@Social Butterfly Are you hiking? I am planning a trip fall of next year and really, really want to hike it. However my husband and I will be 38 and I'm a little unsure if I still have the stamina I need. Also of note is we will have our 10 and 12 year old with us and while they've hiked several times, never anything quite as daunting as the Grand Canyon.
I did similar treks. I also am 68 and when I was also 23 I hiked down and up same side two days later down and up the other side. Memories I'll never forget but will never duplicate. Probably saw you on the hike.😀
I'm an American ESL teacher in South Korea. I've used this video in my classes several times. You speak clearly, and it is easy for RU-vid's CC function to transcribe your speaking. Thanks for the quality film.
My Dad was a dentist in the 70's while he was in collage he hike this trail with my uncles and his buddies. He fell in love with the life at the bottom of the Canyon. I still have photos of him and my uncles decked out in 70's tank tops and.ripped jeans standing under the falls. When my Dad graduated with his dental degree and he became a D.D.S had a practice in Scottsdale and returned to the bottom of the Canyon twice a year to provide free Dental services to the Tribal community living at the bottom of the Canyon. He adored the community and the area, would lug down most of his needed equipment on his back and on the backs of burrows and donkeys spend 10 days or so doing check up cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals and basic health care. He made impressions for those needing partials or Dentures. Then he would return 2 weeks later to deliver and fit them to whomever needed them that year. He would also go anytime during the year except when snow ❄ closed the trail to answer any emergency dental needs that arise. Sometimes he would bring my brother and me down on his annual trek and we'd spend 10 days swimming in the aqua green falls, and running around the canyon exploring the Canyon Floor with all the towns kids imagining we were explorer's. Discovering hidden caves with Tribal pictographs painted on the walls by our new friends ancestors, swimming in hidden clear aqua pools, hearing the enthralling stories about the creation of the Canyon, how the tribe was lead there to settle and the numerous folklore and historical stories under a sky filled with stars,, meteor showers by firelight captivated us,, learning to forage and fish was absolutely magical. We were explorer's discovering a magical oasis hidden thousands of feet below the Grand Canyon. It was and still is a magical place. We lost my father in 2014. Some of his ashes are buried by my father's lifelong friends and patients in the communities burial grounds at the bottom of the canyon. As much as we miss my Dad and the kids miss their Papa 🤠 We know he is at peace in place that grabbed his heart I the 70's and never let go. I highly suggest if you get the chance book a camping trip down there. The list to get approved for the trip can be a year or longer. Nows a good time since the Park trips are starting to reopen and allow applications for permits is the shortest wait time it been in decades . If approved you may hike down the Bright Angel trail, or if physically unable to make the hike you can book donkey or burrow 🐎 transport both to and from your campsites. No tents needed there are primitive cabins, you can spend 3 to 5 days in the Canyon. There are many tour companies you can book excursions with. However I encourage you to avoid their outrageous fees for obtaining your permit for you and their expensive transport and excursions fees. Instead I urge you to obtain your permit and schedule your animal transport (if needed) thru the Grand Canyon Park rangers and Foresty service website. Then request to book and schedule the multiple excursions that other expensive tour companies that overcharge tourists offer thru the actual tribe living at the Canyon offer. Things like Caving, Ancient tribal Pictograph hikes, canoeing trips, white water trips, outdoor survival skills and cooking classes, spear and arrow hunting and fishing, foraging, pottery, basket weaving , beading(create beads with porcupine quils, clay, and bones, pottery making, courses on natural dying cloth with native flora and the distinct Red Rock Dirt, Astronomy, and so much more many of which the tour groups can't provide because only tribe can are available at a quarter or less of the price, are authentic historical Tribal practices that the tribe uses to survive and in their current daily lives. Also 100% of your excursion fees paid go straight to the Tribal community not a for profit travel company. Also the permit fees paid to the forest service(unlike the travel companies) go directly (100% of the permit fee you pay) to the Maintenance of the Grand Canyon National Park, trail maintenance, GCNP employees housing and payroll, road and public picnic areas parking areas, restrooms,, hydration stations,forrest, park, flora,fauna,wildlife, historic