How to Plan a Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ธ.ค. 2018
- Planning a Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike can be complex and intimidating. In this short video I show you how to do it so you are successful and have a great time!
#Arizona #GrandCanyon #R2R #Rim2Rim #RimToRim #Backpacking - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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May 1971 ... my best friend and I were hitchhiking across America. We got to the South Rim fairly late with no particular plan -- we just wanted to see the awesome canyon. Some guy came stumbling up the Bright Angel Trail while we were there and he was stoked. "You just have to go down there," he told us. So, without any plan and carrying heavy Sears canvas sleeping bags over our shoulders filled with canned food, we headed down for about four days. Camped at Indian Gardens the first night, then several nights at Phantom Ranch. Hiked as far as Ribbon Falls. When we finally headed out we ended up hiking the portion from Indian Gardens back to the South Rim in the dark. Warm, wonderful weather down by the river and freezing at the top when we came out. Although it was 48 years ago, it is still an experience my mind goes back to frequently and it's a common point of reference with my friend. In some way, it was formative of much that came after. In the years that followed, when my friend and I lived over 1,000 miles apart, we would meet in Las Vegas and drive to the canyon to walk down again. It's a great hike.
Thanks for the info.
What a great story, thanks for sharing!
@@KurtPapke One further embarrassing detail ... we originally started our thumbtrek headed for Colorado because that's where the Grand Canyon must be because the Colorado River flows through it. We were educated as to our error in transit by one of our rides as we crossed Kansas.
@@JonJaeden LOL!
Money spent on material things seems silly when you can make memories like this. Kudos man!
Great video ... just a few things to add - as someone who has also enjoyed these same experiences over (now) many decades:
• For many years, my wife and I would plan a visit to "Phantom" Ranch on "Halloween." (Yes, we've memorized the ranger stories.)
• We also did several mid-summer(!) hikes where we hiked out by moonlight. (This should NOT be your first experience.)
• "ABOVE ALL, TAKE YOUR TIME." Our most-common itinerary was five days: North Rim, Cottonwood, Bright Angel, Indian Gardens, El Tovar. This gives you time to enjoy the waterfalls on the North Rim, and to walk "half a mile(!)" out to Plateau Point on South Rim, just in time for an unforgettable sunset.
• "You are here now ... what's your hur-ry?" You "get there" by mid-afternoon each day, with plenty of time to now appreciate "being there."
• "Electrolyte drinks" are much more important than this video seems to suggest. We swore by "Gookinaide," putting it into every canteen of water that we ever re-filled throughout the hike. On our "inaugural" hike we didn't know this, and were almost paralyzed(!) by muscle-cramps - honestly wondering how we'd make it up the very-few steps into the dinner house. (In subsequent years, we reached the final rim without incident.) In my mind, "this single thing really is the difference." Buy the stuff and keep drinking it.
• "Although, yes, this hike is properly challenging," please don't psych yourself out. With ordinary preparation, "you can do this," and have an absolutely wonderful time. "Don't rush up the hill - you'll get there. Really."
• An overnight dinner at Phantom Ranch - whether it be the early-steak or the later-stew - is absolutely not to be missed. You will find yourself sitting next to people, literally, "from all over the world." Enjoy the moment. Treasure it. No food ever tasted so good - nor any beer or wine.
• All that "Rim To Rim" gear and 'swag' was intended, after all, for YOU!
Please thoroughly ENJOY a journey that we have now enjoyed - and we're not done yet - more than a dozen times. However, every single time is "a trip of a lifetime."
Great comments Mike, I cannot disagree with anything you mentioned!
That's a great response Mike. Been backpacking there since 2007 and started running R2R in '15. Laughed when you said "Gookinaid" because I hadn't heard that name since racing XC and Track in High School and College! Just looked for it, and it appears that it's now called "Vitalyte." I compared it's ingredients to what I've been using for a couple years (I started with Cytomax back in '07, and have tried "Tailwind," "Genius Electrolytes," and am currently using "Liquid I.V." It's disappointing that the Liquid I.V. doesn't contain magnesium, but I put a couple magnesium pills into my soft flask(s) when running or hydration bladder when hiking/backpacking. I break the pills in half so they dissolve faster. I also use GU Roctane, both with, and without caffeine. Definitely a must for any sort of adventure into the canyon, whether walking or running.
@@austinado16 No matter what you call it, the fact remains that "when you are hiking in the desert, you simply do not realize how much you sweat - because your skin does not become wet. Electrolyte-replacement powders fairly-immediately relieved the "charley horses" that were vexing us on our first trip, and they therefore became a staple on every trip since. (We also used them to great advantage on the occasional "longer-than-usual" desert hikes that our "Backcountry Hiking Club" used during the many years that we lived in Phoenix.)
