm

       Ribbon Falls is a great stop over for a break but make sure if you take your shoes off to re-apply anti-chafing balm/lotion when you put them back on. You also criss cross Bright Angel Creek on North Kaibab so that is REFRESHING! Pay attention to our tips on this page. Good luck Seth to you and your group!

       • Seth says

         May 6, 2016 at 8:25 pm

         Thank you! Do you think we need to take our shoes off when crossing the water? I’m bringing dry socks to change into just in case but only one pair of shoes.

         Also, is the trail well marked? Or is it possible to make a wrong turn?

         • member says

           May 6, 2016 at 8:34 pm

           No, there are bridges so don’t take them off if you don’t have to and trail is well marked.

           • Seth says

             May 6, 2016 at 9:02 pm

             Terrific, thanks again.
112. Jimmy B says

     April 28, 2016 at 10:01 pm

     Planning first R2R on short notice – first week this June. Group of 4 guys in good shape. We’re coming in from out of town so trying to work through logistics and not spend all of our time in a shuttle van. How does this plan sound?
     Wed 6/1 – Fly into Flagstaff airport on AA (cause it’s closer). Lodge Flagstaff.
     Thur 6/2 – Very early AM shuttle to South Kaibab trailhead. Hike S to N. Stay in hotel at North End
     Friday 6/3 – Sleep in. Recover. Shuttle back to Flagstaff.
     Saturday 6/4 – Fly home from Flagstaff airport on AA.

     • member says

       May 2, 2016 at 10:23 pm

       R2R in one day tough but if in good shape can be done but keep in mind altitude gain heading up North Kaibab and clear the “box” before it gets too hot. Looks like you are giving yourself good recovery time. Good luck to you and your group Jimmy!
113. Bill Conger says

     April 20, 2016 at 10:38 pm

     I’m planning my first rim to rim in October. No one else in my intermediate family is going. I’d like to find a group that I could join. Suggestions?
114. Jed says

     April 15, 2016 at 6:12 pm

     My wife and I plan to hike r2r, leaving North Rim on Wednesday, April 20. I know the highway in is closed until May 15, but I’ve been advised by hikers I met in GC that back roads will get you there, and I’ve found a shuttle guy who will take us from Marble Canyon to trailhead at NRim to begin the hike. We’ve reserved dorm at Phantom Ranch for that night, and plan to hike up Bright Angel the following AM. My question is: does anyone see a problem with this? I’ve hiked to Phantom Ranch from S Rim before, and done multi day backpacks in GC, but want to be pretty certain that hiking down from the N Rim to Phantom is not a problem before the “official” opening date of May 15. Any comments appreciated.

     • Cel says

       April 29, 2016 at 8:48 pm

       Where you able to do it? Was it a problem to hike from N Rim? I’m thinking of going next weekend – around May 7th – so just would like to know how it went for you two.
115. John says

     April 15, 2016 at 5:52 am

     My three sons, my brother in law, and I will be doing our first R2R hike on May 23. We’ll be hiking from the north to the south, and are staying at Phantom Ranch. Down on Monday, out on Tuesday. Since we haven’t done this before, we’re unsure of a few things and hope some folks here can help us out.

     First, how much time should we allow to hike down the first day? We don’t want to be in a hurry, and make sure we take it all in, enjoy the moment, take pictures, etc. Is it true that we need to be at the ranch by 4 to check in? How cold should we expect it to be in the morning when we leave the north lodge?

     Second, how much time should we allow ourselves to hike out the second day? We have breakfast at 5 AM I think. Should we plan to leave at say 5:30? I read one of these posts that we should allow one hour per 1000 feet of climb. Is that a pretty true rule of thumb? We’re all pretty fit and have been training for at least 6 months.

     We’re getting really excited about this trip, and can’t wait to post about it when we get back. Thanks in advance for your advice.
     John

     • John says

       May 10, 2016 at 3:56 pm

       My times last month were about 4 hours from the north rim to Cottonwood Camp (did up and down from Cottonwood Camp in the same day, 8 hours total. 3 hours 15 minutes from Cottonwood Camp to Phantom Ranch, and 5 hours 20 minutes up Bright Angel Trail from Phantom Ranch. These are just moving times so allow an hour or 2 for breaks. An hour per 1000 sounds about right.

       • John says

         May 18, 2016 at 1:02 pm

         Thanks John. that’s really helpful as we just aren’t sure how long our hike should take. We want to take our time and enjoy the sights as we go. We’re leaving this Saturday, and start our hike on Monday morning.
         John
116. Julian Shadle says

     April 5, 2016 at 12:25 am

     HI All,

     Going to be doing South Kaibab on April 18th, 2016 in the AM to the Bright Angel Campground. Staying for two nights. My group thinks I am nuts because I was thinking about waking up on day 2 and attempting to hike up to the North Rim and back to Bright Angel Campground in the same day. Then hiking out Bright Angel trail the next morning. I am no super athlete by any means. Anyone done this? Is it super hard? 28+ miles in the middle of a hike the day before and day after seems like not the best idea but I sure would love to say I hiked rim to rim and back.

     • Paul Coletta says

       April 7, 2016 at 7:25 pm

       If you are not a super athlete do not attempt it. I’ve done many 20 mile a day hikes and wouldn’t want anything to do with what you outlined. Hike up to ribbon falls or cottonwood and enjoy yourself.
117. Mayuresh says

     March 26, 2016 at 5:46 pm

     Hello,
     I have read at many places that the north rim is closed till may 15th. What exactly is closed? Is the road closed so that it is impossible to drive up to the trail head? Or are just the lodging / camping facilities closed, but the trail head is still accessible?

     I would like to do the north rim to south rim hike in April. Is that just not going to be possible ?

     Thanks a lot.

     • member says

       March 26, 2016 at 8:05 pm

       That is correct. Road, lodging (the Yurt is available) and camping facilities are closed at the North open and re-open on May 15 and why opening week is so crazy busy. You would only be able to gain access to the the North Rim trail head via the trails from the South Rim and hiking up the North Kaibab trail making it a Rim to Rim to Rim hike.
118. DE Kleber says

     March 10, 2016 at 9:50 pm

     Michelle-
     I am leading a group of 20 hikers on a R2R trip during the first week of October, 2016. We will leave from the North Rim on Mon 10/3, stay in Phantom Ranch and reach the South Rim on Wed 10/5. One member of our group will shuttle luggage between the two Rims in his truck. A number of us will rent cars. Know of any R2R hikers who need a way back to the South Rim and would be willing to drive a car from the North Rim to the South Rim on or about 10/4 or 10/5? They would need to caravan with our group’s driver. There might also be an opportunity for someone to hitch rides to the North Rim on or about 10/1 or 10/2 since a certain members of our group will be driving from the South to North Rim at that time. Do you operate some sort of ride-sharing board where R2R hikers can collaborate? If not, would you consider this adding this feature to your webpage? Many thanks.

     • member says

       March 10, 2016 at 9:59 pm

       We have a section the home page of our website under a post that has title “message board” for messages to other hikers. You can also post on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/rimtorim. We recommend the shuttles for hikers that don’t know other hikers from a safety and liability perspective but we do allow people to post on our website that are looking for ride shares.

       Hope this helps!

       • DE Kleber says

         March 24, 2016 at 10:23 pm

         Thanks, so much. I will look into those options.
119. candee says

     March 4, 2016 at 5:50 pm

     Hi! I just made my reservation at Jacob Lake for the end of May. Curious how we are able to gain access into the park so early in the morning? We are planning a one day, rim to rim hike North to South. We have another family member, not doing the hike, which will meet us on the south side when we finish. Any help would be appreciated! I have truly enjoyed reading all of these wonderful stories, and can’t wait to get there!

