RIM TO RIM TRAIL
Hiking the rim-to-rim is on many a bucket-list of adventures. As an alternative to the rim-to-river hikes, you may prefer one of the “rim-to-rim” hikes, but, again they are all extremely strenuous and you need to prepare well physically, if not mentally, for the challenge. On average this hike will take 12-15 hours so it’s wise to tackle it over 2-3 days rather than a one day hike, unless you are super-fit and an experienced hiker.
Everyone should do the rim-to-rim once in their life. To fully absorb the beauty of the Canyon, you should plan on a 2-day hike for this trail and therefore, you will need a permit to spend a night or two in the Canyon. You could camp at Bright Angel Campground or have a more relaxing stay at Phantom Ranch but plan on arriving there at around 10 am. Sherpa Sam recommends that you stay 2 nights at the bottom in Phantom Ranch and especially during the summer you will be glad to have air conditioning and a real bed to sleep on.
Which way should I do it?
There are various ways to hike rim-to-rim. The most trafficked route is the North to South Rim Trail via the North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail. You could rest for an hour at Phantom Ranch before continuing up the Bright Angel Trail, buy some ice to help cool down, fill your water bottles and start your way up the South Rim. You’re likely to pass mules and a ranger or two along the Bright Angel Trail as you approach Indian Gardens where you can get plenty of cold water to replenish your supplies. Some hikers like to constantly soak their shirts and hats to help stay cool under the blistering sun.
However, some prefer to use the North Kaibab down into the canyon and the South Kaibab trail up to the South rim (elevation 7260 ft), the drawback being no water and no shade on the South Kaibab Trail. It’s a little shorter (7 miles versus 9.6 miles on the Bright Angel Trail) and considerably steeper.
When temperatures are cooler (spring, fall or early morning in the summer), the South Kaibab trail is a good option for the descent. It’s wise to be super-aware of your limits if you hike South to North rim via the Bright Angel and North Kaibab Trails. The elevation gain and the distance of the North Kaibab trail could catch you unawares and give you muscle fatigue.
Hiking the south rim to the base of the canyon at the Colorado River and back to the rim will take approx. 52,000 steps and an equivalent of climbing 162 flights of stairs (13 stairs per flight).
Fun Fact
Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R)
This extreme R2R2R challenge is a punishing 40-plus-mile out-and-back route. The South Kaibab trail to the North Rim and back up the Bright Angel trail, has more than 10,000 vertical feet of gain and loss along its path. This experience challenges your mind as much as your body but truly rewards the soul. Some people have even been known to run this!!
When should I start the hike?
Sherpa Sam recommends to start before or no later than sunrise to beat the heat. The narrow canyon section called ‘the box’ is a notoriously hot 4-mile stretch so aim on getting through this before 10.am.
Name: Rim to Rim Trail
Location: various
Duration: 12-15 hours
Difficulty: extremely strenuous
Distance: 23.5 miles / 37 km or 40+ miles / 64 km out and back
Elevation change: 5761 ft / 1755 m elevation loss (North Kaibab to Bright Angel Campground), 4380 ft / 1335 m elevation gain (Bright Angel Campground to South Rim on the Bright Angel Trail)
What to take: see Ultimate Packing Guide
Water stations: none on South Kaibab. On North Kaibab, potable water is available at the trailhead, Supai Tunnel, Roaring Springs, the Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground and Bright Angel Campground. Except for Bright Angel Campground, all water sources are seasonal and are turned off in Autumn. Available seasonally on Bright Angel Trail (1.5 mile resthouse/3 mile resthouse) and year-round at Indian Garden
When to go: May to October (the North Rim closes 15 October)
How to get there: various trailhead options. There is a shuttle service from the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim
Parking information: depends which route you choose
Permit required: Yes for staying overnight in the Canyon. Apply well in advance
Lodgings: Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch in the canyon
Warning: control your pace, particularly downhill to reduce the pressure on your legs, drink lots of water, eat energy bars and stretch and roll your foot from heel to toe when connecting with the ground to avoid or minimise muscle failure. If your legs are giving out, take an extended break!
Why is it for you: as a serious hiker, you have to do it once in your life!
Sherpa Sam's recommendations: if it’s your first time, the best direction is to hike from the North Rim to the South Rim via the North Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail
