I spent twenty years backpacking the Grand Canyon from 1983-2003, age 27 to 47. I hiked it all in Nov to April each winter. I averaged 200 miles a month. My longest single hike was in January 1999 when I went 256 miles from the South Bass to the Little Colorado at the Sipapu, then back out the Tanner Trail. I placed 3 food caches of each a weeks worth of food near water sources. I covered all of the side canyons along the way, day hiking up and down as far as I could get. In the 20 years I hiked the canyon about 36,000 miles. Back then it was easy to get a permit and they were free until Nov 2002. I also have worked on both rims, twice at the NR lodge and at the Bright Angel, Yavapai and Maswik lodges on the SR between 1986 and 2019 as a cook or dishwasher.
I first saw the GC in Sept 1977 during my initial first adventure at age 21 when I hitchhiked 8000 miles around the USA. I was there 3 hours and when I left I vowed I would be back someday. In October 1983 I returned and spent the whole month on 3 separate backpacking trips into the canyon each longer than the first. In Nov 1984 I returned to spend all winter till March 1984 in the Canyon. And then the following years until 2002. I've seen many of your videos of you and your wife in many places. And yes, adventure captures the mind and soul to return again and again to explore even more. Thanks for making videos of your travels!!
My father was a surveyor for Arizona Public Service, and surveyed the locations for power poles down to Phantom Ranch (first power into the bottom of the canyon). They told him the poles could not be visible from any viewpoint. So he had to go off trail and find locations for power poles, down into the canyon. I can't imagine lugging a transit off trail down into the canyon each day. As he got farther down into the canyon, they would use a helicopter to transport him down and pick him up each day. He also surveyed the power to Crown King, and down off the rim into Sedona, and power lines across the Navajo Reservation. He also surveyed the lots for Paradise Valley Country Club, as a side job.
Our parents were much harder people than us. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been. I think that all the time I'm hiking in the middle of nowhere and just look at the trail and think about how hard it was to build and maintain.
@@JerryArizona Yea, my father was a tough man. He once fell down a mine shaft while surveying and broke his leg. He was alone. They didn't find him for four days. At the end of his life he ran a tour company and took people to Mexico with RVs on flat bed train cars, did tours of the Western States National Parks, and took people on a 36 day Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Fiji trip each year, and did a 32 day South America trip every year. In between the survey job, and the tour guide gig, he designed computers for NASA, computerized the IRS, and had a restaurant business with three restaurants and catering. He came to Arizona after he fought in WWII and was on the first planning and zoning commission of Scottsdale AZ. They don't make them like that any more. I'm a wimp compared to him.
You have to change your phone alarm. It sounds like a C-RAM, and you just sent every recent U.S. veteran into full-blown PTSD. My heart stopped for a second...
@@JerryArizona Jerry you could totally do it. It's a different story when you are not carrying sleeping bag, tent, heavy camera gear, etc. Down south Kaibab and up Bright Angel in a day.
I think the coolest part about this video is watching you geek out over what you see. As a well hiked person Jerry have been far and in all sorts of places with stunning remarkable views but to watch him just get completely so mind blown with what he sees is so rewarding because he enjoys it just as much if not more than people that watch these amazing videos. So cool that there is still spark in him after hiking all these places for years!
Talk about perfect, epic timing!! This is why hiking in storms is sooo worth it. So many epic, once in a lifetime moments. 15:37 gave me chills. When the light comes through the storms like that...omg, cameras do it no justice, I know. So incredibly gorgeous!! Those are take you breath away kind of beauty. And then the snow at the end...*chef's kiss* exquisite! Beautiful job on this video! Your hiking buddy had me laughing 🤣. Y'all were funny together. I watched his video after yours. What a great trip!
He did such a great job capturing the trip! And it was Clint's idea to go to Plateau Point. I was beat and happy to stay at camp. Would've been a BIG mistake.
The views from Plateau Point of the River, walking back to camp with the fog, Devil's Corkscrew & walking up Bright Angel were simply Majestic. Any day in the Grand Canyon is a great day! I 💖 that place.
Brings back some pleasant Memories of one of my trips. We went DOWN at Bright Angel, followed the Tonto Trail going to the river most days, then back up to Tonto and moving on. Spent 5 nights then hiked out Hermit Trail the last day. A great trip with two buddies. Once we got out we rested up at a hotel in Kingman, then went back down to Hauvasu Falls. Spent two nights there. Worth the trip for sure. Thanks for sharing your backpacking.
This trail is listed as 1 of 25 hikes in "Classic Hikes of North America". Reading it is one thing, finding your video is another thing! This is on my bucket list so I was happy to find it. Thanks.
It absolutely blew my mind. I guess most people doing go down to the river when they take this route. I HIGHLY recommend that detour. Worth every step.
Love your bloopers .... what an amazing experience!! Thanks for sharing ...I was just out there last week and I didn't do much of a hike (the height terrified me my legs wiggled) watching your video I regret not pushing myself .... thank you again
Ha! I don't blame you. Clint set this trip up and although I've been intimidated by the GC for years, I couldn't pass it up. On the shuttle ride in I nearly had a panic attack and seriously almost bailed. But I decided I'd just start on the trail and see how it went. Before I knew it, I'd forgotten all about how nervous I was; it's just too beautiful that it distracts you from the fear. One of my favorite experiences and I've visited the canyon 3 times since including a R2R hike.
This video and your writing gave me some hope. I'm currently sick with Covid and I was wondering if I would ever get back to hiking and exploring AZ. I know it's going to take a while to build myself back up to see all the places I want to see. I'm still worried that my hiking days may be behind me. Thanks for the inspiration as well as a beautiful diversion from my covid misery.
You will. That knocked me out around the first of the year. I was down and out for a month. Then another month I was just always exhausted. The hike I tried a week before this trip I....I just died. I couldn't do it and was sure I wouldn't be able to do this. But I went anyway and it was like a switch had flipped. I felt fine. Hopefully you'll have similar results. Just start small and work back up.
Loved this. I did this hike back in 97. It was my first ever hike and hadn't even broke in my hiking boots. Don't do that.I plan to do it again this year but with a whole lot of experience.
Again, awesome video Jerry! Now I am going to trace your trail and do the Grand Canyon again but this time I am wanting to do 5 nights when I get the permits. Hah, it should be easy as Clint said it was mostly flat once you get the hard part behind you! Cheers!
I gather that most people who do this route do not go down to Granite Rapids. And that was a high point. Definitely recommend making sure you do that stop off. When you get there, just keep going up-river and you come to the beach we camped on.
@@JerryArizona Thats great, thanks for the good tip as I do like getting deep in backcountry where there is little traffic. I am not a loner but more of a explorer type.
@@JerryArizona We love your videos: awesome quality, funny and entertaining. Being from SW Colorado, we've hiked many of the same places and you give us new energy! The GC: The Escalante section was a challenge, Papago Wall/Slide had washed out; and it was death-defying, but sooo worth it to be right on the river for several days. Going down Tanner is a workout - 10 miles down a giant's staircase. Thanks for your passion for this!
I really enjoyed your video. What an epic adventure! Patiently waiting to see if we’ll have permits for April 😅. From Hermits Trail to Bright Angel, 3 nights, 3 different campgrounds 🤞🏼
Best of luck! This was definitely an adventure. And it hooked me on the Grand Canyon. Been back 3 times since this trip and have another one coming up soon.