"Yes, pay attention to your water, but also pay attention to your ELECTROLYTES!"
Very helpful tips and info. Much appreciated.
I appreciate the feedback!
Nicely done, wonderfully presented, thank you.
Awesome! Thank you for such detail video. I’ll have to watch it a few times to memorize. I am going to GC next spring or, mid April.
Have a fun hike!
Very informative video.
Great job on the video. Tons of good information
Good video! Thanks!
Airport bag inspectors confiscated my propane stove from my checked bags in the past. There was no residual propane in the stove and there were no propane canisters. That’s why I bring my tiny propane stove with my in my carry on bag. If questioned about the stove then I can have a debate about the stove being totally inert and my flammable underwear are more of a threat to the airplane than my inert metal stove.
Good luck!
Thanks for sharing your story Lon! I've never had an issue checking a Jetboil stove in my luggage, but I've heard it used to be a problem.
Very useful, Thanks
Excellent information, thank you. Did this for the first time early November. What an adventure!
Good for you, you went at the perfect time.
Excellent overview as always, Kurt
Thank you sir!
Absolutely amazing info and presentation! Well done Sir and Thank You
Thanks so much, appreciate it!
Very professional video with tons of information!
gwrulz thanks, I appreciate the feedback!
Great video! Planning the hike in 2021 and this was very helpful.
Good to hear. Have a great hike!
Thank you
Thanks for this very informative video.
Thanks for the positive feedback Typ!
I really liked your video it was very informative. My wife and I are going to hike it at the end of this year or the beginning of the next because we know we want to see the canyon in snow. So thank you i loved the video. I am going to check out your workout video next. Thanks, Chris.
Cool! There's no guarantee of snow in the Canyon, the weather is pretty unpredictable, but generally January and February are the big precip months in AZ.
Thanks for info!
You are welcome FA.
Great info. I’ve done it many times, although usually as a day hike to the river and back, I’ve done two R2R2Rs.
Slight corrections: a well-aired-out canister or alcohol stove is no problem with TSA but white gas stoves can be hard to get clean enough to pass their sniff test so I’d highly recommend a canister stove.
You show someone doing very high steps in training. CGNP trails are so well-graded, I’d suggest just going up and down regular stairs in your house, apartment complex, or office building. 10 minutes a day for weeks in advance is hugely helpful for flat-landers. Do NOT substitute a stairclimber at the gym. You get sorest going downhill which a stairclimber does not prepare you for.
+1 on an early start. In summer, you can not start too early. 5 am is better than 6 am. 3 am is great. You climb out in the cool of morning, passing all the normals who just started and will do their ascent in the high and direct sun of the afternoon.
Even (especially) on a long day hike, bring a little LED headlamp. I buy $1 ones from Walmart and hand them out almost every evening I’m heading up or down to stragglers who took far longer than they expected.
Great comments David! That's a good idea to hand out the little LED's. Did a hike down BA starting at 5PM in winter down to IG, and there were a lot of folks hiking up in the dark with no lights.
Warching from Batanes, Philippines. I know my chances of visitng your the grand canyon is very slim but i have to watch full because of the narration and the many tips you give including best time to visit and dangers and annoyances.. new friend here. Thank you.
Welcome Proto!!
Thank you for this wonderful and informative video. Been getting the wheels in motion to do a R2R hike for May 2020. I have anxiety about it already even though I can't even apply for a permit for another 3 months!
Glad you found it helpful. Relax and enjoy!!
nice!
thanks!
Good info, subs and liked
Thanks Rajiv, I appreciate the feedback!
Completed the High Sierra trail 3 weeks ago this is my next trip !
You are very lucky to be able to get a permit given all the pandemic issues.
@Avery Royal you should trust your initial instinct no one cares
Great video! Very informative! This hike is definitely on the bucket list for me - hopefully, I get to do it some day!!!
Thanks for the feedback! It should be on every hiker's bucket list.
Great video, with lots of good information! Thank you. What is the mapping software you use?
Thanks. I have been using GaiaGPS for a number of years and highly recommend it.
Great video! I'm with you with eating a phantom ranch! Best steak ever.
Yep, been there a couple of times now, a bit pricey but well worth it!
We are going to do rim to rim to rim next time and may stay at phantom ranch (we camped on our 4 day rim to rim adventure). Steak on the trail sounds amazing!
Have to say, this is the best hike guide channel I have ever come across.. simple details that other channels try showing in different videos are all in one vlog here! Thanks for all the info !
