Your line about day hikers smiling on the way down is the funniest line ever. They have no idea what they have signed up for. Lol. I’ve seen many happy smiling faces on the way down but then on the way back up, people don’t even want to talk to you as you pass them. No greetings, no smiling, no happy faces. 🤣
Great review. Obviously you're referencing a single day hike across, so carrying minimal gear. A day hike across is no small feat, but if you take 4 days to cross as I do, (camping out) there are other considerations. The initial drop onto the trail from either trailhead will happen carrying a heavy pack, since you're full of water and food, so the stress on your quads and knees is significant! I would not consider doing it without hiking poles to ease the endless drops down the "steps" along the trail. I've found that the South Kaibab Trail is particularly hard on knees since that's the way the mules climb out. The mules go down the Bright Angel Trail and come up the South Kaibab Trail. As those metal horse shoes climb the South Kaibab Trail, they've formed a series of "steps" which may be a mule stride, but they certainly are not a human stride! If you're doing a Rim to Rim 3-4 day hike passing through Phantom Ranch, you can still make meal reservations at Phantom Ranch for dinner and breakfast! That will take a meal or two out of your pack! Also, going North to South, leaving Phantom Ranch, you'll be facing the Devil's Corkscrew. I always reserve the EARLY breakfast (yes, there are two seatings!) so I can get through the corkscrew before the sun hits it. While I admire the stamina of those going Rim to Rim in a day, I love having 4 days to see the sights down there. In a world of day hikers, and Rim to Rim runners, someone carrying a backpack is almost an oddity these days. My ego did enjoy it when we "summited" on the South Rim at the Bright Angel Trailhead with my group of 5. After taking our photo at the trail sign, someone walking past asked us where we'd come from. We got to point across the canyon to the North Side, and say, "over there." That almost made everything stop hurting. Almost. Everyone be safe out there.
Agree with many other comments, this is the video you first timers need to watch. Very well put together sir! Very informative without much fluff. Very pleasant voice and pacing of the hike. Went north to south on my 60th bday almost 3 yrs ago. Have watched many videos before and since. This one right here is imo, the best.
I appreciate that 👍 and am glad you got to experience it. I've done the hike many times and always look forward to doing it again, hope others can get and enjoy it too.
Chris. Thank you for doing this. I live not far away from the GC and because of my health I am unable to do what you did. My only way is to stay on the south rim and walk the trails on the rim. This video is just like being there on the trail. I watched every minute of it and only wish I was 20 years old again and could walk it. You made my day watching this and I WILL be sharing it with my friends. Kingman, AZ.
Ah thank you and glad the video was fun to watch. The South Rim trails aren't too shabby either! Out of all the spots that I hike, the GC remains a favorite.
Your videos are outstanding, perfect amount of important information, landmarks, and tips, without being dull or overbearing. Very well done and enjoyable.
This is a great guide Cris. Have done N to S and SK to BA each in a day, they are both great hikes with some really nice areas. A couple of my kids comment that the worst thing for them was the stupid squirrels at Indian Gardens and the people feeding them there. I know you are not emphasizing fitness for this vid, but it can't be over emphasized how important it is to be fit and train for these hikes for them to be enjoyable.
Absolutely the best video I've seen of this hike! Looking forward to getting stuck into the website guide tomorrow. Thanks Cris for so much amazing content & inspiration!
Thank you for the great videos! Just did the R2R hike and the information you shared was extremely helpful as a solo hiker. I will definitely visit the support page.
I wish I could go again. Not long ago we took the short walk as seniors and flied with a helicopter, which is one of beautiful trips. It is enough for my physical capability. From your great video I really admire you guys.