buildings and ancient Tribal art, archeology sites care a d preservation, First aid,, and GCNP Fire Dept staff equipment and Wildland/ volunteer firefighters, search and rescue teams and canines. Also if you really want to experience the true feeling with life above and below the Canyon consider booking some of these experiences in local communities like William's before or after you trip down to the bottom of the Canyon. A tour into the Grand Canyon Caverns cave system you can also eat lunch or dinner at the Cafe inside the cave. Or book a overnight inside the only hotel room inside a cave in the USA 🇺🇸. Visit the gorgeous,quaint town Of William's, AZ. Visit the Grand Canyon Deer farm and hand feed hundreds of local deer who due to accidental injure, or health limitations can no longer survive Independently in theForrest, so a local family heard those dears numbers were so large they were actuallybeing destroyed as there was not a facilityable to care for that many, so the family created a sanctuary to provide lifelong care and quality of life for the deer that used to be destroyed because they were not able to be rehabbed and released back into the wild by the State, also buy a ticket and hop on to the historic Grand Canyon Railroad trains and Railway for a scenic round-trip route thru the Forrest, bluffs, mountains, an rim of the Grand Canyon and surrounding area The historic Trains have been lovingly and historically acutely restored and maintained by the GCRR staff, engineers, and volunteers. If you visit during fall/early winter kiddos and adults alike can Don thier pajamas and buy a ticket to the North Pole when the train is transformed into the Polar Express. Enjoy a magical journey to the North Pole,your souvenir train ticket gets magically stamped with a message, Elves will tell the story of the Polar express on your journey too the Northport while 🍪cookies,milk, and hot cocoa with giant marshmallows are served , once you arrive and view the North Poles Father Christmas and elves town, villages, and the magical reindeer and the stables, you hop back on the train for goodie bags, hot apple cider and more yummy treats, as the elves have a holiday song sing and dance along , make sure you keep an ear out forsleigh elks. Santa lands on the train and climbs into the moving train 😉, he then takes photos will each child and family, listens to your Christmas 🎄or holiday wishes, then presents each child with a large silver metal magical working sleigh ell on a vintage red velvet ribbon tied with a beautiful bow, as well as a tag attached that explains how to use it and the significance of the bell and how it contains pure magical Christmas Spirit that can be heard all the way to the North Pole whenever your child rings the bell. If you or your kiddo bring your copy(or purchase one at any store or Amazon) of the Polar Expeess, 🎅Santa, the elves, and even the train drivers will sign the book and write personal messages in within the pages to you and you child to discover when you get home and read the book together. Those are just a few of the memorable one of a kind curated experiences you and your family can book on any trip to visit , explore, or camp down at the bottom of the Grand Canyon National Park and surrounding local Hamlets. Sorry this post is so long, it's just an amazing magical part of my State that holds uncountable extraordinary memories and experiences for my family that started with my Dad in the 1970' s and still continue with my own family today. Whether your single, dating, or in a serious relationship, with or without kiddos orfurnaces, even if your retired please consider visiting our tiny corner in the world and experience some adventures, magical hidden places, and create some amazing memories of your own. I sincerely doubt you'd regret it.
I have visited the Grand Canyon at best 15 times over a period of 22 years both the south and north rims. I had thought wow that's a huge undertaking to hike such a place but in this video I see and hear the joy of hiking this trail and I am making plans to do so at least a 2- day hike. I thank you for taking the time to share your dad's service to the community within the canyon I find it absolutely..actually no words can I describe...but selflessly providing a service to his fellowman!! Salute and praise...thank you for sharing❤. I will do this! 😊
Im from Arizona and went to the grand canyon with my 6 siblings after graduating highschool in 2016, one of the best days of my life. One of my favorite parts was walking through "conquistador aisle" which was where conquistador Garcia Lopez de Cardenas and his Spanish entourage walked through. It was like walking through history, such a phenomenal experience.
Same here. My knees are not that great anymore, but I can still walk a little without aid. If I walked at all on that trail, I'd probably start at the top of the North Rim and walk down and back to the 1.5-mile trailhouse at the farthest. Slowly. I envy your stamina, but thanks for the beautiful views!
