I agree on the goals issue, I call it the tail that wags the dog. I have a hike planned going the opposite direction in late September, so maybe we will pass on the trail! I appreciate your videos and efforts, and I bet it will not be your last GC hike!
Magnificent training Dr. Bill. I'm loving the gimble for the phone camera too. Excellent choice. I can tell you're getting stronger, and you're going to have a great time doing the Rim2River route. I think the Canyon sings a Siren Song, and those of us who can hear it, just keep being called back, year after year. Since backpacking there for the first time in 2007, I've been back every year, except the one we did the Havasupai Falls trek (and ran out of there with fully loaded packs, the morning after we arrived, due to flash flooding), the year we road tripped and camped up through coastal NorCal and So. Oregon (Oregon Caves, etc), and in 2014 when I was jousting with cancer. So honestly, and good as you continue to be in the Canyon, I hope you keep returning; refining how you train, refining how you do your adventures there, and using the entire thing as training for ski season, which becomes early training for the Canyon.....and a nice little feedback loop develops. Thanks for the mention of my channel to @pal1786 below! I hope she winds up going!
How many miles is the rim to river to rim (that you end up on the same side)? So there are more than 2 options on the rim to rim hikes? And can I ask why do you go alone? I love your ambition. You are really a strong person.
Pal, so the three options are North Kaibab to Phantom to Bright Angel (N to S). The South Kaibab to PR to North Kaibab (South to North) and the South Kaibab to Phantom to Bright Angel (Rim to River to Rim - all South Rim). You could also add the N Kaibab to S Kaibab as an option to a Rim to Rim hike but few take that route as the S Kaibab is very steep and there is no water on the entire trail between the River and the Rim. (The BA trail has numerous water stops along the route.) The Rim to River to Rim hike is about 17 miles. With the Eye of the Needle add on it is about 20. I hike alone really because I don't have anyone to hike with, not too many people over the age of 50 would try this hike let alone 74. Plus, it is always easier to arrange the details of the trip as a solo hiker. Thank you for your kind words.
@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 I screen shot your answer for future reference. But let me get this straight. The one that you are taking in September, does have water on it correct? If I ever get to do this, that will be the one for me. I look forward to watching your videos on that one. OK. I understand. I’ve asked several people as well and One person is a maybe. So I get it that no one wants to do this. I have to say that I was shocked that so many people turned me down. And these are people are strong and active. My husband said he’d do it if I can’t find anybody else lol. But I have a lot of training to do anyway. I am 15 years younger than you, but you are way stronger. And I’m torn between doing the whole thing in one day or spending the night at Phantom Ranch. It almost seems like it would be better to get it over with, but I don’t know yet. Well I’m sorry it’s going to be your last one for GC, but you still can find other places in the country to hike that are not as grueling that have extraordinary beauty. That could be your goal after GC. Thanks so much for all the information and for allowing us to go on all these journeys with you.
@@pal1786 So, there is no water on the South Kaibab trail. You have to carry it with you. However, the 7-mile trail down to the river on SK is downhill and most people do it in the dark or early morning, so water demands are not as vigorous as the 10-mile uphill on BA. There are numerous water sources on the BA trail. When I did the SK segment, I took two liters of water with me, and I only used 3/4 of one. The SK segment took me about 2.5 hrs. Getting a reservation at Phantom and the campgrounds is very difficult and done by lottery so if that is your strategy, you have to get your request in early for next year for peak season. With proper training doing the Rim to River to Rim should be no problem in one day. I have published a number of YT vids on training, equipment, planning etc. you might want to watch. One other consideration for you, if your husband is willing, is to do the North Kaibab to Bright Angel rim to rim (24 miles). He could drop you off at the North Rim, (I got a room at a hotel just a few miles outside the park on the North Riim (North Kaibab Lodge?) and they dropped me off the trailhead at 4M the next morning. My wife woke up at her leisure then left the Lodge and drove around from the North Rim to the South to pick me up. But the rooms are $$$ and I had to take her to Vegas for a week after the hike both times. Actually, taking her to LV again after this hike.) I don't know where you live but there have been a number of deaths on these trails this year. As you train be mindful of altitude, humidity, heat and the strength of the sun. I am making my hike toward the end of Sept but June July and Aug temps on the canyon floor can and do get up to 120F and higher. Hope this information helps. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 thank you. We live in St. Louis. If and when we do this, it’ll be later in October. Not this October but next. Because I am well aware of the temperatures and I don’t wanna be there if it’s 120°. I figured I’d rather it start at super cold and get to a tolerable heat. I will watch the other videos and I look forward to your next R2R adventure. Again, thank you so much.