OMG! So fantastically epic! Brought back so many memories of our backpack trips into the GC. We have so many pics that show the same amazing views (including the spikey hair look LOL). Some of the best pics and memories on many of our trips were made just as the bad weather was rolling in, in the middle of bad weather, or just after the bad weather had rolled out. GC is such an amazing place that can't really be appreciated until you have spent time living and toiling away in it, looking up to the rim and down to the river and thinking WTF?! And then when you get to the rim on that last day and look down into that massive hole in the ground, think to yourself: wow! look at that! I was just down there...somewhere... Quick true story: we were hiking up the South Kaibab trail on one trip and came across a trail crew putting in and repairing the steps, which are not human friendly BTW, they are sized for mules of the pack trains that supply the inner canyon. Anyway, I commented out loud about why do they have to put so many tall steps in the trail. A crew member commented back to me: "These aren't steps, ma'am, they're retainers." And I said; "Well, you can call them whatever you want, but they look like steps to me and my quads will agree". Oh, gosh. Gotta get back. Thank you so much for this!
I have to admit, the GC has intimidated me since I first looked down at it from the rim. I felt exactly what you said when we got back to the south rim; how was that just possible. When the shuttle was driving us in to start, I kept looking down thinking "that's impossible." Won't lie. I almost bailed. So happy I just did it.
Did part of this hike in reverse many years ago.. was great to see the way you captured the hiking and weather! It snowed on us while hiking up Hermits Rest... along the "impossible part" but was so awesome when it cleared up!
It's a great route. This was my first Grand Canyon backpacking trip and it could not have been more epic. Cool temps, slight rain, good clouds and snow at the very end. Couldn't have asked for anything more!
Wow, very impressive trek. And we especially appreciated your video and photography work on this trip. Like you, my wife and I are hooked on the Grand Canyon, too. Though we’ve been several times, we can’t wait to go back. We’re only day hikers, so we’ve just been able to scratch the surface of the Grand Canyon in comparison to your adventure. Still, starting down the South Kaibab to Tonto just before dawn, and over to Indian Gardens, and back up Bright Angel was thrilling to us. The magical quality of sunlight early and late can be stunning at those times as you skillfully demonstrated. Way cool your hike ended up with some snow at the end. And I have a confession to make-I cry at the funerals of dear friends, and upon glimpses of the almost unbelievable beauty at the Grand Canyon.
I want to get Tina out there and do the 'traditional' north to south route. She's gonna need more recovery time post-COVID. But you're right. Once you've hiked it, it hooks you. I can't wait to go back.
Start training and go for it. I've been too nervous of the elevation gain to go for years, but it's not as bad as I thought. It IS as incredible as I thought though. Been wanting to go back since I got back to the truck that day.
Love this! Brought back so many memories from our Grand Canyon hikes. Especially the hard climb up Bright Angel...like: almost there...but still so many switchbacks to go until you finally get a burger and a coke at Maswik Lodge Food Court. I really want to do the Hermit Trail down to the river now!
I usually watch these on my phone, but decided to turn off my kid’s show that was on and watch this on my OLED tv, and it was fantastic. My 5 year old even came in and just stared. Great video! I am inspired to go to the GC now.
Next up... try long dayhike South Kaibab, Tonto West, up Bright Angel. 😎👍 (but not between May 1 - Oct 1 in 120 degree temps says the voice of experience... yep we all have our dumb moments- 😄) Gotta 💖 every inch of Grand Canyon!
Phantom needs to be a trip too. Suggest down North Rim North Kaibab to Phantom then back up South side. It's the "everybody route" but it's still a valuable Inner Canyon experience. Once bit with that Canyon Magic you can never turn back. 😊🦎 Happy Trails!!
Haven't watched it yet but I know it's going to be fantastic! Waiting to sit down with the other half and a cold done so we can watch and reminisce about our snow storm backpacking encounter in the GC. Gotta go back!
After my first time down to the River and back, I had dreams about down there for probably 3 months. We went down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. Not an overnight but a fast 7 hour run/walk. Thus video has me wanting to go back sooooo bad!
I'm impressed by anyone making the entire trip in a day. I'm definitely too old and out of shape for that. But I also want to go back already. The GC is amazing.
First let me say another excellent video. I particularly liked the views heading out to and around Plateau Point. I was/am addicted to hiking the GC and would line up my flights months in advance. I used to maintain my trip leader license and took friends and family to Phantom Ranch and beyond over the years but I only did this particular hike once about 20 years ago in April and could not get in Indian Garden so I had to stay at Horn Creek. I can’t get over how deserted Indian Garden looked. I hope to get back outdoors hiking soon but first I need to get rid of my evil boss and get back in shape. I don’t know if I could handle Jacob’s Ladder today. Right now, I am only trail rated to the first tunnel or there about from the rim.
Took me a while to get up to this one physically too. Just get out and do what you can and build up. Indian Garden pretty much filled up as the day went on. But that was my first time there, so I don't know what it's normally like.
Thank you so much for these videos Jerry. Much, much appreciated. So stoked to take my jeep out to Secret Canyon, all thanks to you! Definitely putting this GC trip on the books too. You da man!
Enjoy. Secret Canyon is beautiful and the road keeps it relatively (for Sedona) uncrowded. If you have time, drive all the way to the end of the road and do a short hike to Vultee Arch. Easy from that side and worth it if you're there.
Congratulations!! I’ve been there several times and I know that photos and videos don’t do justice to what you saw with your own eyes. Your video made me shed happy tears! I want to go back. 😊
Clint set this up, but apparently it's a classic route....Except for the first night stop over at Granite Rapids, which a lot of people skip. Crazy, because that was one of my favorite parts and you're right there.
Another fantastic video! What an experience that must have been. Loved the rapids down at Hermits Campground and the river runners. Did 5 days on the river a couple years ago, great trip! Looking forward to going back! You definitely are a TH-camr!!
Oh how I hate the term TH-camr....But hard to complain when...well, that's what I am. The Grand Canyon is amazing. Blew my mind. We looked into rapid tours, but decided against it since they were non-refundable and things are so screwy right now. But when it gets cooler, I'm definitely going back.
@@JerryArizona We went September 2020 on the large rafts, 12 people plus two guides per raft, two large rafts and one small raft. There was 28 people to our group which is probably not what you and Tina would want to do. We only had to wear masks when they were serving food. The food was outstanding, I couldn't believe the meals they cooked out of cast iron pans. Our last night they made a delicious chocolate cake in those pans. If I was to do it again I would get on the smaller rafts, 3 or 4 people. It was still a great time, met a lot of nice people from around the country. We had short hikes every day, the hike to Deer Creek Falls was a highlight. Easiest to get there by river but you can hike there by land but I think it's more rigorous than this hike you recorded. One bonus we had going Sept 2020 is that a lot of people canceled their mule ride to Phantom Ranch because they stayed home due to covid, so since we had a few days extra before our river trip we took advantage of that. Most of the time you have to book 13 months in advance. If I lived where you live I think I'd be at the GC once a month except in the summer. Take care!
I have a picture of the rock arch at hermits rest. During covid i was the only one at the south rim . No shuttles , so rode my bike from bright angel to hermits rest on the paved road. ( all by my self.) It was a amazing feeling having the south rim to myself. Almost eerie . Amazing video Jerry. You guys are tougher than me.
Great video. We were just at the Grand Canyon on March 10&11, arrived as it was snowing. We might have caught the same snow going in as you got coming out.