I did this hike when I was 12 carrying a pack the 50% of my body weight. 1 day to the bottom 2 days at the bottom and then 2 day hike back to the top. Was an amazing trip that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Me too.. Did it in Girl Scouts at 13. Down Kaibab.. dangerous then as there wasn't water.. We ran out about a mile or so before we hit the bottom.. Hiked up Bright Angel on way back up.. Wow .. what a memory..
I always meant to do this hike, but never could take off work as a young person. Then as an old person I developed arthritis in my back, ankles and knees. It progressed fast and so I couldn't do this hike at all. Now that Iam quarantining indoors, I am taking all the hikes I always wanted to do on You Tube. Thank you so much for doing these and taking me along. I've done some fabulous hikes in my day, but these are the ones I missed. I'm also scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef and free diving. Much appreciated!
This is ABSOLUTELY without a doubt my favorite hike. I've done it twice, started about 5:00 in the morning and finished in 9-ish hours, and ABSOLUTELY want to go back and do it a third time when I'm 21. Getting to see that first sunrise and realizing the absolute MAGNITUDE of the canyon and the task you are undertaking is a moment I'll never forget. Ever single rest stop and water station is burned into my memory. I really miss it, even though I almost died the first time of an asthma attack - come prepared, kids. That second half is a killer, and will play tricks on your mind. Walking up to the last four miles and realizing you still have an entire cliff fo hike up can be quite discouraging. But keep putting one step in from of the other, and don't think about it too much, and as soon as you see the end of that trail, you'll feel like it was all worth it.
Thanks You for this man..I was diagnosed with MS a few years ago, and I realize a little more every day that my goals like this will never happen..However, through you, and your camera I can still get a piece of it...May you have all the best life has to offer..
I've got the same affliction you have and after seeing this, I wish, when I was more ambulatory, I'd been smart enough to make this Rim to Rim trek. I'd want to do it in no less than 2 days so I wouldn't miss seeing a thing. Interesting how the view of the Grand Canyon from the North Rim is so very different from that of the canyon's south side.
Did this hike solo at age 53, mid September. Temperature at North Rim start was 50°, Phantom Ranch was 101° in the shade. Rested and did sightseeing on the South Rim the second day and hiked back across the third day via South Kaibab Trail. Epic hikes. Don't underestimate this hike, know your limitations. I wasn't worried about soloing, these cross-canyon trails are well traveled and patrolled. Also, there are plenty of potable water sources, just ensure from backcountry office they are working before you go. My only regret for you guys is that you left so early you missed out on a lot of beautiful scenery the first three hours.
I did the exact same hike when I was 18. The single hardest thing I've ever done, just exactly as beautiful as this video. Yes, people constantly must be rescued because of heat exhaustion!
It was a great video, plus i appreciate that even after trekking 22 miles and being extremely exhausted, you still always had a smile on your face while talking to the camera ❤️
I have hiked over 100 miles in the Canyon and done 3 separate trips down to the bottom. I am in awe of you - and anyone else - that knocks out rim to rim in a single day. I have hiked the Canyon at night a couple times and it is truly a special experience. Thanks for posting this up, brought back fond memories!
@@saranilsson4901 When I hiked rim-to-rim, I was caught by darkness coming up the last part of Bright Angel trail for my last hour. It was a moonless night and total darkness. Of course I had my headllamp to illuminate the trail, but I was surrounded by complete blackness. Also, I was doing it solo. I don't quite know how to describe it, but that last hour in the darkness was maybe the most special hour of the entire hike. That was a totally unplanned scenario and totally unexpected feeling. Nature does funny things to you.
WOW! It sure has changed in 58 years! (The infrastructure, not the canyon) I did Bright Angel to the Ranch to spend two days, then back up to the old cloth-topped, hard--sided cabins and a drive back to Florida. No tunnels then and the Silver Bridge was an artist conception drawing. Meeting mules in the narrow places was exciting!
Thank you for this vicarious trip. You kept your cheery smile till the 1.5 mile rest stop. After that you kept your smile, but the cheery part faded a bit. At 77 years old with a bad back, I may have missed my window for this hike, so I'm so glad you took me along.
