Just finished the SK to NK route, solo, for my 72nd birthday. Brutal hike. 15hrs 35 min. Ate very little, drank water throughout, sipping probably every 4-5 minutes. Trained all summer in Northern Utah mountains for the hike. Be prepared for when nature calls, as it can be a long distance between restrooms and you may not be able, or want to, hold it in. Agree with you strongly, this hike is not a task to complete, it is an experience to behold.
Just recently completed 2 R2Rs....NK/SK and SK/NK....Eating is critical! After 175 GC hikes and at 73, there's NO WAY to do that level of effort without proper nutrition/hydration
Congratulations on your first crossing! What a terrific accomplishment. We're also sorry to hear that you weren't able to make it all the way to Ribbon Falls, but applaud you for prioritizing safety. Thanks so much for the feedback. We hope our videos will be of service to you should you attempt rim to rim again.
I appreciate this. Did rim to rim in two days this year camping half way. It was brutal. I wish I had planned on doing it in three days now. Not sure why all the videos about doing it so quickly, basically running. Whats the hurry? Slow down and enjoy the experience.
This is the only sane video I have seen on rim to rim. Having spent a number of day (and nights) in the Canyon while attending the Albright Training Center at GC, the one-day trip is not for me. Camping in the canyon, enjoying he sunsets and rises from within was the best part of the experience. If people want to avoid crowds the Hermit/ bouche lop is great. Looking forward to part 3!
another great episode/ funny thing about the speed is our most watched GC hiker is Dr Foor, that guy is a machine who has done it so many times he goes really fast now but i'm with you / most people won't get to do this 20 times/ slow down and enjoy it... /and as people who will not make it we are loving all these amazing views of what it is like, thanks for taking us with you
We've watched quite a few of his videos to including his rim to rim to rim video. He produces some good stuff. On the day I recorded most of this footage, I was feeling so good that I began considering a r2r2r trek. But I love having the time to just sit and enjoy the canyon whenever I wish, for as long as I can afford. Because of that I don't know that I'll ever attempted a double crossing in one day. I'd be forced to rush and I feel like I'd be guilty of a great disservice to both myself and the canyon. Maybe if I've already crossed 20 times. But probably not. Thanks again for watching and commenting! It really helps us out. Happy trails!
@@HomeInWildSpaces i'm with you on not rushing/ some people can do that i guess but basically i would rather see half the canyon slowly and really see it than see all of it in a rush
Glad you enjoyed it! Working on part three right now. I'm looking to upload in a few days. But since it takes TH-cam and week to fully process HDR uploads I'm looking to make part three available next weekend. Sorry about the wait. It takes time to do it right.
I did the rim to rim every year from 1968 to 1978 and not again till 2017 which I wish I had not done as it no longer feels the same plus we seldom encountered people back then😳that quite Spiritual connection I always got has been lost for me🙏
We plan on stopping at Ribbon Falls on our R2R in late September. The water crossing concerns me as I don't like hiking in wet shoes if avoidable. Was considering ultralight water shoes for the crossing if I can't rock hop across. Do you think this is doable that late in the year where the bridge use to be? What about the southern trail off the NK to Ribbon Falls, is that crossing any easier and drier?
I did a solo R2R with an overnight at Cottonwood last weekend. I went South to North and had planned on stopping at Ribbon Falls, but when I got to that point in trail I was pretty exhausted and it was quite hot with full sun exposure. I decided to try it anyway. I didn't want wet shoes either but figured it was not far to Cottonwood and in the desert heat it would all dry quickly. About halfway to Ribbon, and two water crossings (which felt great) the trail was extremely difficult to follow/find. The water was up to about thigh high. I could see the falls and was not lost of course, but since I hot, tired, and solo (and hate rattlesnakes) I decided to go back to the NK trail. I do regret not completing that portion, but my mindset was to safely get to my camp. Next time, having the benefit of hindsight, I would probably go to the falls.
The question of whether the crossing without the bridge is "doable" is largely an individual matter and depends one fitness, balance, and other circumstances. At minimum, we'd advise you to carry a spare pair of quality socks and ample blister first aid. I was able to cross without issue, and never had to remove my shoes or socks, but my companion had a very different experience, falling in up to his knees and later developing blisters. Ribbon Falls is a gamble for R2R hikers and we advise everyone to remain flexible. safety and well-being is always the priority. The only "must dos" in the canyon are safety and courtesy to the land and and fellow travelers. Sam Casale's response to your question is most informative. The "easiest" crossing we know of is along the southern access trail to Ribbon Falls (pictured in the above video). But as you can see it's still a bit of a task. Fording the creek is possible pretty much anywhere. We'd caution against over packing but a pair of lightweight water shoes may be a justified addition to your pack. Just make sure to train with all the gear you pack so you know you're prepared physically. Also be aware that the creek bed is very rocky and should be respected at all times. This would be a very bad place to roll and ankle. Hope that helps! Let us know if you have any more questions and we'll do what we can to answer them.
Just finished the SK to NK route, solo, for my 72nd birthday. Brutal hike. 15hrs 35 min. Ate very little, drank water throughout, sipping probably every 4-5 minutes. Trained all summer in Northern Utah mountains for the hike. Be prepared for when nature calls, as it can be a long distance between restrooms and you may not be able, or want to, hold it in. Agree with you strongly, this hike is not a task to complete, it is an experience to behold.