I appreciate your kind words Ashwini!
I've lived in Arizona my whole life so far, and a Grand Canyon rim to rim hike is definitely a bucket list item. My bro and I are planning on doing it in May 2022. While its guaranteed to be an epic experience, its also not for the faint of heart. That's why we're trying to work out our plans roughly 10 months in advance.
It’s worth all the planning effort
"May" is a little late in the year, but if that's when you got your permits you should be okay. "A sun hat, plenty of water and Gookinade."
The single most important thing is this: "you are not in any sort of competition with the canyon." You're here to have a fantastic time. If you've arranged your hiking permit properly, "you have time TO SLOW DOWN and ...". And this is what makes all the difference. "Having invested so many preparations to be there, do not be in a hurry to leave." There are simply so many things to SLOW DOWN AND see along the way, whether your itinerary is R2R or (this time ...) South Rim only.
@@mikerobinson9504 Okay, well change of plans now: I'm aiming for September since my initial plans for May got derailed. But I've definitely watched many vids and doing what I can to prepare.
@@rainbowrunner1550 "The time of year is very important." The (South...) Rim's weather profile is that of Flagstaff, but Phantom's is that of Phoenix. As I've said, my wife and I frequently visited "Phantom" Ranch on Halloween. (Yes, complete with ghost stories.) We did this because we knew the weather was favorable. Strive to get an itinerary which allows you SEVERAL DAYS. A schedule that allows you to STOP and LOOK. (And, yes: "to GAWK.") Drop your pack at Indian Gardens and take your flashlight as you walk to Plateau Point for a sunset that you will never forget ...
@@mikerobinson9504 So the current plan is that my brother and I will hike down from the South Rim and go all the way to Cottonwood on the first day so we can get through The Box and across the canyon floor so we can save the grueling uphill to the North Rim for the second day.
Before the hike, I'll pick my brother up from the North Rim (since he lives in Las Vegas and I'm in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area) so he'll ride with me in my vehicle to the South Rim, leaving his at the North Rim. Then my brother's vehicle will be waiting for us at the North Rim, which we'll then take to the South Rim to retrieve my vehicle.
I hiked down from the South Rim almost to the Colorado in June 2018, on my 60th birthday. Managed to get back up to the Bright Angel Lodge really fast (under 3 hours) but I would give it more respect next time. I've done this for years but everyone loses salt in intense heat and you can get disorientated. Fortunately, on Bright Angel Trail you do meet other people -although you might not see anyone beyond Indian Garden. Best to avoid the uphill slog in midday sun altogether.
Agreed. That's why I almost always go in winter!
I attempted this in the fall. Was an amazing experience. I'd suggest going back up Bright Angel rather than South Kaibab simply due to being more developed....although the views are unparalleled on south kaibab...
My preference is to descend South Kaibab and ascend on Bright Angel. That way you get the best of both.
Tusayan is pronounced :
2C-yan. 👍
Thanks, I always wanted to know how to pronounce the name correctly!!
Which would you recommend the Bright Angel down to 3 Mile resthouse or the South Kaibab down to Skeleton Point based on views if you were only doing one of those?
What shirt are you wearing at 5:54? Also, is that a Tilley hat? I think a 100 percent cotton wide brim hat is better than a synthetic for really hot days. I've had a synthetic and it got really hot when it was extremely hot out and that includes baseball wicking hats.
I prefer the S. Kaibab if you go in the winter. In the summer you need the shade and water on the BA. Shirt: LL Bean fishing shirt. It's all nylon, lots of pockets, keeps the sun off my arms. Yep, that's a Tilley all right. Good eye!
All good advice. I wish I'd known that you can't pound stakes into the rock hard dirt at the camp sites.
Yep, only at the river/beach sites that are sandy. Everywhere else there are a ton of big rocks to use to anchor a tent.
Kurt, are you any relation to Jack Papke? Anyway, I hiked the canyon a number of times back in the '80s and enjoyed it very much. Even then I found the permits a pain in the ass, so did day hikes -- rim-river-rim several times from the south, including one that involved going past Phantom Ranch a couple of miles so that my daily mileage would be the same as if I was doing rim-to-rim. No real issues, but I was never able to work out the logistics to get the the north rim to do it. Your advice is very good and appropriate for older people (like myself these days), but for those in their 20s and 30s, the day hike approach (with plenty of water, not in the summer) is the way to go, IMHO.
No relation to Jack that I know of. My paternal ancestors were from Chilton Wisconsin if that helps. I don't find the permitting process all that difficult. Fill out the form, fax it in, get an e-mail with my permit, done! I also like taking my time so I can appreciate the scenery, take photos, etc.