@@pal1786 Hi. ToddM here, who Dr. Bill referred you to. I have tips on how to hike (and run) well in the Canyon, and they are in the description box of my running videos there. I also commented and posted a laundry list to the "I almost died in the Canyon" video that you've watched, when it was initially posted 2yrs ago. That started a big discussion in the comment section, and it may help you out. Start your planning by watching videos that clearly show the trail conditions on the South Kaibab, and Bright Angel Trails. UA-camr Rubi Hammer recently posted a slew of hours long videos in 4K, stabilized, that show just about 100% of all the trails in the Canyon. They're a great tool for learning about conditions. My run vids show the conditions, but because I'm running, it may look like they aren't too bad. Once you've seen what the routes look like, develop (or get help developing) a training plan that will make you extremely strong in doing what it takes to hike in those actual conditions. The trails are insanity, because they are steep, there's tons of rocks and debris, and the log/rock mule steps are devastating. What get's most people in trouble in the Canyon is that they train to go on a hike, and NOT to go on a hike in the Grand Canyon. So they arrive under trained by a long shot, with the wrong gear, have problems with their balance on all the steps, slopes, and debris, and that leads to hugely extended travel times. They don't know what their per-mile times will be, and they haven't trained for conditions that turn their 15min per mile walking pace into 1hr per mile, or longer. That's when the math starts to catch up to them, and that's how people die in the Canyon, or at least get into significant trouble. Instead of taking 2.5-3hrs to get down the S. Kaibab Trail, and through the Gorge to Phantom, they take 6 or more. If they started at sunrise, it's now noon, and they've been walking in full sun in a ball cap and tank top, and shorts, frying, and in triple digit heat, for 3hrs, instead of zero hours. They run out of water with an hour or 2 to go, and then enter the Gorge where the trail gets much worse, and it's now 115. Heat stroke sets in, they start thinking poorly, they don't get in the water because they don't want to have dirty clothes. They miss the water station at the Boat Beach because they haven't studied any maps or routes or videos, and this is where it becomes so deadly. The Canyon is only as deadly as the mistakes that are made. I rescue someone on almost every trip, and I'm always asking people, "Hey, are you okay? Do you have water with electrolytes?" And I carry extra for these situations. So plan. Train. Refine your gear down to absolutely the lightest and most minimalist. Train more than you think you'll ever need. Do the math on start times, per the weather conditions (simply watch what the weather is, per week, per time of year, using the NOAA website. It's very accurate. Start temps right now are in the high 40's at sunrise. Phantom temps are in the 60's overnight, so that'll be your show up temp at the bottom, maybe creeping toward 70. And highs on the South Rim are in the 70's by about 1pm and then dropping. Perfect. My former wife was there with another gal 3 days ago, and did a R2R in one day, from the North side. They had a great time, and the temps were excellent.
I do follow GC and speak to him from time to time. BTW let me recommend a vid to you if you have not watched it yet. "How I almost died hiking Rim to River to Rim." (I think that is the name of it.) It is about 30 min long but well worth the time. Not to discourage you, just to highlight the need for training. At 71 and 72 I hiked the Rim to Rim (N-S, S-N) and never even got so much as a blister (knock on wood.) Also, if you don't watch him yet try ToddM. He has already completed two R2R this season including the Rim to River to Rim last May. He is very knowledgeable about R2R hikes, has probably completed at least 20 (as a runner), usually completes 2 or 3 a year. Looks like another stair day for me today, smoke has been replaced by daily heavy T storms.
@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 i watched it. Wow. I’m no expert but the heat and sun would have done me in. That is why I would opt for late October. Looks like he didn’t eat or drink enough. He gives good advice at the end. Poor guy. And he had trained. I know this whole r2r thing isn’t to be taken lightly. I have to see what I’m made of in my training and to see if I can do this.
That's awesome Bill! However, please stop saying seventy-four so many times. Makes me think we're really old at that number. (we are but I like to kid myself I'm not) ..... Is it possible to find an aerial map of the GC where you'll be hiking and draw the trail on that map instead of your phone map? Maybe add a note or 2 so us East Coast dummies have a better idea? The phone maps don't give a perspective of anything other than a lie-detector pen ;^)
I enjoy the wisdom in your videos! That goal setting helps keep you motivated and young! Keep moving!