Just want to say a huge "Thank You" for this video. I was at the South Rim about 2 years ago looking across to the North Rim and stood in awe. I wish I could have just walked a couple of miles into the canyon on that day as I visited Bright Angel Lodge, but with being on a day trip from Las Vegas I just didn't have the time. You have made me, a man from Wales, in the UK a very happy individual showing me exactly what it's like at the bottom. Cheers....
Of all the videos I've watched tonight, this is my favorite. Took my grandson to Palo Duro Canyon in TX while on a 10 day, 2000 mile road trip from TN to see my Marine son in Yuma, AZ and then head to different parts of California. What a blast!! I drove the whole way there and back, since my companion was only 7-1/2. We stayed in a couple of hotels along the way there and back. Palo Duro is a mini version of the Grand Canyon and it was spectacular. Next on the Bucket List is to go to the real Grand Canyon and this gave me some ideas!!
I've done it twice. Once at 47 years of age South to North. Then at 57. 57 was so much harder - North to South plus my left knee was more of a mess than I was aware of. Surgery the following summer. Hoping for 67!! Oh - and we camped - no one day in and out for us! Well done guys!!
That is awesome!! You are an inspiration! I just commented I was concerned at 38 if I still have the stamina to do it, but your comment shows me I can do i will just need to train and prep myself! Now I need to get my hubby and 2 kids on board too.
@@Carolinagirl1028 I would think so just because of the heat. Start at the South in the 70s and end in the north in the 50s. They ended the hike in the 90s and we're talking October, any earlier in the year and you can add 10-20 degrees.
I was a teenager (14) in the early '60s and walked to the bottom from the south side with my brother and Dad. Then went back up the same day. After getting to the top I waited for my Dad and brother. After two hours I went back down looking for them and found them at the 3 mile rest stop and both had bad leg cramps. We all walked together to the 1.5 mile rest stop and I went ahead to meet my Mom who was waiting at the top. Three hours later they finally appeared at the top. Long day but well worth it for me anyway, because of the views. I ran cross country track so it was fairly easy for me. Thanks for the video, it brought back memories.
My son, who was 12 at the time, and I did a winter rim-to-rim-to-rim, south to north to south, over the course of 6 days. It was an amazing trip, and the winter snow and ice made it so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, good for you!!! Taking your time really gives you the enjoyment of the experience. Your son will never forget that!!! So did you hike South Kaibab, up & back down North Kaibab and then final up Bright Angel?
@@saranilsson4901 Yes, that was our route. We loved the canyon so much, that we went back 15 months later and hiked to the Havasu Falls on the Havasupai tribal lands. Spent 4 days there, Amazing!
Great to see this video. With flat feet, bowed legs, and arthritic knees, and having survived a hip operation (to relieve an infection) and a quadruple heart bypass, this is probably the closest I'll ever get to making the hike.
Totally amazing that you did a sunrise to sunset hike! Love the beautiful scenery you captured along the way. We visited the north rim on vacation 2 yrs ago and we stood atop the cliffs and looked down at the many trails and saw many hikers. We wondered what it would be like to have an up close view of the canyon walls and the river. Thank you so much for your beautiful video ~ I really enjoyed it :)
I did this twice, 2 years in a row, when I was in the Air Force . We had a really good commander who allowed us to make a training trip out of hiking the Grand Canyon. It was a great experience! Note each time we did it, we did it over 5 days.
I did this same hike on October 14-15. I parked my car on the north rim after an 8 hour drive from so cal. I started the hike at 7 am (which was literally freezing: 27 degrees F) on the North Rim trailhead. I hiked down to the Phantom Ranch (which was scorching at 95 degrees F; almost a 70 degree difference from the North Rim), spent the night, and then started my hike at about 6 AM the next day. I took the Bright Angel trail back to the Bright Angel lodge to catch the 1:30 PM shuttle back to the North Rim. After that, I did the 8 hour drive back home and got back in the wee hours of the morning on October 16. It was quite the adventure.
Awesome! I re lived my several one day cross trips in the Grand canyon via your video. . You saw the special places that I will never forget. I have run across this section many times south to north, full moon and finished at sunrise on the north rim. I highly recommend it. Keep up your adventures. you have a great appreciation for the wonders of nature. Always have plans for the next trip.When you are old you will never forget this trip.