I did the North Kaibab to Bright Angel route back in mid-October 2019. It was the last day the shuttle that takes you back to the North Kaibab trailhead did 2 runs for the season (morning and afternoon); after that, I think they only do a morning. The lodgings on the North Rim had closed for the season the day before I started my hike so I slept in the trunk of my SUV that night. I drove from southern California and got to the trailhead at 2 AM. I started the hike shortly before 7 AM after trying unsuccessfully to get some sleep; it was too cold at 26 degrees. At the bottom of the canyon, it was 97 so the temperature spread was 70 degrees which makes layering essential. I was originally planning to do it in one day, but at the last minute I was able to get a one night stay in one of the multi-person cabins at the Phantom Ranch. I was told, if you can, try to spend the night down there since the stargazing is amazing. However, I don't recommend spending the night at the Phantom Ranch if you're a light sleeper. The dorms are divided into mens and womens dorms with about 6 (maybe 8) people per dorm. The one I was in had a couple guys who snored and I didn't get any sleep that night either. As for the stargazing, it was practically a full moon that night so I didn't see many stars. The food was great. Dinner was a steak the size of my face and the lemonade was truly refreshing. One word of caution about refilling your water at Phantom Ranch. The water has been treated with chlorine and lots of it. It was so strong I suspect I could have done my laundry in that water with no detergent. As a result, I drank very little of the water when I did my hike out of the canyon making it especially rough. I got back to the Bright Angel Lodge 18 minutes before my shuttle was scheduled to leave. If I hadn't made it, I probably would have had to sleep on a bench because lodgings on the south rim at that time of year are always sold out. Another word of caution if you drive the North Rim at night (which I did both coming to and leaving) there are lots of deer and they love to jump out in front of your car when you're whizzing by. Take it a little slower since hitting one is going to kill the animal and probably destroy the front of your vehicle and possibly take you out in the process. If that doesn't put a little caution into you, there are herds of bison that would look perfectly at home in Yellowstone. They will definitely mess you and your car up if you don't give them the respectful distance they desire.
That's epic, thanks for posting that. & for Phantom, the holy grail is the private cabin... I don't think there are a lot of them but they are there... and for the water at PR, think you may have had it on an off day, I've refilled a few times (from in front of the canteen) and didn't have a problem. Wonder if they do extra treatment in the water when they get breaks in the pipeline.
@@Hikingguy I met two guys on the way down into the canyon on the North Kaibab trail who were able to snag one of those private cabins and they got it just the day before. I guess someone cancelled at the last minute. Luck of the draw... My jealousy was palpable because I knew what my night was going to be like if even one of those guys in my group cabin snored. It was hotter at the bottom than I usually like to hike, but by then, you're kind of committed to whole thing since nobody's coming down to get you if you change your mind. As for the water, you could be right. It wasn't so much that it was so chlorinated, but it was the fact that I had mixed it in with rest of the perfectly fine water in my water bladder which made all of it distasteful to me. I'm glad it's not an issue for everyone.
Did R2R NK to BA this last Saturday and I just wanna say THANK YOU for this video. I lost count of how many times I watched it to get ready for the hike and it was so so so helpful. Looking forward to going back and doing SK to NK.
Awesome, that's great to hear, and I'm very happy that the guide came in handy and you had a good hike! 👍 Good luck on the S-N. Can't wait to get back to GC myself...
As someone who's done this hike now dozens of times - both (usually) "North to South" and "South to North" - my simple advice is: TAKE YOUR TIME. Our usual itinerary, done in the early Fall, is a five-day trip: "North Rim .. Cottonwood .. Bright Angel .. Indian Gardens .. El Tovar." TAKE THE TIME to fully appreciate each place. But, if "R2R" is not in this year's plans, consider hiking down the South Kaibab Trail, overnight at Phantom, then up to Indian Gardens, then out. The two trails are completely different: SK hikes down a ridgeline with excellent views, while BA works up through a canyon. (Indian Gardens offers a not-to-be-missed sunset hike to Plateau Point.) Let me now just add one more critical thing: "Gookinaide!" An electrolyte powder that you add to the water in your canteen, to replace the minerals that you sweat out. The first time we did this hike, we were zapped by muscle-cramps. "Electrolyte replacement" made ALL the difference. I prefer to put it in every bottle; my wife prefers "half and half." To each his own. TAKE YOUR TIME, AND HAVE A =WONDERFUL= TIME!
Agree, if you have the time and can book the lodging, spend as much time as possible in the Canyon. Check out the link in the description for a pretty exhaustive run-down of the lodging and itinerary options. Having done it many times myself, I've had ups and downs when it comes to booking lodging. For those out there who can't score a campsite or Phantom Ranch and are comfortable with the effort, a R2R day hike is still a great option.