     • member says

       March 4, 2016 at 7:14 pm

       When there is no gate person (after hours) you are on the honor system. If you have your annual pass (Grand Canyon and/or National Park pass) you are good to go as there is not a pass you put on your car and if you don’t have one than you would pay the next day or when your friend re-enters on the south rim to pick you up.

       Good luck Candee as your hike is just around the corner and look forward to welcoming you and your family to the club!

       • candee says

         April 5, 2016 at 8:04 pm

         Thank you so much! We are so excited!!!
       • Richard says

         May 13, 2016 at 3:59 am

         Are you saying the gate is open to the public before may15? And vehicles can be driven in? The park news letters say may 15. I went in June years ago and had to wait until Six am for the gait to be opened.

         • member says

           May 13, 2016 at 4:01 am

           No, gate opens to the public the morning of May 15 each year which is when the North Rim is “officially” open.
     • Christine Ault says

       March 9, 2016 at 8:50 pm

       I’ll be heading down the NR on May 30 with a friend. We’ll be camping as we’re taking the shuttle around and there was no room at the inn. We’re taking 5 days to SR. We figured…why hurry? We’re in the most beautiful place on earth!

       Maybe we’ll see you in the Canyon.

       • candee says

         April 8, 2016 at 7:32 pm

         Absolutely! I’m so glad you will be getting to take it all in!!! You’re definitely correct…most beautiful place there is! Enjoy!!
120. Sarah says

     February 26, 2016 at 9:42 pm

     I’m planning a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike in May – South to North to South. Here’s the fun part – we’re doing it in 2 days 🙂 I’m going with friends who have done this before but I’ll admit I haven’t done anything quite this ambitious in the past. I’m excited and training hard but a bit nervous as well. For those who have done the RTR- what’s the single hardest part- the heat? the elevation? the distance? I’m not overly concerned about any one of those things- it’s the the two days back to back that’s making me a little jumpy. If any of you have done this I’d love to hear about your experience!

     • John says

       March 29, 2016 at 3:17 pm

       I did R2R2R last April (and again in 11 days!!!). Last year my total moving time was 22 hours 47 minutes at a medium pace (not pushing it). So you’re looking at back to back 11 hour days, and they’re not easy days. Your knees and feet will hate you after descending into the canyon. Be sure to take some mole skin and a few pairs of fresh socks and change them often.
121. Cee says

     February 23, 2016 at 6:13 pm

     I am from Pasadena and planning on North to South right after the North Rim opens in May. It will be my first time. I’ve hiked the 6 peaks and One Day Whitney last August. There will be a group of us, with one having done it last year in May as well. Last year’s group camped the night before the all day hike and then stayed overnight the day of the hike at a lodge in South Rim and were shuttled back to North Rim in the am. Camped back at North Rim and then headed home.

     Unable to make reservations for campground or North Rim Lodge so we’ve booked a lodge outside the park for the night before our hike. Unfortunately, it’s not available for the day after and I really want to enjoy the tranquility and beauty just one more day before driving back to busy LA. Any suggestions on where to stay in North Rim?
     Thanks so much for your suggestions.

     • member says

       February 23, 2016 at 7:14 pm

       Hi Cee,

       Keep checking on the North Rim Campground as far as a cancellation. Did you also check the group sites? There are 3 of them (A, B and C). They are more $ = $50 a night but worth a shot and sometimes if you show up same day something opens up at campground. Same with North Rim Lodges = keep checking for cancellations. The campground and the the lodges (via Forever Resorts) are the only options within the park. Maybe you can stay at the lodge outside the park? If nothing at all opens up you can try Jacob Lake and just drive into the park again to enjoy the North Rim. Jacob Lake is approximately 45 minutes from the North Rim.

       Good luck with your hike!
122. Kevin Wasielewski says

     January 21, 2016 at 5:43 pm

     I have reservations at Phantom Ranch for one night on November 10, 2016 for me and my 13-year old son and would like to do a R2R. I would prefer to start at north rim and finish at the south. Any suggestions with getting to the north rim this late in the year?

     • member says

       January 21, 2016 at 6:07 pm

       Hi Kevin, Trans-Canyon shuttle usually runs shuttles until November 30 (weather permitting) but they are only running up until October 31 this year. If you want to stay at the North Rim only option on those dates is North Rim Campground and/or there is lodging at Jacob Lake (there’s a motel). Jacob Lake is 45 miles from the North Rim.
123. Cindy says

     November 16, 2015 at 11:22 pm

     Want to do a rim to rim in May. When I made reservations, I did not realize that North Rim accomodations do not open until May 15. I made reservations at Phantom Ranch for night of May 15, 2016 and night of May 16, 2016. I want to move them up to night of May 16, 2016 and night of May 17, 2016 (I went down Bright Angel Trail in late September, 2015 and the heat almost killed me. I needed 2 nights at Phantom to recover and be ready to hike out). I am female and traveling solo. If anyone can exchange accomodations, please contact me. I have a cabin for night of May 15, 2016 and night of May 16, 2016 and would be happy to exchange for a dorm. Thanks!!!!
124. Bob Young says

     October 22, 2015 at 2:34 am

     Mt. Whitney Day Hike vs. Grand Canyon R2R

     First up: Who am I? A nobody in the hiking world. However, I was fortunate enough to find time to day-hike the Mt. Whitney Main Trail in June 2015 and the Grand Canyon R2R (North Kaibab Trail to Bright Angel Trail) in September 2015. As such, I thought I’d weigh in on the always-interesting discussion of which hike is harder. To keep things as fair as possible, I made sure to wear the same shoes, carry the same pack and use the same hiking poles. Hope you enjoy!

     PERMIT ****************************************

     It’s usually tough to get a permit for the MWMT for a given date, even if your plans call for a one-day trip. However, if you apply early enough — or are flexible with respect to dates — it can be done. Day-hiking the R2R doesn’t require a permit.

     Harder: MWMT

     DISTANCE **************************************

     The MWMT is listed as 22 miles round trip, while the R2R I did is listed as 23.9 miles one way. Add in the .5-mile walk from the North Rim campground, which is where I started, to the North Kaibab trailhead, and it comes to 24.4 miles.

     Harder: R2R

     TIME *******************************************

     The MWMT took me 11.5 hours to complete, which included about 30 minutes on the summit. The R2R took me about the same and included about 30 minutes at Phantom Ranch.

     Harder: tie

     TEMPERATURE *********************************

     The MWMT can get mighty cold, but in the busy season, it’s fairly comfy. Conversely, the R2R can get mighty hot, but it’s decent before and after that time of the year. Of course, the R2R can be done in winter, when it’s reportedly quite nippy, but you won’t be able to shuttle it.

     Because there is so much variability, I’ll address only my trip times. My MWMT hike began in the 60s (3 a.m.), then cooled to about 45 degrees by the time I arrived at the summit. Then it heated up considerably as I descended to the Portal. My R2R started at about 55 degrees (4 a.m.), then warmed to about 90 degrees at Phantom Ranch. By the time I got to the South Rim, it had cooled to 75 degrees. Note that my early departure time enabled me to avoid the horror stories associated with passing through The Box — even though it was in early September.

     Harder: MWMT (only because I had to carry warmer clothes in case of weird weather in the Sierra)

     WATER *****************************************

     It’s available in numerous places along the MWMT, but you’ll want to treat it. Safe drinking water can be found at several stops on the R2R — just top off your CamelBak and continue. If you need to acquire H2O from the stream that parallels much of the trail to Phantom Ranch, you’ll want to treat it.

     Harder: tie (You can go light on either trip.)

     CARGO *****************************************

     Those who know the Sierra will always carry emergency gear, including things that will keep you warm and dry, things that will enable you to spend the night and often things that will enable you to travel on snow. The MWMT is no exception to this. On the other hand, the R2R, where the primary environmental danger is the heat and the occasional downpour, doesn’t demand as much emergency gear. A light rain jacket and a space blanket to serve as a makeshift shelter from the sun are about the best you can do.