This brought back so many memories - especially the lemonade at Phantom Ranch!!! I grew up in Northern Arizona and we hiked a lot in the Grand Canyon. As a young 17 year old Boy Scout our troop hiked/ran Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in 24 hours - our reward was to get our names on a plaque in Flagstaff in the Scout Office. I was able to complete the hike in 19.5 hours, the incredible thing is my 41 year old father did it in 26 hours! Thanks for posting.
Back around 1985 went to the Canyon in March. Only a day trip to the south rim. Was able (had time) to walk a ways down Bright Angel trail. My second time to the Canyon a couple years later, went to the same place and then drove east past Navajo Tower and on to Cameron Trading Post, Tuba City, Kayenta, Monument Valley, Teec Nos Pos, Four Corners, and on to Durango, Denver and on to Milwaukee. Your beautiful video brought back many fond memories of being in one of the most wonderful places on this planet. Thank You so much for this. (There is nothing like listening to a recording of Ferde Grofe's beautiful "Grand Canyon Suite" while sitting at the wall overlooking the Canyon at park headquarters. It'll make you cry.)
When my late husband & I lived in Central Oregon, what I loved most was hiking the Cascades. My God, what gorgeous scenery. Longest hike I ever did was 20 miles; that was in CA. At the end of that day, my feet had blisters. I was 'with' you guys on your fantastic hike !! All the way.
Recommendation for anyone doing this hike. Take your time and spread the hike out over at least 3 days. Not because of the difficulty but rather you'll have more time to see and explore the canyon. We stayed one night on the North K trail and then two nights at the Phantom Ranch. This is one of the greatest hikes on earth, enjoy it...
I did this hike in August, my group and I took the shuttle from the SR to NR in the morning, started our hike by 2pm that same day, ended by 4am the next morning. 4 hours of hiking. The NR is beautiful hiking down, you need to go back and see the NR in day light. My favorite part is the few mines before getting to the ranch when the walls are towering over you and you are following the river. I can not wait to hike it again one day.
We hiked this in July on our honeymoon. Spent two nights at Phantom Ranch and one night at Indian Garden. On the steep switchbacks be sure to stay on the inside of the corners when mule trains go by.
This is the best video I've ever seen in the Grand Canyon. I never knew about the creeks running down to the river or the various campgrounds and cooling stations. Thanks for sharing it.
Rim to rim was my favorite hike to this point in my life. Leaving around 5am was perfect for me as i caught sunrise and sunset on the south rim. Ribbon falls was my favorite part of the whole hike. Definitley not to be missed
I did that same route in one day just over a month ago. We finished in the dark, so it was nice to see what we missed while watching your video. Nice job!
Thank you! This is on my list and I had planned to do it short also but after this video, my husband and I decided to take a week at least and really take our time to enjoy the trails and sites!
Did this trip with eight guys. Down north kaibab to river, up bright angle, stayed night at hotel, then went down south kaibab to river and spent day at the bottom, and back up the north side again... only (4) made the return trip hiking... one of my best memories!!!
From UK. I have been to the Canyon 4 times, 3 on the South Rim and one on the North. I did this hike twice over 3 days. The first time in October 1998 and the second time in February 2016. I think that doing it in one day is not as enjoyable as in 3 days. The reason is that over a longer time you can really enjoy the view and sample the atmosphere . You also have time to take pictures, I have 1.500 so that you have a good memory of the trip.
I’ve done this hike probably 15 times since I was a kid (over 2 days though). Since you guys were in the dark, you probably missed the house on the North Rim Trail. There used to be a family who lived there and would sit outside giving hikers lemonade as they passed. Now it’s just a restroom/water stop. Best part about reaching the top of South Rim is ice cream at the soda shop right outside Bright Angel Lodge. Nothing has ever tasted better than ice cream immediately after reaching the top. Great video, guys
That looked gnarly, and not only is the terrain ultra-challenging, the heat can literally kill you. It's hard to imagine how intense it is until you've hiked in those conditions.