Last time I was coming out bright angel, I had no poles, I sprained my foot at Indian gardens, I woke up floating on a rain caused river and hiked out ina blizzard and nearly two feet of snow. At least you had fog and a green river!
Awesome video!! It looks like it was an amazing trip. I am planning to backpack down into the canyon in a few months. I'm thinking now that I may copy the route you took in this video. That camp spot you had the first night looked like a great one.
Clint set this up. Most people don't go down to the river which is crazy since you're so close. I highly recommend it. When you get to the river, go up river a little ways and you'll eventually get to the place we camped. You'll probably be sharing with rafters, as you can see from the video.
We had a cabin at Phantom Ranch....Then COVID hit and it got cancelled. But I check all the time. Definitely want to do Kaibab to Bright Angel with Tina if I can ever get the reservations.
Absolutely EPIC once again. And it reminds me of our first ever backpacking trip... we hiked down in 90 degrees sun, and hiked out in the rain and SNOW, in shorts, because we were backpacking newbies and didn't know.. haha. Thanks for bringing back great memories!
Ha! Love it! Great Video! Going on my first GC backpacking trip in May. Similar route (Hermit>Monument>Granite>Out). Was surprised to see you on this trip after your post Covid fatigue in the Sup’s. Well done! Don’t know why you thought it was so intimidating, after all you’ve done Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop👍, and that looks a lot harder to me.
There's just something about standing on the rim and looking into the GC and trying to wrap your head around how it's possible to hike. But it wasn't that bad. This trip was why I rushed the Supes trip; that was training. And it went miserably. I followed the Supes trip up with two weeks of sitting on my butt hoping by some miracle I'd be able to do this trip.....and it worked! I didn't have any of that weird fatigue. It just went away. Strange, strange disease.
Covid fatigue aside; having Clint a long definitely helped with your energy level. People experience a lot less self-doubt when they have an enthusiastic hiking partner with them. And now that you’ve done Rim to River………Rim to Rim is next!
One day I want go hiking at Grand Canyon. I went there one month ago but the experience was like regular tourist in tour bus. But worthy anyway Gran Canyon is amazing beautiful 🤩
I live in Arizona. And have a TH-cam channel called "Jerry Arizona". And I've been intimidated by the Grand Canyon until this trip. Even on the bus on the way in I was almost ready to cancel just because of how immense it was. But I couldn't back out on Clint and so I said I'd just go and see how I felt. SO GLAD I did. It was incredible. And strangely, not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Train, and go for it!
Jerry that was a hell of a video. Really really nicely done. The sound editing was spot on with near perfect use of music and volume. The trip was amazing as well. I also have not hiked in the canyon proper (did Havasupai)...If theres such a thing as a walk up permit, I think this is my trip. I didn't see any hoards of people. I hate having to figure out a new permit process but this might be worth it. Thanks for the great effort. Any tips? EDIT: TH-camrs fighting over who has more juice...in a group of two. GOLDEN
Thanks! Clint actually planned this trip. But now that I have a few more GC trips under my belt, I think the key is to get Indian Gardens. Those permits are in much higher demand that Granite Rapids. Lots of people apparently just stick to Tonto and don't go down to the river. Big mistake. That was one of the highlights. You may be able to get an alternate campsite from Indian Gardens. Horn Creek would be the closest. You could do a night there, but you'd probably need to go to Indian Gardens for water and back. It's possible you could get those as a walk in, but I'm not sure. Otherwise, you have to fax in your permit request (remember fax machines?) I've gotten a few that way. It's a great route. Really, really enjoyed this trip.
Great, and after this trip you started the Rim to Tim Tour with Tina, i enjoyed it so much (to watch). We hiked Bright Angel Trail down to Indian Garden and the View Point into the Canyon and than back up. This was 1983, we started in the afternoon with one bottle of water and one coke. It worked well because we were young at these days. Coming back 28 years later (we are from germany) we got a room at south rim and wanted to hike down to the colorado, but weather made it impossible. And now we are in the late sixtees, so it will never happen. Thank you for the trip report you are always very funny. Did you never hike water canyon up to white domes from Hildale/Utah? I would enjoy to watch. We did it in 2018 and had to start a second start because at the first try we did not find the trail. It is really worth it.
What a great video, watched both yours and the Not Lost Nomad’s video. It was cool to see the perspectives, and the running gags y’all had going. Did you enjoy the flat Grand Canyon? Thanks for sharing such a cool trip. I am debating adding this trip to my bucket list. Those views were amazing!
I DID enjoy those five feet of flat trail, for sure. You need to add the GC to your bucket list. I've been intimidated by it for years, but after finally just going for it...it wasn't that bad. And the pay off? Worth all the effort. Already planning other routes down there.
Started at Hermit's Rest. Took Hermit Trail to Granite Rapids to camp. Then up to Tonto Trail and camped at Indian Gardens night 2. Hiked out Bright Angel (all on the South Rim.) It's a great itinerary. Most people skip Granite Rapids, but it was an incredible place to spend the night.
Great video, I’m obsessed with wanting to do this hike. I’ve solo hiked R2R which was amazing. You guys should defiantly do more videos / hikes together, you guys were so funny!! And the pictures were In incredible, well done!!!I was wondering how many miles to the place where you spent your first night? I love that spot. Safe and Happy trails to you both.
I can't remember the mileage on this one, but if you search Hermit Trail to Granite Rapids it should pull up. Clint and I have actually had a few trips since, most of which were absolutely epic. Angel's Landing in a snowstorm, the Zion Subway, Phantom Ranch on New Year's even and, most recently, the Deer Creek Thunder River Loop. This trip was my introduction into the Grand Canyon and having done several trips since, I can say it's a great route. I'd think it wouldn't be too hard to get permits other than Havasupai Gardens; that one's in pretty high demand.
@@JerryArizona looking forward to watching your other videos you mentioned. Just watched your video on Havasupai, so informative, are planning to go there this year? My sister and I were suppose to go a couple years ago but I got really sick right before so my sister took our other sister and they loved it. On my bucket list though now it sounds like so many hoops to jump through but the jump sounds worth it. Happy Trails
Permits are required....I don't think for day hiking, but not 100% sure. Definitely for overnight. I've heard that if you are flexible with your itinerary and get to the back country desk early, you can usually get them there, especially for less travelled routes like Hermit's Trail. But I haven't tested that theory yet.
The weather was absolutely perfect for this trip. Warm enough to walk around barefoot at the river. Cool during the hike along the mesa. Sure, there was a little rain. But then it goes and snows right as we're at the exit? I couldn't have asked for anything more. One of my absolute favorite trips.
He wanted to wear my Sea Foam one but I wouldn't let him...so he got the orange one. Jerry was about to drop some cash on a sun hat the night before and I was like, dude, save your money...I brought an extra sunshirt. That's his shirt now!
Not a specific pack video. I tend to carry too much crap anyway. I did a gear video going through what my wife and I have in our backpacks a while ago though. I should probably do an update. But the specific load out varies depending on the hike. Like for this one I ditched the heavier/bigger camp chair for the pad.