     Perceptive readers will note that I mentioned camping at the North Rim before hiking to the South Rim. Didn’t that require me to carry my camping gear across the canyon? Nope. I purposefully hauled all my old, worn-out gear to the North Rim with the intention of throwing it away afterward. Junky old sleeping pad, leaking bivvy sack, tattered T-shirt, etc. I didn’t take any cooking gear because I bought ready-to-eat food at the store in the campground.

     Harder: MWMT

     ALTITUDE **************************************

     The MWMT hike starts at 8,360 feet and tops out at 14,495 feet before returning to 8,360. That’s 6,135 feet up and then 6,135 feet down, all of which takes place at an elevation that’s higher than all of the R2R. Some Whitney hikers experience altitude problems because of this.

     The R2R I did starts at 8,240 feet at the North Rim and drops to 2,480 feet at the river before ascending to 6,860 feet at the South Rim. That’s 5,760 feet down and then 4,380 feet up. For most hikers, altitude sickness isn’t even a concern.

     Harder: MWMT

     RESCUE ****************************************

     Almost every time I hike the MWMT, I run into a ranger who usually asks for my permit. That’s about it. There are no ranger stations, no resthouses, no ranches, no phones.

     The R2R has all of the above, which can be taken advantage of by hikers in need. It has emergency phone service at various locations.

     Harder: MWMT

     RECOVERY ************************************

     The MWMT takes a toll on the feet and legs (at least, it does on me) because the descent occurs when you’re tired, and that leads to “sloppy” walking that entails letting your feet slap the ground as gravity pulls you down the trail. The result (again, for me) is DOMS that can last a week.

     The R2R descent occurs when you’re fresh, which means you’re more in control. The second half — which is when you’re spent — is just a low-impact plod up the trail. It’s not easy by any means, but it doesn’t beat you up as much.

     Harder: MWMT

     PEER PRESSURE ********************************

     Some hikers won’t be affected by this, but others will. Here’s the scoop: Most of the people you see on the MWMT are there for the same reason — to summit. That means there’s a good chance they’ll be in the same physical condition as you at any given location on the route and moving at comparable speeds. In other words, everyone is slow near the top, and everyone is tired near the bottom.

     In contrast, on the R2R, when you’re at your weakest — ascending the upper portion of the Bright Angel Trail, you’ll see tons of tourists who decided to stroll down into the canyon for a bit and then turn around and climb out. They may outweigh you by 100 pounds and have 20 years on you, but often they’ll be motoring along at twice your speed. Normally, you wouldn’t care, but if you’re in a carb-depleted “bonk” condition — which often leads to negative thought patterns — you may start cussing under your breath, asking yourself why you’re doing this. (If you’ve never bonked, you won’t know what this is like. Believe me — it can be insidious.)

     Harder: R2R (depending on your fitness level)

     VERDICT ***************************************

     It’s tough to say which hike is harder overall, which is why I broke them down into these components. If I was forced to pick one, however, it would be the MWMT. The note I’d like to end on is this: Both hikes are wickedly challenging, but both are very doable. (Hell, I did them!) As such, they’re highly recommended for any bucket list.

     • member says

       October 22, 2015 at 3:32 am

       Bob, THIS IS an AWESOME POST! Thank you for taking the time to compare both hikes as we are sure many hikers will appreciate this!
125. mike carter says

     October 16, 2015 at 4:41 pm

     Howdy. I want to thank everyone who has posted a story or comment. These are very useful for the first-timer to this adventure. I have my 4-day r2r set for middle of August 2016. As being a desert rat all of my life, I have no issues with temps until they reach 115 F. Night 1 at Cottonwood, Night 2 at Phantom, and night 3 at Indian Garden. My only concern is being denied the permit to do this. All reservations are made and I cannot flex the dates. Hopes and prayers that my 1st ever trip is approved.

     • member says

       October 16, 2015 at 9:45 pm

       Hopes and prayers for you Mike!
     • Dewey says

       October 17, 2015 at 1:47 am

       Good luck with the permits Mike. I hiked Rim to Rim 2 times this year, once in June, and the second just a week ago Oct. 10. You are in for a thrill of a lifetime, and one you will not forget. I did both hikes in one day. First hike in June was from North to South. October I hiked South to North. I must say that the North to South was much easier, ( I say that lightly) as this is not easy any way to look at it. Train, train, train, with a stair climber or hit the stairs at a college stadium . Somewhere you can climb stairs and a lot of it, because you will encounter plenty of them. Have a great hike.

       • mike carter says

         October 20, 2015 at 3:41 pm

         Thanks Dewey. Maybe we will run into each other on the trail?
       • Roy says

         September 18, 2018 at 1:44 am

         I was blissfully ignorant because I’d read none of these cautions when I did my first Grand Canyon hike on June 23, 2018. It was a south to north, rim to rim, on Bright Angel to North Kaibab. But, I’d been told by a very experienced GC hiker (12 rim to rim and 4 rim to rim to rim), that I was capable and to hike south to north because most of the north side would be in shadows for the afternoon climb, whereas the south would all be in direct sun.

         With an accomplished Tuff Mudder / ultra marathoner hiking companion, the Bright Angel trail head was left behind at 6:oo AM and we topped out at the North Kaibab trail head at 6:40 PM (24.6 miles by my GPS). That was followed by a hike to the Country Store and then on to the North Rim Lodge. The total for the day was 26.6 miles.

         8 days later, September 2, 2018, I left the Bright Angel trail head (solo) at 5:40 AM, hiked to slightly beyond Phantom Ranch, and then returned to the Bright Angel trail head at 2:40 PM (20.5 miles). The warning about the south climb-out had been 100% correct. The trail was almost entirely in the blazing sun and it was absolutely brutal.

         Hoping that I could improve on my rim to rim time, the Bright Angel south to North Kaibab was repeated (solo this time) on September 2, 2018. Departed 5:00 AM and topped out at 2:39 PM.

         Even though the north side climb-out is higher, climbing out on the north, in shadows, was much better than climbing out on the south side in the sun. Now, I’d really like to do North Kaibab to Bright Angel from the north rim to the south rim in cool weather but the logistics for that will be much tougher.

         Prior to these GC hikes, except for doing the Bataan Death March Memorial Hike in March of 2018, while carrying 35 lb. of coins for the local food bank, I hadn’t done a 25 mile hike since my Army days of 1960 – 1963. Except for the afternoon climb up Bright Angel, these have been truly wonderful experiences. I just wish I hadn’t been intimidated by that beautiful canyon for so many years. Don’t let it intimidate you. Prepare yourself and then go hike it.

         • member says

           September 18, 2018 at 1:52 am

           Welcome into the club Roy and happy you shared your story! We made changes to the trail reference for you as you actually would have come up the North Kaibab trail as Bright Angel ends at Phantom.

           Hope you get to come back and try the North to South route too like you stated you want to do!
     • mike carter says

       May 2, 2016 at 10:13 pm

       Got permitted for middle of August! Tally ho!