@@Hikingguy Dunno ... to this day, I'd count these two things as "our most-serious Grand Canyon hiking mistakes." (1) Hiking without Gookinaide. (2) Bypassing Cottonwood and Indian Gardens in a too-short itinerary. Although in the latter case we tried to "make the best of what we could get," in retrospect we realize that we should have chosen better reservations. Even though the reservations system has now changed VERY considerably, and has now become much more challenging, it's still well worth your time to be as flexible as you can.
cris, this is the best video ive seen on hiking the canyon it gives the inexperienced hiker insight on what its like to go down there . surprised by the quality of your video . Gopro did a great job. you are the man !!! top notch , top notch !
Grand Canyon je kus krasnej zeme ,na vichutnanie narocnej turistiki ,podla toho kto ako sa na to citi.je to kraj tak z nadhernou faunou a florou ,krasnymi vodopadmi ,ci chodnickami kazdou stranou ,no videjko je nadherne a poucne pre tych ktory miluju takyto druh adrenalinu spojeny s turistikou a vizitim tej tak nadhernej krajiny aj spodnebim.dakujem ,ze som mohla nahladnut vdaka vam ,tak nadhernej krajiny ako je grand canyon ,co je moja srdcovka na oddych a relax .no urcite sa tam vratim a budem ho preskumavat dalej roznymi turistickymi cestami a uzivat si to.vdaka ,je to super.
This is SOOO beautiful. Thank you very much for making it. I was overwhelmed with emotion, remembering how wonderful it was living out West, decades ago.
Awesome video! I did the rim-to-rim-to-rim for 10 straight years with an overnight at the North Rim Lodge until Covid interrupted the streak this past year. This is the best and most informative video I've seen. Looking forward to doing it again this September!
Thank you! Yes, I had a stretch of 8 years going before COVID blew it up too. Was nice to get back there and see things come back to life. Have fun in September... trying to head back to South Rim in Oct/Nov for some more obscure trails like the Tanner.
That's too bad you missed your 2020 crossing. I wasn't going to let the covid stop me. I trailered a 2nd car! Left the truck and trailer on the South Rim, drove the 2nd vehicle to the North Rim, and slept in it. Did my R2R run back to the S. Rim, spent the night in one of the cool little BA log cabins, and then headed out the next morning to pick up the 2nd vehicle on the N.Rim and drive back home to SoCal.
@@Hikingguy We were there to run an impromptu rim-to-river, the day after they opened the park, on Memorial Day weekend. Here's the video: ua-cam.com/video/bM6nJvvdQ18/v-deo.html
Excellent video.. probably the best I've seen on UA-cam for the rim-to-rim hike..so much information! Thanks for the step-by-step video guide. I really appreciate it since I am considering doing a rim-to-rim hike in the near future.
Thanks for letting me experience this vicariously. I won't be able to do it myself at this stage of life, but FANTASTIC to see what it is like! THANKS!!
Thanks for the video. Considering how far away from the Grand Canyon I live, I'll never go there, so at least I know what I'm missing. Fortunately, we have similarly beautiful treks in Europe... If you ever have a trip overseas, I recommend the Canary Islands.
Hey Hiking Guy, OMG you hit this one out of the park! Great advice on the hike, appreciate the turn-by-turn and the scenery is just sublime. Your best production for sure. This one is definitely now on the bucket list and I can't wait to take it on. Thank you and keep up the great work of there!
Ha thanks so much, I appreciate that 🙏👍 - And yea, the scenery is so spectacular at the Grand Canyon it's hard to go wrong... && great one for the list, good luck with booking everything and making it happen, it's worth the effort
I just wanted to drop in and say how amazingly well put together this video was. We backpacked rim to rim to rim just last week, and this would have been a wonderful video to watch before the trip. But instead, for me it was a great reminiscent video. We took our time and did it all in 5 days. South Kaibab to BA campground. BA to Cottonwood. Cottonwood to the North Rim back to Cottonwood. Cottonwood to BA. Then took Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. It was my first time to ever see the canyon, and it was absolutely amazing. Even more amazing than I imagined it would be. Thanks again for the amazing video!
Super video. Such an epic adventure for those that are prepared. I did this a few years ago…. a great hike which took all my willpower to finish. Thanks for sharing. Two thumbs up.