I agree on the goals issue, I call it the tail that wags the dog. I have a hike planned going the opposite direction in late September, so maybe we will pass on the trail! I appreciate your videos and efforts, and I bet it will not be your last GC hike!
Magnificent training Dr. Bill. I'm loving the gimble for the phone camera too. Excellent choice. I can tell you're getting stronger, and you're going to have a great time doing the Rim2River route.
I think the Canyon sings a Siren Song, and those of us who can hear it, just keep being called back, year after year. Since backpacking there for the first time in 2007, I've been back every year, except the one we did the Havasupai Falls trek (and ran out of there with fully loaded packs, the morning after we arrived, due to flash flooding), the year we road tripped and camped up through coastal NorCal and So. Oregon (Oregon Caves, etc), and in 2014 when I was jousting with cancer.
So honestly, and good as you continue to be in the Canyon, I hope you keep returning; refining how you train, refining how you do your adventures there, and using the entire thing as training for ski season, which becomes early training for the Canyon.....and a nice little feedback loop develops.
Thanks for the mention of my channel to @pal1786 below! I hope she winds up going!
How many miles is the rim to river to rim (that you end up on the same side)? So there are more than 2 options on the rim to rim hikes? And can I ask why do you go alone? I love your ambition. You are really a strong person.
Pal, so the three options are North Kaibab to Phantom to Bright Angel (N to S). The South Kaibab to PR to North Kaibab (South to North) and the South Kaibab to Phantom to Bright Angel (Rim to River to Rim - all South Rim). You could also add the N Kaibab to S Kaibab as an option to a Rim to Rim hike but few take that route as the S Kaibab is very steep and there is no water on the entire trail between the River and the Rim. (The BA trail has numerous water stops along the route.) The Rim to River to Rim hike is about 17 miles. With the Eye of the Needle add on it is about 20. I hike alone really because I don't have anyone to hike with, not too many people over the age of 50 would try this hike let alone 74. Plus, it is always easier to arrange the details of the trip as a solo hiker. Thank you for your kind words.
@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 I screen shot your answer for future reference. But let me get this straight. The one that you are taking in September, does have water on it correct? If I ever get to do this, that will be the one for me. I look forward to watching your videos on that one. OK. I understand. I’ve asked several people as well and One person is a maybe. So I get it that no one wants to do this. I have to say that I was shocked that so many people turned me down. And these are people are strong and active. My husband said he’d do it if I can’t find anybody else lol. But I have a lot of training to do anyway. I am 15 years younger than you, but you are way stronger. And I’m torn between doing the whole thing in one day or spending the night at Phantom Ranch. It almost seems like it would be better to get it over with, but I don’t know yet. Well I’m sorry it’s going to be your last one for GC, but you still can find other places in the country to hike that are not as grueling that have extraordinary beauty. That could be your goal after GC. Thanks so much for all the information and for allowing us to go on all these journeys with you.
@@pal1786 So, there is no water on the South Kaibab trail. You have to carry it with you. However, the 7-mile trail down to the river on SK is downhill and most people do it in the dark or early morning, so water demands are not as vigorous as the 10-mile uphill on BA. There are numerous water sources on the BA trail. When I did the SK segment, I took two liters of water with me, and I only used 3/4 of one. The SK segment took me about 2.5 hrs. Getting a reservation at Phantom and the campgrounds is very difficult and done by lottery so if that is your strategy, you have to get your request in early for next year for peak season. With proper training doing the Rim to River to Rim should be no problem in one day. I have published a number of YT vids on training, equipment, planning etc. you might want to watch. One other consideration for you, if your husband is willing, is to do the North Kaibab to Bright Angel rim to rim (24 miles). He could drop you off at the North Rim, (I got a room at a hotel just a few miles outside the park on the North Riim (North Kaibab Lodge?) and they dropped me off the trailhead at 4M the next morning. My wife woke up at her leisure then left the Lodge and drove around from the North Rim to the South to pick me up. But the rooms are $$$ and I had to take her to Vegas for a week after the hike both times. Actually, taking her to LV again after this hike.) I don't know where you live but there have been a number of deaths on these trails this year. As you train be mindful of altitude, humidity, heat and the strength of the sun. I am making my hike toward the end of Sept but June July and Aug temps on the canyon floor can and do get up to 120F and higher. Hope this information helps. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 thank you. We live in St. Louis. If and when we do this, it’ll be later in October. Not this October but next. Because I am well aware of the temperatures and I don’t wanna be there if it’s 120°. I figured I’d rather it start at super cold and get to a tolerable heat. I will watch the other videos and I look forward to your next R2R adventure. Again, thank you so much.