But I get your perspective. I have friends that do an R2R2R in one day as a trail run. HYOH.
Great video. This is really good information that isn't provided anywhere else. I should have used gaiters on my rim to river to rim hike--my white socks are still red after many washings. This is one of the most beautiful trails anywhere in the world. Thanks.
I really appreciate your positive feedback. I try to create my videos around topics that are underserved, so your comment suggests that I hit that mark with this piece and knowing that is helpful to me.
Great video! Since normally the loge and the campground on the North Rim is sold out way in advance is parking the car at the North Rim then take to 2PM shuttle to the South Rim, spend a night there and start early morning to hike to the North Rim a good idea?
That sounds like a great plan! I normally stay in Tusayan, it’s often cheaper.
@ 0:00 no but I am now
As someone who has done this excursion "both ways, now dozens of times," let me just say: "TAKE ...YOUR ... TIME."
Stop at North Rim. Stop at Cottonwood. Stop at Bright Angel. Stop at Indian Gardens. (Stop at ... ahhh ... El Tovar.) In each and every place, "there is so much ELSE to see." Yes, it makes ALL the difference "not to be racing the clock."
"Having invested so much to be there ... *BE* THERE!!"
(And then, "plan your NEXT trip.")
Well said Mike! Couldn’t agree more. I’d add Stop at Ribbon Falls.
@@KurtPapke The pine forests at North Rim ... Roaring Springs ... Ribbon Falls ... an excursion from Bright Angel up to the Tonto Plateau ... a sunset hike from Indian Springs out to Plateau Point ... a well-deserved south rim shower after buying every single bit of "rim-to-rim swag" in the gift shop! DON'T MISS A SINGLE THING [...]
... "until NEXT year." And the next and the next and the next. If this is your first excursion into this magnificent place, it will not be your last.
Hi Kurt,
My partner Caroline and I are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon in September 2020. Would you be happy for us to ask you for some general advice please?
Kind regards, Tim
p.s. we love your videos 😎
Sure. Use the channel email address. On the road/trail for several weeks so won’t be a speedy reply.
Hey Kurt- with the Yurt closed, where would you recommend to stay if doing a R2R2R in the early winter on the north rim? Is that even a realistic option anymore without the yurt?
Sure, when you get your backcountry permit you can make a reservation to stay in the North Rim campground. Everything is closed there, but the campground stays open and the rangers are there. Be prepared for snow camping!
Leave at 5AM, R2R in one day. If you're in it for the scenery rather than the experience, don't even think about doing 1 day. You'll miss absorbing it and enjoying those scenes discussed here.
Any advice for a 2 day / 1 night north to south rim-to-rim?
You’ll be pressed for time, but don’t skip Ribbon Falls
What do you mean by camping off corridor? Thanks
The corridor consists of the north and south Kaibab trails and Bright Angel. Anywhere else is “off corridor”.
I plan on going in June. I’m having a hard time finding where I collect my Backcountry Permit. Do I have to pick it up from the Backcountry Office when I arrive?
Great question. If you apply by fax/mail, they will e-mail you the permit and you print it out at home.
I hope it is early June. Good luck! Don't jump to that one rock for a photo op! You know the one... people jump down and misjudge it on the way up and fall to their deaths. South Kaibab I think. :D
I just got back from the GC and did about 30 miles in two days, day hiking. I was told by those who were backpacking that you can only apply for back country camping permit 90 days in advance. Have fun and be careful as the temps will be high in June.
@@mtadams2009 You can apply 4+ months in advance rounded up to the 1st of the month. The schedule is here: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm
"There's nothing worse than sunburned lips and ears." I can think of a few things.
LOL!
@@KurtPapke I did rim to rim south to north with a buddy on a beautiful fall day in 2013. Fantastic hike but a little tough. You both certainly have my respect!
Nice video! Rim to rim is on my bucket list. I have so many questions. Is there anyone u could recommend that I could call or email?
For questions about the trail, camping and permits you should call the ranger station. I can try and help you with other general questions if you e-mail my YT channel: kwphikevideos@gmail.com
We just posted a rim to rim video on our channel. If you have questions we would be happy to help.
Do you need a permit for a one day hike??
You only need a permit for overnight camping.
nice information can I get address to make permition pls
thank you sir
You bet: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm
Very informative! We did rim to rim in 4 days, you can check out our rim to rim adventure on our channel. We would love to go back and do rim to rim to rim.
R2R2R is better than most folks think - the canyon looks very different hiking in the opposite direction.