Great video! Your shared experience and tips are extremely helpful! My wife and I are planning a rim to rim to rim much like your video. Our trip is schedule for Sept 2024. South to north. Spend the night in a lodge. Then head back the next day, north to south. Once question that has not been commented on is - do you need a park pass or ticket, etc. to do the hike. Like many others, we plan to start early (i.e. 4am ish) and want to be prepared. Thanks in advance for your help, and thanks again for all your content!
Thanks for all of your content Chris, our group has enjoyed your hikes over the years. We’ve done the Whitney day hike a few times and now we’re preparing for the Rim to Rim day hike…South K to North K. Two questions…which do you think is more difficult and what is your preferred start time? We want to get ahead of the crowds but not miss the incredible scenery. Thanks, Mark
Thank you and some answers: - For me Whitney is more difficult because of the altitude, but having to do a big climb at the end of the hike is what makes the GC always tough - You'll probably have crowds no matter what - I usually take the first backpacker shuttle - people will thin out as you hike and everyone settles into their pace
Thanks for the video, very informative. We will be doing Rim 2 Rim in Sept, 2021 in 3-days, (North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails) with camping at Cottonwood and Indian Garden campgrounds.
Ha yea, this one is worth training for, otherwise it can be miserable. I've seen lots of people struggling on this hike. It's a great one for the bucket list...
Thanks Chris. Wasn't sure if the weight difference on the Bright Angel assent was enough to favor Zpacks or not. I have both packs but will train with the Stratos. It will also allow me to use a bladder if I choose to do so.
@@steveragan3945 Yea for me at that distance the comfort and vent on the Stratos is key. I actually did R2R with the Stratos 24 and it worked very well.
For anyone who is doing this as a multi-day hike and staying overnight at Phantom Ranch or one of the campgrounds, it is worth taking the short hike to Ribbon Falls. From my recollection it is only a mile or so off the main trail and quite scenic. Otherwise, like the video says, save your energy for those last few miles of switchbacks.
GC veteran. Train train train. Do not attempt the R2R if you’re not prepared or confident in your backcountry skills. Make sure you know the weather. Be cautious of heat stroke and dehydration. Bring electrolytes.
Excellent job on this! Thanks for taking all the time to put it all together with such great info, content, pointers, and videography. I can't imagine all the hours it took to put this together. It should be mandatory to watch, prior to hiking in the canyon! I began backpacking there with our family in 2007. Started running R2R, in 2015, and have 8 runs across now, plus 2 rim-2-rivers (S. Kaibab to Phantom, Phantom to B.A. and to the top). Love it there. Heading back Oct.24 with my daughter to get another rim-to-river in this year! It blows my mind to see all the people down in the canyon, unprepared with insufficient/inappropriate gear, clothing, training, young children, lack of knowledge, lack of awareness of where they are, lack of electrolyte hydration and correct nutrition, and on and on. I typically have at least 1 save, per trip. Hundreds of vids on UA-cam, giant signs all over the trail heads and in the transport busses, and the park website is full of more warnings and information......and yet here these people are, 24/7, as if they're going for a stroll in a city park. Folks: This is one of the most dangerous and probably THE most difficult places to hike (or run) in the country...maybe the world! Please show up well trained, and properly equipped, not only with the right gear/nutrition/hydration, but with the minimalist amount of it, so that you're not too loaded down. Please leave your young children at home unless you are an athletic family, and they are absolutely little beasts. And even then, consider leaving them at home. It's one thing to take the punishment of 10,000 log steps for mules, on the initial downhill, on fresh legs, in cool early morning temps. It's a completely different situation on the climb out, in the soaring temps and direct sun, on destroyed legs. Avoid June and July here. The temps are absolutely unforgiving. If you're doing this in a large group, stick together the entire time. In the snap of a finger, someone can roll an ankle, fall, become sick from the heat or exertion, and it can become a very serious situation, with no help available, very quickly. There is no cell service until 3mi house, so take your safety seriously!
Todd, thanks so much and thanks for sharing that. I agree, and it always blows my mind too. The last time I was down at the river, a guy with a school bookbag pack asked me the way back to the parking lot. I guess that's just the deal at National Parks. And thank you for all the tips. For the other folks that are reading, please read the full guide in the description link where I echo Todd's wisdom and go a little deeper on a webpage format. Hope to see you in the big ditch someday!