Well, for this one Clint did all the planning. But the route we took was great. The hardest part is getting the permits at Indian Garden (now named Havasupai Gardens Campground - not to be confused with Havasupai where the waterfalls are). You can Google Grand Canyon permits and get the form from their website. You then fax (yes, fax) it in and they send you an e mail a couple weeks later to say if you got it or not. I think it's $15/night/person. And they may have changed the permit system just recently, but I'm not sure. For gear, I highly recommend watching some gear loadout videos to see what you think is best for you. I have one on the channel from a year or two ago. Buy, borrow or rent gear and practice on some easier backpacking trips. I would not start in the Grand Canyon. Figure out what gear works and what you might be missing on a shorter, easier trail and build your experience, confidence and gear and then work up to the Grand Canyon and other more difficult areas.
I have been scouting some great backpacking treks for a mens event I do . Would would I need to know to bring a group of 5-10 men out ? What is the daily section distance?
My friend Clint pretty much organized this trip. I think the longest day (day 2) was maybe 11~12 miles, but it was mostly flat. The Grand Canyon is.....complicated. You need to search out the various trips you're interested in and then fax (yes, FAX!) in the backcountry permit request form. Then you wait. It helps if you can be flexible on your dates and itinerary. I've been applying on and off for other trips there with fairly good success since this one. You just need to plan in advance. Right now it's just way too brutally hot. Really stinks that they close the north rim right when the weather starts getting decent (mid October) and open it right when the weather starts getting miserably hot (mid May). I honestly wouldn't want to hike the GC June through September. Plenty of other awesome hikes out there. Wire Pass -> Buckskin -> Lees Ferry would be fun. Rainbow Bridge. Coyote Gulch. Check those out as well. But the Grand Canyon definitely doesn't disappoint, and I really liked this route in particular; Hermin's Trail -> Granite Rapids (day 1), Granite Rapids to Indian Garden (day 2), Indian Garden out Bright Angel (day 3).
@@JerryArizona love it ! Thanks for the info . I think I may take 2 groups out next year . Trip 1 Four pass loop Then I will try to take the more advanced hikers to this trail or any of the ones you just recommended . Thank you for the feedback 💪🏼
Four Pass is a great hike. So beautiful. The Grand Canyon is also mind blowing. (Oddly, I thought 4 Pass was harder). Buckskin isn't overly difficult, but you can't even begin to describe the scenery. Longest and deepest slot canyon in the world. It will ruin all others for you. You can make it a shorter hike by going in Wire Pass and out White House, which is what I usually do. Look into the permit system though because they do sell out in the peak seasons. Rainbow Bridge is permitted through the Navajo Nation and not well known at all. It's pretty rugged and difficult, but we weren't as experienced back then, so my memory may be skewed. Great scenery and the bridge is worth the hike. Coyote Gulch is another great one and there are a ton of side hikes you can do off Hole in the Rock Road as well. Enjoy.
Jerry: Please sign me up for that river raft trip! I'll take you and Tina to Richardson's for your efforts. Fossil creek still closed!!?? Timmy C Arizona
Was gonna snark about this is the first Jerry Arizona/Grand Canyon video that I know of, but I’ve lived in Texas since 1978 and never been to the Alamo so there’s that.
Right???? When Clint asked me if I wanted to go, I couldn't say no. I'm Jerry ARIZONA and hadn't done the Grand Canyon 'proper' yet. Worth every step though.
Wish I'd seen some. This was a special trip for me. I've been looking into the canyon for years but never had the courage to hike into it. It just looks impossible. But turns out it was so incredible, I barely noticed how hard it was.
I spent twenty years backpacking the Grand Canyon from 1983-2003, age 27 to 47. I hiked it all in Nov to April each winter. I averaged 200 miles a month. My longest single hike was in January 1999 when I went 256 miles from the South Bass to the Little Colorado at the Sipapu, then back out the Tanner Trail. I placed 3 food caches of each a weeks worth of food near water sources. I covered all of the side canyons along the way, day hiking up and down as far as I could get.
In the 20 years I hiked the canyon about 36,000 miles. Back then it was easy to get a permit and they were free until Nov 2002. I also have worked on both rims, twice at the NR lodge and at the Bright Angel, Yavapai and Maswik lodges on the SR between 1986 and 2019 as a cook or dishwasher.
Wow. I can't even fathom the places you must have seen. This was my first 'traditional' Grand Canyon trip and it was amazing. It definitely hooks you.
I first saw the GC in Sept 1977 during my initial first adventure at age 21 when I hitchhiked 8000 miles around the USA. I was there 3 hours and when I left I vowed I would be back someday. In October 1983 I returned and spent the whole month on 3 separate backpacking trips into the canyon each longer than the first.
In Nov 1984 I returned to spend all winter till March 1984 in the Canyon. And then the following years until 2002.
I've seen many of your videos of you and your wife in many places.
And yes, adventure captures the mind and soul to return again and again to explore even more.
Thanks for making videos of your travels!!
You should write a book about your GC adventures.
Plateau Point is scary high!
My father was a surveyor for Arizona Public Service, and surveyed the locations for power poles down to Phantom Ranch (first power into the bottom of the canyon). They told him the poles could not be visible from any viewpoint. So he had to go off trail and find locations for power poles, down into the canyon. I can't imagine lugging a transit off trail down into the canyon each day. As he got farther down into the canyon, they would use a helicopter to transport him down and pick him up each day. He also surveyed the power to Crown King, and down off the rim into Sedona, and power lines across the Navajo Reservation. He also surveyed the lots for Paradise Valley Country Club, as a side job.
Our parents were much harder people than us. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been. I think that all the time I'm hiking in the middle of nowhere and just look at the trail and think about how hard it was to build and maintain.
@@JerryArizona Yea, my father was a tough man. He once fell down a mine shaft while surveying and broke his leg. He was alone. They didn't find him for four days. At the end of his life he ran a tour company and took people to Mexico with RVs on flat bed train cars, did tours of the Western States National Parks, and took people on a 36 day Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Fiji trip each year, and did a 32 day South America trip every year. In between the survey job, and the tour guide gig, he designed computers for NASA, computerized the IRS, and had a restaurant business with three restaurants and catering. He came to Arizona after he fought in WWII and was on the first planning and zoning commission of Scottsdale AZ. They don't make them like that any more. I'm a wimp compared to him.
Absolutely a drop dead gorgeous film. Well done, Sir.
You have to change your phone alarm. It sounds like a C-RAM, and you just sent every recent U.S. veteran into full-blown PTSD. My heart stopped for a second...
Sorry! I just picked the most annoying sound so it would wake me up. I succeeded.
The beauty of it never gets old. Going for my 4th time next month. Those last 3 miles up bright angel are ...earned
I can't imagine how people do rim2rim, or rim2rim2rim! It was nice breaking that 5K elevation gain into two days.
@@JerryArizona Jerry you could totally do it. It's a different story when you are not carrying sleeping bag, tent, heavy camera gear, etc. Down south Kaibab and up Bright Angel in a day.
Salts and nutrition throughout the day are key!
I think the coolest part about this video is watching you geek out over what you see. As a well hiked person Jerry have been far and in all sorts of places with stunning remarkable views but to watch him just get completely so mind blown with what he sees is so rewarding because he enjoys it just as much if not more than people that watch these amazing videos. So cool that there is still spark in him after hiking all these places for years!
Just got back from a long weekend at Lake Powell. Same geeking out, different area. It's hard not to with views like these.
Talk about perfect, epic timing!! This is why hiking in storms is sooo worth it. So many epic, once in a lifetime moments. 15:37 gave me chills. When the light comes through the storms like that...omg, cameras do it no justice, I know. So incredibly gorgeous!! Those are take you breath away kind of beauty. And then the snow at the end...*chef's kiss* exquisite!