       • member says

         May 2, 2016 at 10:20 pm

         That’s awesome Mike!
126. Walter smith says

     October 6, 2015 at 6:14 pm

     I did my first r2r in the first week of July 2010. I just completed my second r2r on October 3 2015. On both hikes I started on the bright angel trail. Hike 1 the day was a 105 degree scorcher. The second hike in October was 88 degrees in the box. The second hike was optimal conditions and I finished it in 1 day. I was caring a 40 pound backpack. The first hike I dehydrated and had to rest at cottonwood campground overnight. A fantastic ranger nursed me back to a rehydrated state and I hiked out the following afternoon. The second hike was fantastic. I stayed hydrated. Took salt tablets, drank water at a steady but moderate rate, ate Lara bars til I couldn’t stand them and ibuprofen about every 4 hours to quiet my sore muscles. My biggest win was blasting through the river trail in 45 minutes. .. in 2010 it took 2 hrs for me to get through the river trail. By 830 that morning the temp was over 100 degrees and that was where I really hit the wall. That morning in 2010 I spent 45 minutes at photo ranch soaking my baked head and my t shirt. I learned a lot of things about myself and the canyon that day. This year’s hike was the culmination of practice hiking from April through September 5 days a week with a fully loaded backpack. I did 2 practice hikes of 24 miles. 1 practice hike of 18 miles. And several 12 mile hikes. The rest were six Mile practice hikes every other day after work… again. A fully loaded 40 pound pack. I ate the same snacks on the practice hikes and set a moderate pace for drinkING water. The practice really was worth the effort. More than anything it toughened my endurance and psyche. For me the inner conversation and mental toughness are really just as important as preparing your body. This Year’s Hike Started At 400 AM And Ended At 915 PM. At the end of the hike at north kaibab trailhead a group was throwing a pizza party. I had been trading places with them on the trail for half the day. They invited me to share in their pizza and drinks and gave me a drive back to the campground. They were waiting for and worrI’d about 2 members of their group who had not arrived yet. I hopened all worked out for them and if one of them is reading this post, I would like to know the outcome. Walter smith 10/06/2015
127. Beth Martin says

     October 1, 2015 at 2:40 am

     I am planning a R2R hike for next October with my husband and another couple. Plan to stay at Phantom Ranch for one night. Trying to decide on transportation coming either from Las Vegas or Phoenix…..staying one night on North Rim before hike down and then one night on South Rim before heading back. Are there services that drop you at one rim and pick up from the other…..or drive your car around? What do you recommend for itinerary to maximize our experience. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

     • member says

       October 4, 2015 at 12:17 am

       Trans-Canyon Shuttle can take you from one Rim to the other. Great group of people! If you visit our hike page on our website most information is listed there to help you to include links to shuttle. Good luck to you and your group Beth!
128. keith cotton says

     September 29, 2015 at 11:28 pm

     We’re planing our 1st R2R next late Sept or early Oct. 1st of many questions…: If descending north rim using head lamps how much light do they put out & is it safe under foot?
     Thanks
129. koganti Rao says

     September 25, 2015 at 6:43 am

     I just did the R2R( N Rim to Bright Angel TH) on Sat, Sept. 19th to celebrate my 80th B Day with a bunch of friends and some family members. We started walking from North Kaibab trail head at 4:05AM. The fastest hiker reached Bright Angel TH in 8 hours and 40 min. It took me 13 hours and 30 min with 1 hour celebration( Photographs with friends) at Phantom Ranch.
     Temperatures were mild. It was only 80 deg. F at 2PM at Indian Gardens. It was 100 deg. F 5 years ago for my 75th around the same time.

     • member says

       September 25, 2015 at 11:01 pm

       WOW! You are an inspiration Koganti! No words to explain the amazing shape you are in other than WOW! Happy belated birthday!
     • Gene Estensen says

       June 13, 2016 at 2:18 am

       Wow is not strong enough as an expression of admiration. I will be 70 on my next birthday. Doing 2nd r-2-r in September. I thought this would be my last, but you inspire me. Let’s see how it goes. The training gets harder with age.
130. TMLT says

     September 21, 2015 at 6:30 pm

     Two years ago some girlfriends and I did R2R in a day – South to North, 13 hours. We had perfect weather (last weekend in September) and had a great time. It was tough, but was a fantastic experience. I’m doing it again on October 3, 2015, this time with family (including my 14-year-old nephew) and going opposite direction – North to South. Hoping the temps in the inner canyon cool down a bit, but looking forward to the challenge.
131. Tian says

     September 21, 2015 at 5:57 pm

     I just hiked from South rim to North rim yesterday. It took me 17 hours. This is the TOUGHEST experience ever, will never do that again.
132. Becky says

     September 20, 2015 at 1:08 pm

     Active female hiker, age 72, just completed South-to-North R2R in 2 days. Wore lightweight Merrell boots, ideal except for occasional muddy spots and stream crossings. Hiking poles useful. Ascent up Kaibab difficult only last 1-1/2 mile (after Tunnel) due to trail destruction by descending mules, excrement, mud. Enjoy all the beauty along the way!
133. Chris says

     September 8, 2015 at 3:41 pm

     My dad did the rim to rim two years ago, at age 70 and wants to do it again this spring/summer. We are trying to make this a male bonding experience for my brother and brother-in-laws. I am wondering if there is an age limit for children. My son will have just turned 13 and I haven’t seen anything that restricts children, but wanted to make sure before I commit. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

     • member says

       September 8, 2015 at 4:14 pm

       The NPS requires no age limit on children. Our recommendation is that they are in shape and prepared for it just like we recommend any adult. Good luck to you and your family. Sounds like an amazing adventure and your dad doing it at age 70 = AWESOME!
     • Monica says

       September 29, 2015 at 1:56 am

       We hiked the canyon to Phantom Ranch and back from the South Rim when my son was 10 years old, he did fine. He was fit (of course he was 10 years old, right….) Brought a bag of snickers bars, and plenty of food and drink, that is the key – gotta fuel the tank. He graduates from high school this year – we are planning on doing the rim to rim in June.
134. rezzycandy says

     September 4, 2015 at 10:52 am

     I’m training for Nrim to Srim in one day Sept 12, 2015. I just hiked Spencer’s trail twice yesterday by Lee’s Ferry. 3200 ft incline total. 8 miles, it took me 7 hours. That was tough and that is only 1/3 of the way. I used a half marathon training schedule and I will be at mile 9 by hike day. Hoping this will be enough training for it.

     • member says

       September 8, 2015 at 4:15 pm

       Good luck to you this weekend!
     • koganti Rao says

       September 14, 2015 at 12:25 am

       How did your hike go?
     • Emily says

       September 16, 2015 at 2:33 pm

       How did it go? I am planning the same hike for Sept 26…so less than two weeks away! I’d love to hear about your trip and if you have any advice to offer 🙂

       • S says

         September 25, 2015 at 5:49 am

         doing this hike this saturday also, 9/24 Have not trained at all since June. I’m guessing I’ll be hurting after but I think it’ll be fun nonetheless. I’ve hiked 20 miles more than once in a day so hoping the views will make it worth the pain. 41 years old and in ok shape.
135. Arni says

     August 26, 2015 at 6:49 am

     Hello,

     I will be in Grand Canyon for hiking on November 14-18, and as expected Phantom Ranch is full.
     Does anybody know how to get a “last minute” reservation if ever possible ?
     Another question : am I allowed parking my rental car at South Kaibab Trailhead for 1-2 days without risking getting it towed away ?

     Thx for your help,
     Arni

     • Rim to Rim Club says

       August 26, 2015 at 3:05 pm

       Arni,

       Keep calling Phantom as something usually opens up if you are persistent and have patience. The best bet for you at the South Rim is to park your car at the Backcountry office and take the shuttle over to the South Kaibab Trail. This way you don’t have to worry about your car. If you are trying to get a permit to camp out (if you don’t get a reservation at Phantom) you can always try a walk-up permit. Again, this can be done at the Backcountry Office. Good luck at have fun!

       Rim to Rim Club

       • Arni says

         August 26, 2015 at 3:20 pm

         thx a lot
136. Ken Rao says

     August 6, 2015 at 10:21 pm

     My daughter is going drop us at North Rim on Friday 17th night and spend the night with us. She will be driving back to S Rim on Saturday 19th morning, She has room for 1 or 2 female hikers that needs a ride back to S Rim. Its is free!
     Please send me an e-mail if interested.
137. Rim to Rim Club says

     June 14, 2015 at 4:01 am

     So nice to read each of your stories as that is what this club is all about. Welcome all that completed this hike to the Rim to Rim Club® as you are now members and part of the less than 1%.