Yes, his camera work makes those trails look smooth and wide but we only went down about a mile from the north rim and it was pretty treacherous...but worth it. It's hard to capture just how amazing the Grand Canyon is 🤯🤩
Did this same hike 12 years ago when I was 60 with kids and grandkids in August. 115 degrees at the bottom. Thanks for the video and bringing back all the great memories!
Ten years ago I hiked to Mt Fuji beginning at 10:-00pm and reached the summit at 7:00am. It was tough but seeing all those stars and feeling close to them was magical. Your hike starting out at 3:30am must have been exciting and beautiful to see the stars as well. I really must hike the Grand Canyon. Twenty-five years ago I hiked to Havasu Falls
I did it spending two nights and it really gives you the time to immerse yourself in such a stunning place. Also you can spend more time at Phantom as well as take the amazing side trail out of Indian Garden to Plateau Point where you can look down from a viewing area to the Colorado and watch the sunset. Easily one of my favorite sunsets I’ve ever taken in, and you can then walk back to camp at Indian Garden. Don’t miss the nightly Ranger talks at all the camps either, they are pretty cool and interesting. Downside with camping is hauling the extra weight but it really helps that the Park Service has the rest houses so you don’t have to carry much water.
I hiked this trail when I was 12 years old with my Boy Scout Troop, 321out of Houston, Texas. This would have been in the summer of 1974. I will always remember it!
If you want to try a shorter version of that trip, go down the south Kaibab trail, down the river to phantom ranch, then up the bright angel trail. It is the same amount of climbing, almost the same amount of going down, but less total miles and you don't have to take the shuttle to the north rim.
Visited Grand Canyon in September/October 2019 and I LOVED it. We walked the Bright Angel Trail and thought we'd only walk to the 3 mile rest house. But we fell in love with the canyon on our way down and ended up walking all the way to Plateu Point just for the view and so we could have more time being "in" it. I really hope I can go back and visit again some day. But, being from Sweden, I know I might not since it's quite a trip and there are so many places we haven explored yet. But to be honest, I just put Grand Canyon back on my bucket list because I want to experience it again so bad.
Great video! Hubby and I went in mid-Oct (It was 88 in the Canyon!) and hiked down the South Kaibab to Phantom Ranch, spent 2 nights, hiked out the Bright Angel trail. Returning in a few months, we will do the same and add in an overnight at the Indian Gardens campground. You guys are amazing to do what you did in one day! Fantastic!!
OK, you are officially a Tough Guy!!!! What an amazing trip... Twenty miles on the flats in one day is one thing but down and up the canyon as well is over the top!!!! Well Done!!!
Back in June of 2019 I hiked from the north rim to the Phantom Ranch and back again and I have to agree, the last 3 miles on the way up were definitely a challenge. Good video!
Congratulations for every step of the way. I felt as if I was there too. The night time was the scariest. You are both very brave. One day I'll do this. One day real soon. Rim to rim.
This hike is a great training hike for the PCT, AT and CDT. Having lived at the Canyon from late November 2017 through to mid July 2020 I managed to hike the Canyon Rim to Rim in 10.75 hours and Rim to Rim to Rim in a little over 21 hours. I am 56.6 years of age now and trained for the Rim to Rim hike when I was at the Canyon for a month before attempting it. It is a great hike and in my top 3 hikes of all time.
Your video inspired me to hike the same route in Grand Canyon last year. Although I wasn't able to do Rim to Rim as you did because North Rim was closed due to heavy snowfall, I was able to pivot to a South Rim (via South Kailbab trail) to Colorado River to South Rim (Bright Angle Trail) route in one day. It was one of the best days of my life when I finished the hike. What a remarkable place to see and experience! Thank you for your content and the inspiration.
Thank you so much for creating and posting this video. We had been using this video for the past couple of months as a reference to plan for the R2R day hike and get familiar with the trails and how to prepare for the extreme cold on the rim and extreme heat around the Phantom Ranch area. We hiked 5/25. A day before the hike, we went down up to Coconino Overlook during daylight to catch up on the scenary that we would have otherwise missed on the next day early morning in dark. We started at 3AM and reach Manzanita by the dawn we were able to see the beautiful waterfall and the streams.