Beautiful job on this video!
Your hiking buddy had me laughing 🤣. Y'all were funny together. I watched his video after yours. What a great trip!
He did such a great job capturing the trip! And it was Clint's idea to go to Plateau Point. I was beat and happy to stay at camp. Would've been a BIG mistake.
So nice of Mother Nature to throw a big soft box in the sky for you. Clouds added so much depth to your footage.
Right? I get so excited when the clouds/sky agree with me.
The views from Plateau Point of the River, walking back to camp with the fog, Devil's Corkscrew & walking up Bright Angel were simply Majestic. Any day in the Grand Canyon is a great day! I 💖 that place.
It's been my white whale for a long time now. So glad I got to finally hike it. Simply amazing. And I'm hooked.
Devil's corkscrew is below Indian Gardens on the Bright Angel trail, I don't believe they went that way. They were on the Tonto trail.
Your cinematography really is a cut above everyone else.
Thank you! Really appreciate comments like this because I'm always learning and trying to improve.
Brings back some pleasant
Memories of one of my trips. We went DOWN at Bright Angel, followed the Tonto Trail going to the river most days, then back up to Tonto and moving on. Spent 5 nights then hiked out Hermit Trail the last day. A great trip with two buddies. Once we got out we rested up at a hotel in Kingman, then went back down to Hauvasu Falls. Spent two nights there. Worth the trip for sure. Thanks for sharing your backpacking.
WOW! THAT is a trip!
Jerrrrryeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!! Arizona ~ whose filming, hiking & camping ain't no ~ Bologna!!
Unreal views! Getting wet is a beautiful experience too!
One of my favorite trips. I can't wait to go back to the canyon.
Amazing! Nice sharing!
Honestly this took my breath away I have never seen beauty like this.
I've done that 6 times now. Each time was round trip in one day. Whooped me up but so amazin.
I cannot imagine doing this in one day. But it did get me hooked on the GC. Heading back soon and already trying to plan another backpacking trip.
Really nice filming man, capturing the majesty! Love it!
Thanks! The scenery did all the hard work for me though.
This trail is listed as 1 of 25 hikes in "Classic Hikes of North America". Reading it is one thing, finding your video is another thing! This is on my bucket list so I was happy to find it. Thanks.
It absolutely blew my mind. I guess most people doing go down to the river when they take this route. I HIGHLY recommend that detour. Worth every step.
Amazing trip! I saw a rainbow at Grand Canyon last March. I feel like Clint has empathy for Tina now 😆
I was happy to give Jerry a hard time! He definitely had it coming for a while!
I earned every one of those "What do you think of the Grand Canyon" questions......And Tina appreciated me having the tables turned, for sure.
Love your bloopers .... what an amazing experience!! Thanks for sharing ...I was just out there last week and I didn't do much of a hike (the height terrified me my legs wiggled) watching your video I regret not pushing myself .... thank you again
Ha! I don't blame you. Clint set this trip up and although I've been intimidated by the GC for years, I couldn't pass it up. On the shuttle ride in I nearly had a panic attack and seriously almost bailed. But I decided I'd just start on the trail and see how it went. Before I knew it, I'd forgotten all about how nervous I was; it's just too beautiful that it distracts you from the fear. One of my favorite experiences and I've visited the canyon 3 times since including a R2R hike.
i loved your cinematography! and the bloopers were fun too!
You just made my day sir.
Definitely on the list of hikes!!! Awesome!!!
Fantastically edited masterpiece bud, fantastically captured surroundings. Simply enjoyable content.
You did it! Congrats! It's so worth it to venture out of your comfort zone.
So glad I did it finally. I can't wait to go back.
It’s hard for me to hike GC alone. Truly an emotional experience. I want to share everything I see. Great video
This was my first 'traditional' GC hike. Blew my mind. I'm hooked and can't wait to go back.
Arizona you win every time 😍
This video and your writing gave me some hope. I'm currently sick with Covid and I was wondering if I would ever get back to hiking and exploring AZ. I know it's going to take a while to build myself back up to see all the places I want to see. I'm still worried that my hiking days may be behind me. Thanks for the inspiration as well as a beautiful diversion from my covid misery.
You will. That knocked me out around the first of the year. I was down and out for a month. Then another month I was just always exhausted. The hike I tried a week before this trip I....I just died. I couldn't do it and was sure I wouldn't be able to do this. But I went anyway and it was like a switch had flipped. I felt fine. Hopefully you'll have similar results. Just start small and work back up.
오~~~! 한국에선 볼수없는 협곡 그리고 계곡을 따라 보트를 즐기는 사람들 정말 아름다운 자연의 모습을 영상으로 보여줘서 감사합니다. 자주올께요 ^^
This made my day! The beauty, the changing lighting, mist, snow, and the super fun bs at the end!👍❤
AmAZing views.
Plateau Point looked SO beautiful, it almost made me cry!
Me too. That was a definite highlight from this trip.
Loved this. I did this hike back in 97. It was my first ever hike and hadn't even broke in my hiking boots. Don't do that.I plan to do it again this year but with a whole lot of experience.
Definitely a place that needs to be taken seriously. But I'm hooked.
Totally awesome, again!!!
Again, awesome video Jerry! Now I am going to trace your trail and do the Grand Canyon again but this time I am wanting to do 5 nights when I get the permits. Hah, it should be easy as Clint said it was mostly flat once you get the hard part behind you! Cheers!
I gather that most people who do this route do not go down to Granite Rapids. And that was a high point. Definitely recommend making sure you do that stop off. When you get there, just keep going up-river and you come to the beach we camped on.
@@JerryArizona Thats great, thanks for the good tip as I do like getting deep in backcountry where there is little traffic. I am not a loner but more of a explorer type.
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful! Took a week on the Tanner-Escalante-Grandview trails last year. Never gets old, down in the Canyon!
I have several more routes on the list in the GC. Now that I've done it, they're a lot less intimidating.
@@JerryArizona We love your videos: awesome quality, funny and entertaining. Being from SW Colorado, we've hiked many of the same places and you give us new energy! The GC: The Escalante section was a challenge, Papago Wall/Slide had washed out; and it was death-defying, but sooo worth it to be right on the river for several days. Going down Tanner is a workout - 10 miles down a giant's staircase. Thanks for your passion for this!
Awesome! Monday the 7th of this month, I hiked South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch and up Bright Angel.
I need to do that route this year. Had it reserved including a cabin at Phantom Ranch back in 2020, but they closed due to COVID.
Amazing.
I really enjoyed your video. What an epic adventure! Patiently waiting to see if we’ll have permits for April 😅. From Hermits Trail to Bright Angel, 3 nights, 3 different campgrounds 🤞🏼
Best of luck! This was definitely an adventure. And it hooked me on the Grand Canyon. Been back 3 times since this trip and have another one coming up soon.
OMG! So fantastically epic! Brought back so many memories of our backpack trips into the GC. We have so many pics that show the same amazing views (including the spikey hair look LOL). Some of the best pics and memories on many of our trips were made just as the bad weather was rolling in, in the middle of bad weather, or just after the bad weather had rolled out. GC is such an amazing place that can't really be appreciated until you have spent time living and toiling away in it, looking up to the rim and down to the river and thinking WTF?! And then when you get to the rim on that last day and look down into that massive hole in the ground, think to yourself: wow! look at that! I was just down there...somewhere...