     Good luck to all that will be embarking on the journey. May you have an experience, adventure and perspective to last a lifetime! We look forward to welcoming you to the club!

     • Jerry says

       June 14, 2015 at 3:29 pm

       I am planning to go South Rim , North and back to South… mid- SEP. Does six or seven day sound about right? Day one hike to bottom camp overnite, Day two hike to North Rim camp, Day Three/Four and stay in canyon Day five accent to South, camp overntie before returning home.
138. Kara Sellers says

     June 14, 2015 at 3:26 am

     I had heard about this hike from a co-worker and could not get it out of my mind, and so finally decided to bite the bullet and actually start planning this hike for myself. My husband and I decided to do it together to celebrate our 15th anniversary. When we would tell anyone of our plans we would get one of two responses, either “you guys are going to die!”, or “that’s awesome!”. Depending on the day, I didn’t know which one might be closer to the truth! We live in Southern Illinois, and needless to say, there’s not much terrain around here to actually prepare for something like this. We did our best, and a couple of weeks ago, on Wed. May 27 ’15, we completed our much anticipated, long-awaited adventure. Let me tell you, it is tough! A month before, I had severely sprained my ankle and seriously debated even doing this hike, but in the end, decided to go ahead with it (against my better judgement). We stayed at the Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim 2 days before our hike, then early the next morning took the Trans Canyon Shuttle to the North Rim Lodge. We had a nice lunch and hiked a little around the area to sight-see. We had a light supper and hit the hay around 7. The next morning, a driver from the Lodge took us to the North Kaibab Trail Head to begin our hike around 4:45am. They had gotten snow 2 days before, but besides a few little snowy patches around the trees, the trail was completely clear. Absolutely beautiful! Every few miles the terrain changes so much. Our descent would have gone much faster, except I was still being very cautious because of my ankle. The temperature was cool starting out (in the 40’s), but maxed out in the upper 90’s by afternoon. All in all, couldn’t have asked for better weather. Stopped in at Phantom Ranch for some lemonade and cooled off our feet in Bright Angel Creek. Thought it was a long hike through the bottom of the canyon until we started our ascent. When you read that you should anticipate up to an hour for each mile of ascent, they are not kidding! Didn’t think we were ever going to reach the top! The 3 mile rest house was amazing and we did rest there quite a while to recharge. Many of the hikers that we had seen earlier in the day were camping at one of the sites, so by afternoon we were the only 2 on the South Rim hiking up the Bright Angel Trail. At this point, I’ll be honest, I was cursing and praying in almost the same breath! Thoughts going through my mind were “What on Earth ever made me want to do this!” and “my husband is never going to forgive me!”. But let me tell you, when you finally reach the end, that is almost all forgotten. I think I’ve looked through my pictures of the hike every day since then and a part of me still can’t believe I had the nerve to even book it in the first place, let alone leave the kids with their aunt and drive across the country with my husband and actually do it!! Amazing experience for us both that we’ll always treasure, and even our kids, 12 and 9, are really proud of us. And you know what, I’m really proud of us too, because no, we “didn’t die!”, and yes, it was “awesome!”

     • member says

       June 14, 2015 at 3:58 am

       Sounds like you had a great hike and experience Kara! We are proud of you too! Welcome to the club!
     • Delaina lucus says

       January 23, 2016 at 6:13 pm

       Kara,
       I want to do this hike so badly! Most of my friends think I’m insane. I live in MS and we really don’t have anywhere near comparable to train. I’m thinking stair master. My goal is to stay at south rim and day hike to north rim, stay the night, hike back to south rim the next day. I can’t get s room until 2017.( Planning on October). I have plenty of time to train, but I need all the info I can get. My friend and I are pretty fit, we run but haven’t ever done anything like this. I WANT to do this but I don’t want to be stupid. Any other tips you have would be appreciated. Way to finish coming off an ankle injury!!!!

       • Al Swartz says

         June 13, 2016 at 6:05 am

         Delaina,
         Stairmaster is fine for the uphill portion, but it won’t do much for your quads, which will be screaming after the downhill. If you have a local high school football stadium with bleachers, jogging or walking up and down the bleachers is great training for the Grand Canyon. And you can easily figure out the height you’re climbing and compare it to the climb out of the GC.

         I did an R2R2R (double crossing) in 20 hours in May 2012 at age 60. It was the best day of my life! I did a LOT of bleacher climbing before the hike, since I live in a flat portion of Michigan. My normal workout is 200 “laps” up and down a 15-step bleacher, which translates to 2000 feet of elevation gain in 45 minutes. I’d rather be jogging on level ground, but my aging hips actually find the bleachers easier.

         Good luck with the R2R, it’ll probably be a fantastic experience! The scenery heading up to the north rim is gorgeous.
139. shea says

     April 14, 2015 at 4:47 am

     we are hiking r2r on September 12, 2015. we are going North to South. Anybody want to trade car keys that day?

     • Ken Rao says

       June 9, 2015 at 6:03 pm

       I plan to do R2R on Sept 19,2015 from North to South to celebrate my 80th. Please post your feedback here on your hike on the 12th.

       Wishing you the best
140. Ambra says

     March 15, 2015 at 7:18 pm

     Hiking R2R2R in two weeks. Starting our descent on the South Kaibab trail through the canyon, staying at Cottonwood campground, then ascending up the North Rim the next day and back down to Cottonwood for the second night. Hiking out the Bright Angel trail on the third day. 2 in my party, we are from CO and have been training with full packs and boots and microspikes through the snowy CO winter. We are ready and very excited for our trip. Will post again once complete 🙂

     • Dana says

       June 3, 2015 at 8:50 pm

       Ambra – I’m curious how your R2R2R went … my wife and I are planning to hike South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch to North Rim, then back to Phantom and up via Bright Angel Trail next year. I was hoping to get your feedback on the South Kaibab descent.

       • Deena says

         June 19, 2015 at 8:08 pm

         Dana, the South Kaibab is my favorite section of the r2r2r. It think it’s the most beautiful with maybe an exception for a super small part of the north kaibab. it is a steep descent which usually bothers my knees but when i put it as the first leg, as you are, then my knees are fresh and do fine. i completed that section last year in about 3 hours and just last weekend in 2 1/2. If you can schedule it for a sunrise or sunset start then you’re really in for a treat!! 🙂

         • Dana says

           June 19, 2015 at 8:34 pm

           Thanks for the tip about sunrise or sunset; we’ll definitely keep that in mind!
     • Jerry says

       June 14, 2015 at 3:31 pm

       How many days are you planning for?

       • Dana says

         June 19, 2015 at 8:37 pm

         We are planning 3 nights, 4 leisurely days of hiking the latter part of May, Jerry.
141. Bruce says

     January 4, 2015 at 11:59 pm

     Okay, so it is time to mark this one off my bucket list. We have scheduled a r2r2r hike for September 2015. I am 53 and not getting any younger. My wife, daughter (20), and another couple our age are going to hike south to north, stay at north lodge for 2 nights then hike back to south rim. We live in Phoenix and hike south mountain trails weekly. I have also hiked from phantom ranch to south rim twice after completing half of the rafting trip through canyon. So I am well aware of how challenging the canyon is. But now I have nine months to prepare. I would welcome any training tips to help. Thanks and happy hiking!

     • Doug Hohenberger says

       January 21, 2015 at 11:39 am

       Hello Folks:

       Sounds like a great trip! I also am scheduled to hike to North Rim September 23, 2015 Wednesday. I live around Indianapolis and train for this wonderful adventure by running. This winter I am running 3 days a week. I will expand to 5 days a week this Spring and Summer.