@@pal1786 Hi. ToddM here, who Dr. Bill referred you to. I have tips on how to hike (and run) well in the Canyon, and they are in the description box of my running videos there. I also commented and posted a laundry list to the "I almost died in the Canyon" video that you've watched, when it was initially posted 2yrs ago. That started a big discussion in the comment section, and it may help you out.
Start your planning by watching videos that clearly show the trail conditions on the South Kaibab, and Bright Angel Trails. UA-camr Rubi Hammer recently posted a slew of hours long videos in 4K, stabilized, that show just about 100% of all the trails in the Canyon. They're a great tool for learning about conditions. My run vids show the conditions, but because I'm running, it may look like they aren't too bad. Once you've seen what the routes look like, develop (or get help developing) a training plan that will make you extremely strong in doing what it takes to hike in those actual conditions. The trails are insanity, because they are steep, there's tons of rocks and debris, and the log/rock mule steps are devastating. What get's most people in trouble in the Canyon is that they train to go on a hike, and NOT to go on a hike in the Grand Canyon. So they arrive under trained by a long shot, with the wrong gear, have problems with their balance on all the steps, slopes, and debris, and that leads to hugely extended travel times. They don't know what their per-mile times will be, and they haven't trained for conditions that turn their 15min per mile walking pace into 1hr per mile, or longer. That's when the math starts to catch up to them, and that's how people die in the Canyon, or at least get into significant trouble. Instead of taking 2.5-3hrs to get down the S. Kaibab Trail, and through the Gorge to Phantom, they take 6 or more. If they started at sunrise, it's now noon, and they've been walking in full sun in a ball cap and tank top, and shorts, frying, and in triple digit heat, for 3hrs, instead of zero hours. They run out of water with an hour or 2 to go, and then enter the Gorge where the trail gets much worse, and it's now 115. Heat stroke sets in, they start thinking poorly, they don't get in the water because they don't want to have dirty clothes. They miss the water station at the Boat Beach because they haven't studied any maps or routes or videos, and this is where it becomes so deadly. The Canyon is only as deadly as the mistakes that are made. I rescue someone on almost every trip, and I'm always asking people, "Hey, are you okay? Do you have water with electrolytes?" And I carry extra for these situations. So plan. Train. Refine your gear down to absolutely the lightest and most minimalist. Train more than you think you'll ever need. Do the math on start times, per the weather conditions (simply watch what the weather is, per week, per time of year, using the NOAA website. It's very accurate. Start temps right now are in the high 40's at sunrise. Phantom temps are in the 60's overnight, so that'll be your show up temp at the bottom, maybe creeping toward 70. And highs on the South Rim are in the 70's by about 1pm and then dropping. Perfect. My former wife was there with another gal 3 days ago, and did a R2R in one day, from the North side. They had a great time, and the temps were excellent.
I really think you’d like the YT page of GChiker. He has done R2R like 13 times. He is older and does it alone. He has some great videos too.
I do follow GC and speak to him from time to time. BTW let me recommend a vid to you if you have not watched it yet. "How I almost died hiking Rim to River to Rim." (I think that is the name of it.) It is about 30 min long but well worth the time. Not to discourage you, just to highlight the need for training. At 71 and 72 I hiked the Rim to Rim (N-S, S-N) and never even got so much as a blister (knock on wood.) Also, if you don't watch him yet try ToddM. He has already completed two R2R this season including the Rim to River to Rim last May. He is very knowledgeable about R2R hikes, has probably completed at least 20 (as a runner), usually completes 2 or 3 a year. Looks like another stair day for me today, smoke has been replaced by daily heavy T storms.
The vid is called "How I almost died hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to River to Rim in One Day" JDS54.
@@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 i watched it. Wow. I’m no expert but the heat and sun would have done me in. That is why I would opt for late October. Looks like he didn’t eat or drink enough. He gives good advice at the end. Poor guy. And he had trained. I know this whole r2r thing isn’t to be taken lightly. I have to see what I’m made of in my training and to see if I can do this.
That's awesome Bill! However, please stop saying seventy-four so many times. Makes me think we're really old at that number. (we are but I like to kid myself I'm not) ..... Is it possible to find an aerial map of the GC where you'll be hiking and draw the trail on that map instead of your phone map? Maybe add a note or 2 so us East Coast dummies have a better idea? The phone maps don't give a perspective of anything other than a lie-detector pen ;^)