Great video; did it for my 70th birthday; 10/13/2017 five hour shuttle to North Rim Lodge (North Rim lodge closed for season on 10/14). 10/14/2017 6AM 2 mi shuttle Lodge to North Kaibab trailhead (cold, 40 degrees); dusty (wear long pants); slow pace; 1:30-3PM lunch at Ribbon Falls; temp perfect in upper 70's F; 6PM arrive at Phantom; dinner 6:30PM; two nights at Phantom Ranch; ; hiked out 10/16, 5:30 breakfast; to South Rim; temps still in upper 70's; arrived 5PM; dinner at El Tovar and overnight in Lodge.
Thank you so much for this outstanding and beautiful and impossible addition to my abandoned bucket list. This miracle body looking and pondering the next chapter. I have participated in an outstanding and miracle filled life.❤️😍
Awesome. This year, I hiked down south Kaibab and up south bright angel trail. Longest hike ever taken. It was epic. One day, I want to do North Rim as well.
I would like to do that hike in the day light and over several days, Ultralight style. Over 2/3 days. I'm retired and have all the time in the world. I don't do anything on a schedule any more.
I did the hike from South Rim down to Phantom Ranch in one day. Up early a.m. like you and on the trail by 4:00a.m. to beat the heat that awaits at the bottom of the trail. Got to the bottom around noon and walked along the river for a bit looking for a place to cross the river to Phantom Ranch. Wow, reality hit! Walking in sandy conditions and finding it very difficult. Thought as in the cowboy movies that I'd witnessed in earlier days they would find me face down in the sand inches from the water that I so wanted to reach. Alas I obviously made it with encouragement from other passers by and like the young men in this video savored the moments of feet in cold water. Was slightly envious of those who did the trail by mule but end of day they were hurting just as much as I was next AM when they could barely walk to the bath house at Phantom Ranch. I would not trade my experience for anything in the world...enjoyed a week on the river shooting rapids, camping on the river banks and scenery that is not to be believed. To all you adventurers...ENJOY!
So awesome, thanks for the comment and I am glad that it inspired your family! It is a pretty incredible trip for sure. Let me know if you have any questions
My first Rim 2 Rim was when I turned 61. Amazing. R2R again at 65. Met people from all over the world. Hiked in early May. Brutal heat. Wonderful experience.
You did a very good job editing this video. I appreciated your easy to follow explanations of where you were. Thank you for the great attitude and smiling while talking to the camera. You must have studied that trail for a long time, as you knew what to expect, and where you wanted to go. I would do the hike if I were in my twenties, but, alas I left that decade long ago. Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed this video. The views are amazing, and you provide a lot of helpful information. I hadn't realized how much the Park Service has done to make this a safe and good experience. Great job of condensing an all-day hike into 22.5 minutes! I wish there were a version of this video, though, without the constant, artificial, mindless shopping-mall music. I don't know why RU-vidrs think their videos need to have wall-to-wall sound (no pun intended). Intervals of silence would feel natural and be so much better. Thanks!
Super Video Reminds me of 1980 (22) when I was hiking with my colleague at 5am down the Kaiba Trail, along the colorado river and up the bright Angel Trail. 40 years have passed and it is still fascinating to see this nature wonder. Hey, we were also a bit out of breath when we got back up there. Thanks for the video Regards, Daniel, Switzerland
As a resident of the beautiful state of Arizona I can tell you it's more impressive person and as you get to more remote sections of the canyon nature becomes more abundant and even if you don't hike it the canyon is my favorite part of my state.
Huzaifa, I did rim-to-rim in a day twice over a period of three days (middle day was rest and recover), at age 53, solo. I started day hiking at age 50 in Smoky Mountains National Park, since I live nearby, and discovered I loved it. I don't like to camp or backpack, so I concentrated on day hikes. As I got in better shape, I increased my distance, eventually doing 20+ miles a day. That's when I got the idea of doing the rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike. I did my research and realized I could do it. I picked mid-September to do it in. Latter September or October is ideal. Check to see when the north rim shuts down for winter, though. You can train by taking hikes and increasing your distance each time. If you live in a flat area, use a stair-stepper at a gym, or just use stairs. You need to train a lot going up, but also you need a lot practice going down. With my age, I used hiking poles to relieve stress on my knees. You need to practice hydrating. The hike can severely dehydrate you if you are not prepared. The sun is fierce, make sure you have proper clothing, hat and sunscreen. With some proper planning you can have a magnificent experience.