       Mistakes that I have made in the past was not enough food. I hiked to the Colorado River and back and thought for sure I had enough food. Well I was halfway up the Bright Angel trail going back and I was out of energy and no food. I had plenty of water but I could not get energy from water.

       I was hiking by myself and just held on and did O.K. I was very tired and made it back. I learned a lesson to take more food and limit my pack to 20 pounds.

       Doug

       • Jerry says

         June 15, 2015 at 1:03 am

         what chow do you recommend? I did the Philmount Scout Ranch a few years back.. … the trip was great the food SUCKED…. mostly cookies and pop tarts.!! 63 miles and I GAINED weight.

         • rich says

           August 13, 2015 at 11:42 pm

           I gave up on bars . I do best on peanut butter and jelly or honey. good luck .
       • Doug Hohenberger says

         October 27, 2015 at 3:08 pm

         Dear Grand Canyon Mountain:

         My thoughts have been with you for almost a year now. These day’s preparing pass by one by one. Each day brought me closer knowing I would soon be there.

         We are together now and what a challenge you are. Your Redwall trail is Oh so high and narrow, but what a sight! The day has become warm now, maybe hot. Yes I did forget how difficult you could be. Roaring Springs, Cottonwood, Ribbon Falls and Phantom Ranch you all are so nice.

         Your gravity was always there, always there. Oh the end how hard you were, how hard you were. Promises where made for ever more. How I drank and drank, where was the end. North Kaibab Trailhead your gravity never felt so strong.

         Home now sitting quiet and calm. The day’s pass one by one. Thank you Grand Canyon Mountain for the memory, the year past. One day not so very long you will call again. What a wonderful year it shall be. You are indeed beautiful North Kaibab Trail.

         My thoughts Doug Hohenberger,60, Indianapolis, Indiana on hiking the North Kaibab Trail for the first time Thursday September 24, 2015. Wow! Oh so nice………………. and challenging.
     • Anne says

       May 18, 2015 at 12:57 am

       Hi Bruce,

       We just completed R2R on Saturday and live in Phoenix as well. I highly recommend you hike Tom’s Thumb from the Gateway Trailhead in DC Ranch several times for training! We also have found that chewing Jelly Belly Sport Beans from My Indian Garden to the top will ward off the wall! Good luck!

       • Emily says

         September 16, 2015 at 1:54 pm

         Hi Anne,

         I’ve been training for a solo R2R hike from North to South and it’s only 1.5 weeks away. I have been hiking local here and Phoenix but just did the Gateway Loop that you’re talking about for the first time yesterday. It went well, and I plan to do it again this Saturday. I just didn’t know about it until this late in training. I’ve also done Camelback’s Echo to Cholla and back a few times…along with a few other mountains, running, lunges, squats, etc.

         All in all, I’m still incredibly nervous…mainly because I’m flying solo. Can you let me know your thoughts on training and if you feel like I’m prepared!? I know it’s hard to judge….so any advice you have would be greatly appreciated!!!
     • Arni says

       June 8, 2015 at 9:27 am

       Bruce,

       Please give your feedback once you’re out. As I am about the same age as you I’m very interested in your experiences as I plan doing the same in June next year with my daughter, itinerary planned SKT-PR-GCNR Lodge for two nights and back GCNR-PR (probably two nights)-GCSR.

       Does anybody know if there will be a shuttle early on North Rim in the morning going from the lodge to the trailhead?
       Having been in’91 for the first time at GC on my first USA-Holiday I immediately fell in love and stayed “frustrated” as I did not succeed fullfilling my wish to see the Colorado River.

       It took me until 2006 to come back when I booked a rafting trip and hiked out to south rim, in 2008 I was back with my whole Family and we hiked down SKT, stayed at PR and hiked out on BAT.

       In PR I bought a “rim to rim” sticker but never put it anywhere as I knew I still had to do this for real.
       Now, the plan has been fixed for next year, Training sessions have started :-).

       Thanks for this interesting and helpful site.

       Arni from Luxembourg/Europe

       • rich says

         August 13, 2015 at 11:46 pm

         the shuttle leaves the lodge at 5:30 . have fun!
142. Bob Hale says

     November 5, 2014 at 12:56 am

     We have hiked R2R the last four years around May 23rd. We stayed at the Kaibab Lodge on the North Rim and hiked down thru Phantom Ranch and up Bright Angel. Two of the four years had temperatures in the low 100’s at Indian Gardens in the shade. Those hikes were brutal and that may be understating it. We start at 4 AM and we finished at 4 PM each hike. An hour or two quicker this year because temp was only 75 deg at Indian Gardens. Still a hard one day hike but not brutal.

     I am writing to ask if any one has comments about hiking R2R at night. Here is my thought: We may have 12-15 people for this hike. I am looking at hiking down South Kaibab on the afternoon of May 15th, 2015 and finishing around 4 AM on the morning of May 16th. Maybe 3-5 people would hike with me. The other 8-10 would drive directly to the North Rim on May 15th. They would start their hike on May 16th at 4 AM. We would get their keys for their cars and their hotel rooms. We would use their hotel rooms to freshen up and take a nap until about 11 AM. Then we would drive their cars over to the South Rim, pick them up and stay at the South Rim on May 16th and have dinner together.

     Unfortunately that date has a new moon but I do not think this is a deal breaker.

     Any comments??

     • Cayce says

       January 30, 2015 at 6:20 pm

       I take it from your post that heading down the North Kaibab on May 15th to Cottonwood would not be advisable after 12 noon? We will be shuttling from the South Rim and the shuttle gets in at 12. Maybe we will spend the night of the 14th and head down early early. Was questioning the temps below the rim during that time. Thanks!
     • Cayce says

       January 30, 2015 at 6:21 pm

       I take it from your post that heading down the North Kaibab on May 15th to Cottonwood would not be advisable after 12 noon? We will be shuttling from the South Rim and the shuttle gets in at 12. Maybe we will spend the night of the 14th and head down early. Was questioning the temps below the rim during that time. Thanks!

       • member says

         January 30, 2015 at 7:13 pm

         You are descending down (versus ascending) from North Kaibab to Cottonwood which is only 6.8 miles so the key is the weather and the heat factor. They don’t recommend that you hike between the hours of 10:00-4:00 during the peak of summer but in May the heat may not be that bad. Again, key is to check the weather and know your limits.

         • Cayce says

           March 30, 2015 at 10:03 pm

           Thank you. I spoke to someone in the back country office today and since there will be no accomodations open on the 14th on the North Rim for an early start on May 15th, they recommended we start down at 2:30pm. Does anyone know if you can order meals at Phantom even if you don’t have reservations for an overnight stay? Less packing would be a great option.

           • doris says

             May 4, 2015 at 2:38 am

             I don’t think that hiking as far as Cottonwood which is not quite halfway to the bottom will be an issue even starting at midday. By the time you reach Cottonwood it’ll be about 5pm and cooling off again.N Rim temps are about 10 degrees colder than at Cottonwood …It’s a beautiful hike! As for PR meals, they have to be reserved. The mules only carry so much for each day’s meal prep! The only extras they may have are sack lunches. You can call as many times as you like to ask for meal cancellations…they do open up! I got meals for 2 days, for 4 people at PR, bit by bit, over the course of several months. Good luck!!
143. Flo says

     October 28, 2014 at 7:21 pm

     I have reservations for in Oct 2015 at Phantom and our dinner is the 5:00pm seating. I am worried if we hike from the North side, we might miss dinner. All women are in very good to great shape and avid hikers. Does anyone know the realistic time it takes to get from the North Kaibab trailhead to Phantom Ranch if you are moving along at a decent walking pace, eating lunch and still able to take in some sites and pics? The sites online are all over the board from first timers to runners. We are fast hikers, but still want to enjoy the trip down. Any thoughts from people who have done it at an above average hiking speed, but not r2r2 runners??!!