Quick true story: we were hiking up the South Kaibab trail on one trip and came across a trail crew putting in and repairing the steps, which are not human friendly BTW, they are sized for mules of the pack trains that supply the inner canyon. Anyway, I commented out loud about why do they have to put so many tall steps in the trail. A crew member commented back to me: "These aren't steps, ma'am, they're retainers." And I said; "Well, you can call them whatever you want, but they look like steps to me and my quads will agree".
Oh, gosh. Gotta get back. Thank you so much for this!
I have to admit, the GC has intimidated me since I first looked down at it from the rim. I felt exactly what you said when we got back to the south rim; how was that just possible. When the shuttle was driving us in to start, I kept looking down thinking "that's impossible." Won't lie. I almost bailed. So happy I just did it.
Did part of this hike in reverse many years ago.. was great to see the way you captured the hiking and weather! It snowed on us while hiking up Hermits Rest... along the "impossible part" but was so awesome when it cleared up!
It's a great route. This was my first Grand Canyon backpacking trip and it could not have been more epic. Cool temps, slight rain, good clouds and snow at the very end. Couldn't have asked for anything more!
Wow, very impressive trek. And we especially appreciated your video and photography work on this trip.
Like you, my wife and I are hooked on the Grand Canyon, too. Though we’ve been several times, we can’t wait to go back.
We’re only day hikers, so we’ve just been able to scratch the surface of the Grand Canyon in comparison to your adventure. Still, starting down the South Kaibab to Tonto just before dawn, and over to Indian Gardens, and back up Bright Angel was thrilling to us. The magical quality of sunlight early and late can be stunning at those times as you skillfully demonstrated.
Way cool your hike ended up with some snow at the end. And I have a confession to make-I cry at the funerals of dear friends, and upon glimpses of the almost unbelievable beauty at the Grand Canyon.
I want to get Tina out there and do the 'traditional' north to south route. She's gonna need more recovery time post-COVID. But you're right. Once you've hiked it, it hooks you. I can't wait to go back.
Awesome film, Jerry.
I want to backpack the Canyon someday. Just did Bright Angel to Plateau Point and out back in October.
Start training and go for it. I've been too nervous of the elevation gain to go for years, but it's not as bad as I thought. It IS as incredible as I thought though. Been wanting to go back since I got back to the truck that day.
Love this! Brought back so many memories from our Grand Canyon hikes. Especially the hard climb up Bright Angel...like: almost there...but still so many switchbacks to go until you finally get a burger and a coke at Maswik Lodge Food Court. I really want to do the Hermit Trail down to the river now!
This was a great route. And insanely, it was my first 'proper' Grand Canyon hike. I'm hooked.
Nice video Jerry. GC is a beautiful place with lots of strenuous trails, but I assume it was all worth it. Happy hiking.
Absolutely worth it. Can't wait to go back.
I usually watch these on my phone, but decided to turn off my kid’s show that was on and watch this on my OLED tv, and it was fantastic. My 5 year old even came in and just stared. Great video! I am inspired to go to the GC now.
Go for it! Been intimidated by it for years and now that I've done it, I wish I would have done it sooner.
Absolutely amazing!!!!!
Next up... try long dayhike South Kaibab, Tonto West, up Bright Angel. 😎👍 (but not between May 1 - Oct 1 in 120 degree temps says the voice of experience... yep we all have our dumb moments- 😄)
Gotta 💖 every inch of Grand Canyon!
That's one I've been trying to get forever. Tina wants Phantom Ranch so we don't have the extra weight. But after this, I'd try it backpacking anyway.
Phantom needs to be a trip too. Suggest down North Rim North Kaibab to Phantom then back up South side. It's the "everybody route" but it's still a valuable Inner Canyon experience. Once bit with that Canyon Magic you can never turn back. 😊🦎 Happy Trails!!
Loved it!
Cant wait to try that route!... I just finish a 6 day backpackin trip in WA.
Greeting fellow Arizonian! 🏜
Washington is incredible, isn't it? Went a few years back and it was one of the best trips we've done.
Haven't watched it yet but I know it's going to be fantastic! Waiting to sit down with the other half and a cold done so we can watch and reminisce about our snow storm backpacking encounter in the GC. Gotta go back!
I am completely hooked after this trip.
You captured the Grand Canyon as well as I’ve ever seen. What a trip.
After my first time down to the River and back, I had dreams about down there for probably 3 months. We went down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel. Not an overnight but a fast 7 hour run/walk. Thus video has me wanting to go back sooooo bad!
I'm impressed by anyone making the entire trip in a day. I'm definitely too old and out of shape for that. But I also want to go back already. The GC is amazing.
Love the channel! My girlfriend loves your wife and her f- bombs..lol BTW.. we were about about 49 when we did that trip down. You would be ok.
First let me say another excellent video. I particularly liked the views heading out to and around Plateau Point. I was/am addicted to hiking the GC and would line up my flights months in advance. I used to maintain my trip leader license and took friends and family to Phantom Ranch and beyond over the years but I only did this particular hike once about 20 years ago in April and could not get in Indian Garden so I had to stay at Horn Creek. I can’t get over how deserted Indian Garden looked. I hope to get back outdoors hiking soon but first I need to get rid of my evil boss and get back in shape. I don’t know if I could handle Jacob’s Ladder today. Right now, I am only trail rated to the first tunnel or there about from the rim.
Took me a while to get up to this one physically too. Just get out and do what you can and build up. Indian Garden pretty much filled up as the day went on. But that was my first time there, so I don't know what it's normally like.
Thank you so much for these videos Jerry. Much, much appreciated. So stoked to take my jeep out to Secret Canyon, all thanks to you! Definitely putting this GC trip on the books too. You da man!
Enjoy. Secret Canyon is beautiful and the road keeps it relatively (for Sedona) uncrowded. If you have time, drive all the way to the end of the road and do a short hike to Vultee Arch. Easy from that side and worth it if you're there.
@@JerryArizona awesome, I will do just that! Any more recommendations for a night or two camping in the white mountains would be appreciated.
Congratulations!! I’ve been there several times and I know that photos and videos don’t do justice to what you saw with your own eyes. Your video made me shed happy tears! I want to go back. 😊
I already want to go back. I'm thinking there'll be a couple trips to the GC every year from here on out.
Fantastic video! I need to make this same trip !
Clint set this up, but apparently it's a classic route....Except for the first night stop over at Granite Rapids, which a lot of people skip. Crazy, because that was one of my favorite parts and you're right there.
@@JerryArizona your stop at the rapids looked amazing. I would not skip it either !
Wow..did I say Wow?!!
Thank YOU! For sharing this....was drop dead OMG Beautiful 😍. So enjoy your videos....miss Tina tho!
Another fantastic video! What an experience that must have been. Loved the rapids down at Hermits Campground and the river runners. Did 5 days on the river a couple years ago, great trip! Looking forward to going back! You definitely are a TH-camr!!
Oh how I hate the term TH-camr....But hard to complain when...well, that's what I am. The Grand Canyon is amazing. Blew my mind. We looked into rapid tours, but decided against it since they were non-refundable and things are so screwy right now. But when it gets cooler, I'm definitely going back.
@@JerryArizona We went September 2020 on the large rafts, 12 people plus two guides per raft, two large rafts and one small raft. There was 28 people to our group which is probably not what you and Tina would want to do. We only had to wear masks when they were serving food. The food was outstanding, I couldn't believe the meals they cooked out of cast iron pans. Our last night they made a delicious chocolate cake in those pans.