Congratulations! Hoping to be up to the challenge on my 72nd birthday.
Just recently completed 2 R2Rs....NK/SK and SK/NK....Eating is critical! After 175 GC hikes and at 73, there's NO WAY to do that level of effort without proper nutrition/hydration
Having done my first R2R last weekend I can say that your video is spot-on. Thanks.
Congratulations on your first crossing! What a terrific accomplishment.
We're also sorry to hear that you weren't able to make it all the way to Ribbon Falls, but applaud you for prioritizing safety.
Thanks so much for the feedback. We hope our videos will be of service to you should you attempt rim to rim again.
Watched a lot of these videos....hiking guy, you're one of the best!
I appreciate this. Did rim to rim in two days this year camping half way. It was brutal. I wish I had planned on doing it in three days now. Not sure why all the videos about doing it so quickly, basically running. Whats the hurry? Slow down and enjoy the experience.
This is the only sane video I have seen on rim to rim. Having spent a number of day (and nights) in the Canyon while attending the Albright Training Center at GC, the one-day trip is not for me. Camping in the canyon, enjoying he sunsets and rises from within was the best part of the experience. If people want to avoid crowds the Hermit/
bouche lop is great. Looking forward to part 3!
Just started uploading part 3. Will be available Sunday.
AMAZING Footage, great advice! Subscribed & notifications
Welcome aboard!
another great episode/ funny thing about the speed is our most watched GC hiker is Dr Foor, that guy is a machine who has done it so many times he goes really fast now but i'm with you / most people won't get to do this 20 times/ slow down and enjoy it... /and as people who will not make it we are loving all these amazing views of what it is like, thanks for taking us with you
We've watched quite a few of his videos to including his rim to rim to rim video. He produces some good stuff.
On the day I recorded most of this footage, I was feeling so good that I began considering a r2r2r trek. But I love having the time to just sit and enjoy the canyon whenever I wish, for as long as I can afford.
Because of that I don't know that I'll ever attempted a double crossing in one day. I'd be forced to rush and I feel like I'd be guilty of a great disservice to both myself and the canyon.
Maybe if I've already crossed 20 times. But probably not.
Thanks again for watching and commenting! It really helps us out. Happy trails!
@@HomeInWildSpaces i'm with you on not rushing/ some people can do that i guess but basically i would rather see half the canyon slowly and really see it than see all of it in a rush
Thanks for the great video and sound advice. When is the part 3 dropping?
Glad you enjoyed it!
Working on part three right now. I'm looking to upload in a few days. But since it takes TH-cam and week to fully process HDR uploads I'm looking to make part three available next weekend.
Sorry about the wait. It takes time to do it right.
Looking forward to viewing part 3. Any ideas when it will be available?
I just recorded the audio last night. Going to work hard on editing this week. Hoping to have it out in the next 7-10 days.
I did the rim to rim every year from 1968 to 1978 and not again till 2017 which I wish I had not done as it no longer feels the same plus we seldom encountered people back then😳that quite Spiritual connection I always got has been lost for me🙏
WOW, thanks
Our pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch!
Well, I'm really late to the game but I watched your video on Grizzlies vs. Black bears and want the answers to your quiz! Will you share, please?!
Answers are in the comments.
Fantastic !!!!!! :-)
Many thanks!!
We plan on stopping at Ribbon Falls on our R2R in late September. The water crossing concerns me as I don't like hiking in wet shoes if avoidable. Was considering ultralight water shoes for the crossing if I can't rock hop across. Do you think this is doable that late in the year where the bridge use to be? What about the southern trail off the NK to Ribbon Falls, is that crossing any easier and drier?
I did a solo R2R with an overnight at Cottonwood last weekend. I went South to North and had planned on stopping at Ribbon Falls, but when I got to that point in trail I was pretty exhausted and it was quite hot with full sun exposure. I decided to try it anyway. I didn't want wet shoes either but figured it was not far to Cottonwood and in the desert heat it would all dry quickly. About halfway to Ribbon, and two water crossings (which felt great) the trail was extremely difficult to follow/find. The water was up to about thigh high. I could see the falls and was not lost of course, but since I hot, tired, and solo (and hate rattlesnakes) I decided to go back to the NK trail. I do regret not completing that portion, but my mindset was to safely get to my camp. Next time, having the benefit of hindsight, I would probably go to the falls.
The question of whether the crossing without the bridge is "doable" is largely an individual matter and depends one fitness, balance, and other circumstances.
At minimum, we'd advise you to carry a spare pair of quality socks and ample blister first aid. I was able to cross without issue, and never had to remove my shoes or socks, but my companion had a very different experience, falling in up to his knees and later developing blisters.
Ribbon Falls is a gamble for R2R hikers and we advise everyone to remain flexible. safety and well-being is always the priority. The only "must dos" in the canyon are safety and courtesy to the land and and fellow travelers. Sam Casale's response to your question is most informative.
The "easiest" crossing we know of is along the southern access trail to Ribbon Falls (pictured in the above video). But as you can see it's still a bit of a task. Fording the creek is possible pretty much anywhere. We'd caution against over packing but a pair of lightweight water shoes may be a justified addition to your pack. Just make sure to train with all the gear you pack so you know you're prepared physically.
Also be aware that the creek bed is very rocky and should be respected at all times. This would be a very bad place to roll and ankle. Hope that helps! Let us know if you have any more questions and we'll do what we can to answer them.