     • Anne says

       May 18, 2015 at 12:51 am

       Hi Flo,

       My friend and I just completed R2R on Saturday and it took us less than 4 hours to travel down North Kaibab to Phantom Ranch. We are 50 and avid hikers and did not run. Even if you take lots of pics, 5 hours is plenty to get to Phantom from the North Rim. We departed at 5:15 am in 2 inches of snow and arrived at Phantom at 9:50am, with day packs. We continued on to the south rim, all in one day.
144. Marjorie N., in P.B. Missouri says

     August 28, 2014 at 12:41 am

     As an 88 1/2 year old mother, and grandmother, whose grandchildren and son-in-law are going to do this R2R2 climb thinggggg, it now gives me something more to think about and a better reason to drink more wine. God be with my loved ones!
145. Chris says

     August 19, 2014 at 12:05 am

     Rim2rim2rim over 3 days aug 14-16 2014. Buildup approach.
     Day 0 camp Mather from ABQ
     Day 1 S Kaibab to Phantom ranch cabin (3.5 hrs with 0930 start). Very hot (100F+ at phantom)
     Day 2 N Kaibab to N rim cabin (7.5 hrs with 0730 start).
     Day 3 N Kaibab down Bright angel up (start 0530 finish 1830). Lots of resting and socializing at water stops so felt good at top. Phantom was 104F per the shade thermometer around 1230.
     Pack was 25lbs at start (10 essentials +flask and including 4 quarts water for first day). Pack was lighter each day with water stops and consumption figured out (had iodine tablets as backup).
     Vitals: Age 35 and hike New Mexico and Colorado. Not even close to how bad we expected but it is backcountry and to be respected and conditions change.
     Cautions: encountered 3 rattlesnakes on trail at and below cottonwood campground. No draft IPA on south rim. Phantom ranch steak dinner is just ok, over cooked but filling. N Kaibab trailhead to lodge is 1.7mi. There was an airlift (hope they were ok) from bright angel campground on 8/15. Don Lynch’s comments above are quite sound.
146. JR SMTIH says

     June 23, 2014 at 7:01 pm

     While hiking the North Rim in July of 2012, I met a New Orleans EMT who was just completing a Rim2Rim hike. Needless to say, I was thrilled by his story and began planning a R2R adventure for the summer of 2014. Due to work, the earliest departure date from Florida would be June 11th. Made reservations, obtained permits, and created an itinerary for the three day two night hike. One friend and one family member joined the adventure to depart North Rim at 5:00 am on the 12th of June and arrive at Bright Angel Campground.

     Tried to obtain Phantom Ranch accommodations by calling weekly for cancellations, without any luck- however, it was a blessing in disguise because we wouldn’t have made it for the evening of the 12th.

     One my friends slipped and was unable to hike any further than Cottonwood. A precious couple, Holly and Garth, allowed us to “crash” their campsite since no ranger was available. Early am on the 13th, having set up the friend who couldn’t walk, we hiked down to ranger station at PR. Met ranger on the trail and she assured us we did the right thing and that she would take care of getting our friend out. But our friend would have to stay another night at Cottonwood due to high winds and heat. My stepdaughter and I made it PR by 10:00 am where we experienced high winds and heat. Sat in the creek for almost an hour which lowered core temp dramatically. Visited with campers until 5pm before heading to our scheduled night at Indian Gardens. Despite full moon, we still needed headlamps because it took us so much longer due to staying at Cottonwood rather than Bright Angel on the first night.
     I don’t recommend hiking Devil’s Corkscrew in the dark – if you can avoid it.

     Wasn’t able to get much rest at Indian Gardens once we arrived due to early departures (1:00-4:00 am) of many campers. Seemed like the packs got heavier once we departed around 8:30 am- yes, we were the last hikers to ascend.

     Met so many great folks along the ascent up- this sea level Floridian noticed a definite altitude change but we rested in the heat of the day and hiked in the cool. We had to rely on the headlamps again for the final mile because it just was too dark.

     Our friend was airlifted out of Cottonwood to So Rim where she was treated and released by noon on the 14th. The rescue helicopter ride took 11 minutes.
     My step-daughter and I didn’t arrived to Thunderbird Hotel until after 9:30 pm. – tired, dusty but so THRILLED we made it.

     What memories we made along the way and now we are planning another R2R adventure for October of 2015.

     We are going to call for Phantom Ranch accommodations as soon as possible and my husband wants to come this time and ride the mules to PR.

     We would love to try and locate Garth and Holly-Minnesota – just to say thanks again for helping us.

     My step-daughter came up with a great name for us— the “Blazing Turtles”-

     Happy Trails!
147. Rod says

     February 10, 2014 at 4:18 am

     Did Rim to Rim August 2012. Took shuttle from south to north. Camped at cotton wood, bright angel, and indian gardens. Could have just stayed at bright angel, last year (2013) made it to south rim from phantom without camping at indian gardens, September. Did a lot of walking on local trials with weighted packs, 50 lbs and extended hikes of 10 to 15 miles. Stairs might have been more beneficial.
148. Tina P says

     February 8, 2014 at 11:37 am

     I have done the Rim to Rim 5 times and am doing it again this year May 18th. One time down south Kaibab and the other four down Bright Angel. Yes, you need to be in shape but it is very doable. Starting at the Bright Angel is by far the easiest. South Kaibab is prettier but if you have any kind of problem, you might not see another person and are pretty much on your own. At least on Bright Angel, you see other hikers. The worst part of Bright Angel of course are the donkeys. They smell so bad and you really have to watch where you step!!

     I wore hiking shoes the first year and threw them in the trash right after. I had so many blisters. The next four years, I wore by old running shoes. By best suggestion is to cut your toenails as short as you can get them. Some of my friends have lost some toenails from the down hill pounding your feet take. I also suggest a walking stick. It really helps on those switchbacks on the way out hiking up the North side. In all five times I have done this trip it has been a “girls trip” and we loved it each time. It is one of the most satisfying things I have ever done and anyone I have taken on this trip considers this one of their greatest accomplishments!

     • Amy K says

       April 1, 2014 at 7:28 pm

       How long does it take you to hike R2R? We are planning on May 28, 2014 hike and we were trying to try to get an approximate time frame. I’ve hiked North Rim down to Ribbon Falls and back up in one day, but never did the full R2R. We were planning on 12-14 hours, and taking time to stop and check out Ribbon Falls. Does that seem about right?

       • member says

         April 1, 2014 at 7:44 pm

         Amy, it took us about 6 hours of hiking each day = 12 hours (we completed Rim to Rim in two days). We did stop and visit Ribbon Falls for about 1/2 hour and we did stay the night at Phantom Ranch which was very relaxing. If you are planning a one day Rim to Rim (North to South) than 12-14 hours is about right depending on your conditioning. You stated that you went down North Kaibab and than back up North Kaibab (with the visit to Ribbon Falls) which is about 16 miles total so you will feel that same type of climb (around 8 miles) up the the South Rim for a total distance of 23.9 miles (via N. Kaibab to Bright Angel) and/or 21.3 miles (via North Kaibab to South Kaibab) for the full Rim to Rim. Good luck and we hope to have you in the club soon!
     • Jerry says

       June 15, 2015 at 1:08 am

       Tina, I had a pair of Danners’ Worst shoes ever!! Blisters.. borrowed old pair of running shoes to finsh
149. Lorene B says

     January 29, 2014 at 5:02 pm

     I am in the process of planning a R2R hike for Sept 2015 and am wondering what would best- to stay on the south rim and take the shuttle to the north side before starting out or staying on the north side and then taking the shuttle back from the south to north once we get up on the south side? Im wondering if we’d want to take a 5 hr bus ride after a long hike? We plan on taking 4 days to do it and want to stay at Phantom Ranch. We’ve hiked down the south side to Plateau Point and back up in a day and really want to do R2R! Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks!