If I was to do it again I would get on the smaller rafts, 3 or 4 people. It was still a great time, met a lot of nice people from around the country. We had short hikes every day, the hike to Deer Creek Falls was a highlight. Easiest to get there by river but you can hike there by land but I think it's more rigorous than this hike you recorded.
One bonus we had going Sept 2020 is that a lot of people canceled their mule ride to Phantom Ranch because they stayed home due to covid, so since we had a few days extra before our river trip we took advantage of that. Most of the time you have to book 13 months in advance.
If I lived where you live I think I'd be at the GC once a month except in the summer. Take care!
I have a picture of the rock arch at hermits rest. During covid i was the only one at the south rim . No shuttles , so rode my bike from bright angel to hermits rest
on the paved road. ( all by my self.) It was a amazing feeling having the south rim to myself. Almost eerie . Amazing video Jerry. You guys are tougher than me.
New to your channel. Love this video and all of your content. Please keep the videos coming. Safe travels.
Great video. We were just at the Grand Canyon on March 10&11, arrived as it was snowing. We might have caught the same snow going in as you got coming out.
Last time I was coming out bright angel, I had no poles, I sprained my foot at Indian gardens, I woke up floating on a rain caused river and hiked out ina blizzard and nearly two feet of snow. At least you had fog and a green river!
Wow. Those conditions sound brutal...and epic.
@@JerryArizona Yep! Those are the best memories.
Awesome video!! It looks like it was an amazing trip. I am planning to backpack down into the canyon in a few months. I'm thinking now that I may copy the route you took in this video. That camp spot you had the first night looked like a great one.
Clint set this up. Most people don't go down to the river which is crazy since you're so close. I highly recommend it. When you get to the river, go up river a little ways and you'll eventually get to the place we camped. You'll probably be sharing with rafters, as you can see from the video.
Some of your best shooting yet.
Such an amazing place. I saw the south rim briefly for a few hours back in 2016. This video is 10/10 man. Big thanks for sharing this.
Another fine video. Loved the graphic for the "flat part"- what was the level of exposure on the Hermit Trail? What a place!!
Thanks! No real exposure at all. I mean, there's a drop off, but you're never right up on the edge of it.
Next you should hike down to Phantom Ranch and spend a couple nights. Then back to Bright Angel or to North Rim.
We had a cabin at Phantom Ranch....Then COVID hit and it got cancelled. But I check all the time. Definitely want to do Kaibab to Bright Angel with Tina if I can ever get the reservations.
Jerry we need to get some.traction on those boots for the ice my man. Yaktrax work great.
I carried a pair of microspikes for the entire trip. It just was never icy enough for a long enough stretch to break them out.
Excellent video! Looks like a great trip. I did rim to rim to rim in December and absolutely loved it. Can't wait to go back!
Absolutely EPIC once again. And it reminds me of our first ever backpacking trip... we hiked down in 90 degrees sun, and hiked out in the rain and SNOW, in shorts, because we were backpacking newbies and didn't know.. haha. Thanks for bringing back great memories!
Ha! Love it! Great Video! Going on my first GC backpacking trip in May. Similar route (Hermit>Monument>Granite>Out). Was surprised to see you on this trip after your post Covid fatigue in the Sup’s. Well done! Don’t know why you thought it was so intimidating, after all you’ve done Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop👍, and that looks a lot harder to me.
There's just something about standing on the rim and looking into the GC and trying to wrap your head around how it's possible to hike. But it wasn't that bad. This trip was why I rushed the Supes trip; that was training. And it went miserably. I followed the Supes trip up with two weeks of sitting on my butt hoping by some miracle I'd be able to do this trip.....and it worked! I didn't have any of that weird fatigue. It just went away. Strange, strange disease.
Covid fatigue aside; having Clint a long definitely helped with your energy level. People experience a lot less self-doubt when they have an enthusiastic hiking partner with them. And now that you’ve done Rim to River………Rim to Rim is next!
One day I want go hiking at Grand Canyon. I went there one month ago but the experience was like regular tourist in tour bus. But worthy anyway Gran Canyon is amazing beautiful 🤩
I live in Arizona. And have a TH-cam channel called "Jerry Arizona". And I've been intimidated by the Grand Canyon until this trip. Even on the bus on the way in I was almost ready to cancel just because of how immense it was. But I couldn't back out on Clint and so I said I'd just go and see how I felt. SO GLAD I did. It was incredible. And strangely, not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Train, and go for it!
The north rim is less touristy.
Great filming, and epic adventure in the canyon. Hoping to hike some of the trails there in the coming weeks. Enjoyed the journey! 🥰❤👍
Jerry that was a hell of a video. Really really nicely done. The sound editing was spot on with near perfect use of music and volume. The trip was amazing as well. I also have not hiked in the canyon proper (did Havasupai)...If theres such a thing as a walk up permit, I think this is my trip. I didn't see any hoards of people. I hate having to figure out a new permit process but this might be worth it. Thanks for the great effort. Any tips?
EDIT: TH-camrs fighting over who has more juice...in a group of two. GOLDEN
Thanks! Clint actually planned this trip. But now that I have a few more GC trips under my belt, I think the key is to get Indian Gardens. Those permits are in much higher demand that Granite Rapids. Lots of people apparently just stick to Tonto and don't go down to the river. Big mistake. That was one of the highlights. You may be able to get an alternate campsite from Indian Gardens. Horn Creek would be the closest. You could do a night there, but you'd probably need to go to Indian Gardens for water and back. It's possible you could get those as a walk in, but I'm not sure. Otherwise, you have to fax in your permit request (remember fax machines?) I've gotten a few that way. It's a great route. Really, really enjoyed this trip.
Great, and after this trip you started the Rim to Tim Tour with Tina, i enjoyed it so much (to watch). We hiked Bright Angel Trail down to Indian Garden and the View Point into the Canyon and than back up. This was 1983, we started in the afternoon with one bottle of water and one coke. It worked well because we were young at these days. Coming back 28 years later (we are from germany) we got a room at south rim and wanted to hike down to the colorado, but weather made it impossible. And now we are in the late sixtees, so it will never happen. Thank you for the trip report you are always very funny. Did you never hike water canyon up to white domes from Hildale/Utah? I would enjoy to watch. We did it in 2018 and had to start a second start because at the first try we did not find the trail. It is really worth it.
What a great video, watched both yours and the Not Lost Nomad’s video. It was cool to see the perspectives, and the running gags y’all had going. Did you enjoy the flat Grand Canyon?
Thanks for sharing such a cool trip. I am debating adding this trip to my bucket list. Those views were amazing!
I DID enjoy those five feet of flat trail, for sure. You need to add the GC to your bucket list. I've been intimidated by it for years, but after finally just going for it...it wasn't that bad. And the pay off? Worth all the effort. Already planning other routes down there.
what a way to end the hike
I didn’t get where you started,can you please give me the details thank had fun watching your camping trip thanks
Started at Hermit's Rest. Took Hermit Trail to Granite Rapids to camp. Then up to Tonto Trail and camped at Indian Gardens night 2. Hiked out Bright Angel (all on the South Rim.) It's a great itinerary. Most people skip Granite Rapids, but it was an incredible place to spend the night.