Loved this video. I've hiked the Canyon 4 times in my life. First time at 22; the last time at almost 60! Some of your comments made me LOL! as I sit here in my EZ chair watching the video. But I said those same comments during my hikes, too, and I wasn't LOL'ing at the time- THAT'S FOR SURE! It is one of the hardest things you can do and it is one of the most exhilarating things you can do, all at the same time. I'm 63 now and I'm not done yet! I will be back. We did the Ribbon Falls section and Plateau Point! SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE COLORADO! The last rim to rim hike we did over 2 days. My then early 20's sons asked why we were doing this hike over 2 days? Most people they spoke to during the hike were doing 3 to 4 days. I told them the last time I did it, I did it in 2 days. He snapped back "THE LAST TIME YOU DID THIS YOU WERE OUR AGE!" I just responded "and your point is?" (He wasn't wrong....)
The hike is a great hike and you did a great job documenting it via video. I did the exact same hike in May of 2018 - May 17th actually. For those folks thinking about this hike, if you can do it in May (North Rim does not open until May 15), there is a lot longer day light, so you can hike the entire hike in the light. We started at 5 am and finished just before 4 pm (my three kids and myself). We did take the side hike to Ribbon falls, it was very anti-climatic as there was very little water over the falls. Lemonade was good a Phantom Ranch for sure. A few folks asked about how do you train - there are a number of vids and so on out there, but the two main things I would recommend are getting in some long hikes before hand - 15-20 miles even if on flat ground and do plenty of quad exercises that emphasize eccentric loading (squats, lunges, step downs). Although it is very physically tiring on the way up as noted in the vid (and I can agree), perhaps the most stressful things on the legs is the very long downhill. That can be difficult on knees and quads if you don't train well. My kids and I were able to do the hike with no blisters at all (change your socks at the bottom) and we had very minimal soreness the following days, so for folks thinking about it, if you train and prepare, this is a doable hike for many. It is for sure an incredibly memorable experience.
There is absolutely no reason to start that early. There is plenty of daylight for all of the times that the North Rim is open. If you are heading North to South, you should try to start your hike about 20-25 minutes before sunrise, there will be plenty of light to see and that gets you to Coconino overlook just about sunrise. Then you can enjoy the views the whole way down instead of missing most of the nice ones because you are hiking in the dark.
I would like to do this some day - your video is excellent, knowledge of what to expect, water points, possible stop off options - you're better than a guide book!
Amazing video !!! I've been to the Grand Canyon but saw it only from the south rim which was beautiful but in watching this video I'm able to see so much that we missed. Had no idea the canyon would be so verdant, even in October. At 72 I doubt I would ever take on a hike of this nature, so thank you for allowing me to tag along and enjoy scenery that I would otherwise never see. Looking forward to your next great video 😎
It’s more horizontal but only 1000 feet more vertical than a basic Rim-River-Rim trip which my grade schoolers did in 9 hours. If you want a really stupid day-long death march, try a Rim to Rim to Rim (this hike, twice, in a day). Took me 19 hours and I was a third my age then.
You are a braver man than I. I was traveling by backpack in 1971 before leaving for the Air Force from Wisconsin in September of that year. I saw the South Rim for the first time and was thinking over options for the return trip. I considered taking the short cut across the canyon but read the warnings and decided (wisely) that I was not up to the trek. Thank you for allowing me to vicariously taking the trip with you. By the way, you confirmed to me that I was right.
I hiked to plateau point and back. I saw a ranger with an umbrella and thought it was pretty clever. The sun is extra brutal in the bottom of the canyon.
Back in 1968 I hiked down the Kaibab Trail, stayed the night at the Phantom Ranch and came up the Bright Angel Trail the next day. I was 27 and in great shape, but I don't think I could have done a one day trip like you did. In addition you were doing a movie. It was good to see your video, it brought back a lot of memories. Cheers, Frederick "Rik" Spector