     • member says

       January 29, 2014 at 6:50 pm

       Lorene,

       If it is your first time we would recommend North Rim to South Rim. On our trip we camped out and than hiked North to South, one night at Phantom Ranch and than treated ourselves to a nice hotel at South Rim. We didn’t mind shuttling back as we were rested and clean!

       You can also post on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/rimtorim for feedback from our members.

       Good luck!

       Michelle

       • Lorene B says

         January 30, 2014 at 3:37 pm

         Thanks Michelle! Do you think it would be worth it to stay 2 nights at the Phantom Ranch or is that too many? Or are more the scenic highlights on the way down? We’ve gone down the south side as far Plateau Point and back up in a day but want to see more so the R2R is a must!

         • member says

           January 30, 2014 at 4:50 pm

           You can take a side trip to Ribbon Falls and also other hikes at the base. My buddy and I started early each morning so it all depends on how much other “hiking” or just “resting” you want to do and where you want to do it. We wanted to make sure we completed Rim to Rim in good spirits so we enjoyed having the day at the top of the South Rim once we completed the hike since it was our first time there. There’s a walk at the top that may also be nice for you. Again, feel free to post on our Facebook page as we have hikers on there that have done Rim to Rim multiple times and may have other suggestions/options. Either way, the Rim to Rim Experience will be one you will never forget!
150. Mark says

     January 23, 2014 at 1:51 pm

     No permit needed for R2R if you are not camping in the backcountry. Do the trip in a day or stay at Phantom Ranch and you need no permit.
     Anyone on here doing a R2R from the south arriving on the north on May 24th or early May 25 of 2014?

     • member says

       January 23, 2014 at 4:14 pm

       Hi Mark,

       Thanks for posting this. You can also post on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/rimtorim just in case hikers don’t see this post on our website!

       Happy Hiking!

       Rim to Rim Club
     • Chris L. says

       February 11, 2014 at 4:13 am

       Myself and 2 friends will start at the south rim on may 25th for a rim to rim hike. Our plan is to rest a day on the north rim and start a rim to rim (n to s) on may 27th.
     • doris says

       February 24, 2014 at 11:44 pm

       we will be doing R2R May 23rd arriving south rim on the 25th but will have our car at north rim… does your question have to do with transportation logistics ?
     • Mike says

       May 15, 2014 at 5:56 pm

       My wife and I are day hiking R2R, south to north, and arriving at N. Rim on Sunday, May 25. Layover day/night and heading back across in a day on Tuesday, May 27th. I am responding to a question. Want to coordinate something?
151. Don Lynch says

     September 25, 2013 at 1:03 am

     My 14 year old daughter and I did the rim to rim in one day on September 21, 2013. We live in Arizona, so we are somewhat acclimated plus the weather was mild, only 93 degrees at Phantom Ranch. If one has never hiked the Grand Canyon before they should not attempt the rim to rim hike in one day. In fact, you should not try the one day river and back hike on the south rim if you are not Grand Canyon experienced. We learned on our first hike on the Grandview Trail, hiking in the Grand Canyon is harder than you think it is.

     We left at 6:10 am and made good time going down. Actually, too good time, since I arrived at Phantom Ranch about 12:30 tired and with sore knees. At 2:00 pm we headed to the Bright Angel trail. My knees were okay going up hill, but I pushed too hard going up the Devil’s Corkscrew and got pretty bad leg cramps shortly before Indian Gardens. That made the rest of the hike extremely hard. We ate dinner at Indian Gardens and pushed off again at 6:00 pm. We arrived at the top at 11:00 pm. My daughter was a little impatient about how slow I went but really pretty good about it.

     In retrospect, we would have been smarter to take more time going down and not worry about any ideas of arriving at the top at any reasonable hour. Doing that last 4.6 miles in three hours and using the other two hours before to walk slower and rest more would have been a better idea. Forget any time goals, just get through it. The top will still be there at 2 in the morning.

     Advice, other than taking your time? Always have plenty of junk food and electrolyte drinks in addition to water. Even though there is drinking water on both sides, it is sometimes a fair distance apart and one half gallon per person is an absolute minimum. More is better. Don’t even think of hiking down the Grand Canyon without a good flashlight and/or headlamp. Drink before you feel thirsty. Dunking in the creeks or splashing water on your face, head and shirt are no substitute for drinking, but sure help. Take moleskin. Have good shoes and socks, test them before this hike. Take hiking poles or a staff. I carry a staff and I really use it going up. Be in good shape. Be prepared to really hurt for a couple of days afterwards.

     Would I do it again? Absolutely, but at 60 years old I have to admit I am past the age where I can push myself for the one day hike. Next time I will have a reservation at Phantom Ranch and really enjoy all the sights. I now look on the one day rim to river hike as the “easy” one. My kids and I have done that one three times now. Don’t let that fool you, that hike can kill and it has.
152. David Goodspeed says

     December 26, 2012 at 3:49 pm

     In May 2012 I hiked the Grand Canyon for the first time, descending the South Kaibab Trail to the river, and then back up Bright Angel. I hiked with my brother-in-law (who flew in from New York; I live in the Phoenix area) and we made the round-trip journey in about nine hours (including a 40-minute rest stop at Indian Gardens). After this magnificent stroll through the majestic Canyon, we both agreed we needed to do it again…only from the north side; a rim-to-rim adventure.

     We have scheduled our R2R for May 17, 2013 – reservations are already secured at the North Rim Lodge and with the Trans Canyon Shuttle. We’ll arrive at the South Rim on the morning of May 16 and catch the shuttle to the North Rim around 1:30 p.m. After the five-hour shuttle ride, we’ll spend the night at the Lodge and hope to be on the North Kaibab Trail by 6:00 a.m. A mere 12 hours later we hope to arrive on the South Rim via the Bright Angel Trail.

     Training is underway; local hikes in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, as well as running the local high school bleachers with a 25-pound weight vest. As that May date gets closer, the 25-pound vest will become part of weekly seven-to-10 mile hikes.

     Looking forward to the next adventure!

     • Samira Alqazzaz says

       November 5, 2013 at 4:12 am

       I was told by the folks at the North Rim Lodge that we need a permit to do the rim-to-rim hike and that there is a lottery drawing! Non of the comments I read regarding the R2R mention this.

       • Scott says

         April 5, 2014 at 5:25 pm

         You only need a permit, which is where lottery drawing comes in, if you’re going to camp overnight in the Canyon.
     • Roger says

       January 7, 2014 at 1:35 am

       planning same hike in February. Curious about your training (detail) and how long it took. Any feedback is appreciated.

       • member says

         January 7, 2014 at 6:10 am

         Roger,

         I personally trained for 6 months for the hike. Lots of local hiking (4-5 miles per outing 2 x week) with hills as well as running (3-4 miles per outing 2 x week) and tons of stair master (40 minutes 3-4 times per week). If you are taking our same trip and staying at phantom ranch, get used to carrying about 70 ounces of water now in your pack with the fewest essentials (i.e., keeping pack light but efficient). My buddy and I used Camelbaks (100 ounce bladder) and filled them as we went. We hiked in mid August which is one of the hottest months so the need for water was necessary at all times.

         Good luck and let us know how it goes. You can also add your comment to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/rimtorim for our other hiking members to respond regarding their training.
     • robert says

       April 3, 2014 at 3:37 am

       Interested in how your hike worked out? Doing the RTR hike this May 17th 2014 North Rim to Bright Angel up. I’m with a large group of 50! Ages 30-70 and a fit group that trains and takes these engagements seriously. Big down hill and sharp up to South Rim! Our group did Whitney and Cactus to Clouds in same day but no experience with RTR. What a think? ROK