Great video, I’m obsessed with wanting to do this hike. I’ve solo hiked R2R which was amazing. You guys should defiantly do more videos / hikes together, you guys were so funny!! And the pictures were In incredible, well done!!!I was wondering how many miles to the place where you spent your first night? I love that spot.
Safe and Happy trails to you both.
I can't remember the mileage on this one, but if you search Hermit Trail to Granite Rapids it should pull up. Clint and I have actually had a few trips since, most of which were absolutely epic. Angel's Landing in a snowstorm, the Zion Subway, Phantom Ranch on New Year's even and, most recently, the Deer Creek Thunder River Loop. This trip was my introduction into the Grand Canyon and having done several trips since, I can say it's a great route. I'd think it wouldn't be too hard to get permits other than Havasupai Gardens; that one's in pretty high demand.
@@JerryArizona looking forward to watching your other videos you mentioned.
Just watched your video on Havasupai, so informative, are planning to go there this year? My sister and I were suppose to go a couple years ago but I got really sick right before so my sister took our other sister and they loved it. On my bucket list though now it sounds like so many hoops to jump through but the jump sounds worth it.
Happy Trails
Man they've got shelters now?! When I was a kid it was uphill all the way except when it was downhill
Dammit AZ is beautiful 😍
Yay! Finally The Big Ditch!! :)
Finally is right. Been afraid to do this forever. But now that I have, it's not that bad. Already trying to make plans to go back.
Hey Jerry, great stuff as usual! permit required? thanks...
Permits are required....I don't think for day hiking, but not 100% sure. Definitely for overnight. I've heard that if you are flexible with your itinerary and get to the back country desk early, you can usually get them there, especially for less travelled routes like Hermit's Trail. But I haven't tested that theory yet.
Nice video. The weather made the images more interesting. Maybe, not that fun at the time, when you were going through it.
The weather was absolutely perfect for this trip. Warm enough to walk around barefoot at the river. Cool during the hike along the mesa. Sure, there was a little rain. But then it goes and snows right as we're at the exit? I couldn't have asked for anything more. One of my absolute favorite trips.
As a University of Tennessee fan.. I love that orange shirt lol.
He wanted to wear my Sea Foam one but I wouldn't let him...so he got the orange one. Jerry was about to drop some cash on a sun hat the night before and I was like, dude, save your money...I brought an extra sunshirt. That's his shirt now!
Nice work Jerry and Clint although I prefer Tina over Clint any day... but great views from the plateau it looked amazing.... well worth the effort.
Hopefully Tina is back out there soon. Still working out her COVID recovery. But we have some easier trips coming up.
I don't blame you one bit! haha! Tina is much prettier than I am!
This is incredible! Did you do a how to pack video?
Not a specific pack video. I tend to carry too much crap anyway. I did a gear video going through what my wife and I have in our backpacks a while ago though. I should probably do an update. But the specific load out varies depending on the hike. Like for this one I ditched the heavier/bigger camp chair for the pad.
Awesome video, sorry if I missed it somewhere but what month did you do the hike in? Kind of looking at doing it in April this year.
I believe this was in March. April should be perfect. Then again, the Grand Canyon's weather is crazy, so it's always a gamble.
Great video. Great route. What time of the year did you do this?
This was early February 2022. Snowing at the rim, nice and warm at the bottom.
@JerryArizona could you tell me how you mapped out planned this trip? the equipment you brought and how much it cost overall?? Thank you!!
Well, for this one Clint did all the planning. But the route we took was great. The hardest part is getting the permits at Indian Garden (now named Havasupai Gardens Campground - not to be confused with Havasupai where the waterfalls are). You can Google Grand Canyon permits and get the form from their website. You then fax (yes, fax) it in and they send you an e mail a couple weeks later to say if you got it or not. I think it's $15/night/person. And they may have changed the permit system just recently, but I'm not sure. For gear, I highly recommend watching some gear loadout videos to see what you think is best for you. I have one on the channel from a year or two ago. Buy, borrow or rent gear and practice on some easier backpacking trips. I would not start in the Grand Canyon. Figure out what gear works and what you might be missing on a shorter, easier trail and build your experience, confidence and gear and then work up to the Grand Canyon and other more difficult areas.
I have been scouting some great backpacking treks for a mens event I do . Would would I need to know to bring a group of 5-10 men out ? What is the daily section distance?
My friend Clint pretty much organized this trip. I think the longest day (day 2) was maybe 11~12 miles, but it was mostly flat. The Grand Canyon is.....complicated. You need to search out the various trips you're interested in and then fax (yes, FAX!) in the backcountry permit request form. Then you wait. It helps if you can be flexible on your dates and itinerary. I've been applying on and off for other trips there with fairly good success since this one. You just need to plan in advance. Right now it's just way too brutally hot. Really stinks that they close the north rim right when the weather starts getting decent (mid October) and open it right when the weather starts getting miserably hot (mid May). I honestly wouldn't want to hike the GC June through September. Plenty of other awesome hikes out there. Wire Pass -> Buckskin -> Lees Ferry would be fun. Rainbow Bridge. Coyote Gulch. Check those out as well. But the Grand Canyon definitely doesn't disappoint, and I really liked this route in particular; Hermin's Trail -> Granite Rapids (day 1), Granite Rapids to Indian Garden (day 2), Indian Garden out Bright Angel (day 3).
@@JerryArizona love it ! Thanks for the info . I think I may take 2 groups out next year .
Trip 1
Four pass loop
Then I will try to take the more advanced hikers to this trail or any of the ones you just recommended . Thank you for the feedback 💪🏼
Four Pass is a great hike. So beautiful. The Grand Canyon is also mind blowing. (Oddly, I thought 4 Pass was harder). Buckskin isn't overly difficult, but you can't even begin to describe the scenery. Longest and deepest slot canyon in the world. It will ruin all others for you. You can make it a shorter hike by going in Wire Pass and out White House, which is what I usually do. Look into the permit system though because they do sell out in the peak seasons. Rainbow Bridge is permitted through the Navajo Nation and not well known at all. It's pretty rugged and difficult, but we weren't as experienced back then, so my memory may be skewed. Great scenery and the bridge is worth the hike. Coyote Gulch is another great one and there are a ton of side hikes you can do off Hole in the Rock Road as well. Enjoy.
Love your video! What time of year?
About two weeks ago.
Thankyou
Jerry: Please sign me up for that river raft trip! I'll take you and Tina to Richardson's for your efforts. Fossil creek still closed!!?? Timmy C Arizona
Those rafters sold me on a rafting trip. Not sure when it's happening though. They were on day 14 of 31!
hello! First time to your channel, and I subbed:) So beautiful and you are so funny:)
Was gonna snark about this is the first Jerry Arizona/Grand Canyon video that I know of, but I’ve lived in Texas since 1978 and never been to the Alamo so there’s that.
Right???? When Clint asked me if I wanted to go, I couldn't say no. I'm Jerry ARIZONA and hadn't done the Grand Canyon 'proper' yet. Worth every step though.
Great Shots. At 8:45 were you using your DSLR or your GOPro?
That shot (and most with bokeh) were on my Canon EOS R with the f1.8 35mm lens. Love that thing.
hermit rapids has pink lizards because of rock coloring, pretty cool and every time i look into the canyon, i know; God exists
Wish I'd seen some. This was a special trip for me. I've been looking into the canyon for years but never had the courage to hike into it. It just looks impossible. But turns out it was so incredible, I barely noticed how hard it was.