Great video! thanks very much. I am considering this hike as a 4 day backpack N-S, can't get camping reservation earlier than Mid-June. One of the things I didn't see in the video was WHEN you did this hike and what the temp was (there were a couple thermometers that looked to be about 100F). On your page you recommend end of May or early Oct. So will I regret doing it mid June? I really don't want my whole trip being about how hot it is. I could possibly do early Oct. That was your other recommendation - or postpone till next May, Thoughts from the hive minds who have the experience?
I've done s-n once and n-s 6 times. A long time ago when I lived in Flagstaff. Will do n-s for my 65th birthday in a few months. I really appreciate this. Very professional and informative. Am jealous that there were no tourists in flip flops blocking your hike. My concern for this upcoming hike is the crowd of oblivious walkers with no clue about etiquette the closer we get the end. I have stories about that. Thanks.
Oh man, what a great idea for a 65th birthday adventure. And FYI, the flip flop crowd is always there, I just edited them out of this video! There's nothing like the culture shock of leaving the pristine North Rim and then seeing people with ice cream cones as you approach 1.5 Mile Resthouse.... have fun out there, hoping to be back in May myself...
Thank you for this. Looked over your page many times as I have started planning this hike. Hopefully this hasn't been answered, but the logistics of this hike kind of make my head spin. For a one day itinerary for S > N you suggest hiking, camping, and then taking the shuttle back. Do you park at the Visitor center on South Rim the morning of the day hike and then take the Hikers Express to trailhead?
Yes you can park at the backcountry camping lot, then take the hiker shuttle to S. Kaibab, the shuttle can drop you back off at the parking lot. And I get it, lots of moving parts to organize.
Great Video & Content, very helpful. Thank you. This is very subjective, but what's the best way to assess your fitness level to do a Rim to Rim to Rim (staying over at the lodge in between). How does this stack up to say a one day presidential traverse in the White Mountains? Trying to figure out if my first time I can go for Rim to Rim to Rim
The best Rim-to-Rim video bar none! Alas, my bucket list will remain unfulfilled and I would need TWO days to rest at Phantom Ranch given my advancing years. Of course, even during the pandemic securing a reservation at Phantom Ranch is totally up to luck and one would have to settle for the campground if available. Thank you for taking the time to describe in great detail so many different things that are of interest even to a casual viewer let alone a hiker. You video puts all the other videos to shame because they are not in same class as yours. You are serving your viewers not ego thumping because all the map details you provide make the hike "safer" and more enjoyable. Warmest regards, Sir! P.S. Please consider publishing, if you haven't already, a guide on preparing oneself for such a hike - physical, mental and other training.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and happy that it was helpful. I think taking two days at the river would be heaven, and if you can do it, try the campground which is much easier. And check out the website - I do have info on mentally breaking it down, planning, etc. that you may find helpful. Good luck on making it happen!
Don't take too long of break at the bottom. Muscles get cold and you have to get warmed up again. Even experienced hikers can bonk. Met a hiker only 1.5 miles from North Rim who had R2R several times but just had a bad day that time and was awaiting a mule. Another time I was passed while doing N2S R2R by a man from Sante Fe who was completing his 60th R2R2R! Not young by any means. They're out there.
Thank you. I am ordering gear using your links. Although 2 miles longer, since the South Bright Angel trail is less steep, therefore easier on the knees and body, what are your thoughts about hiking down the South Bright Angel instead of the SK to start the R-R? I have hiked R-R-R three times and R-R once. Those hikes were ~15 years ago. Thanks!
If you'd rather do a longer distance than a less steep trail because of your knees, that makes sense. I've found both trails pretty easy to just cruise down quickly without any real sections that I had to stop and pick my way down because it was too steep. Can't go wrong either way as long as you time it right.
Hey question for you! I just started researching this hike within the last week or so & I really believe it would make the most sense for me to do this in 2 days instead of trying to force myself to do it in a day. I notice many people mention getting started really early on their one-day hikes - would you recommend the same for a 2-day hike or would it make any sense to start later in the day? Knowing I'd need time to set up my tent & whatnot. Ideally, I'll be going in October, assuming I can get the backcountry permit in May. Any insight on that is helpful, thank you!
Personally I'd go early to enjoy the sunrise and maximize my time within the canyon. Hanging out at the bottom waiting for a campsite to open, reading a book, looking around, etc. is nice.
Ha, yes, on the list. I last hiked it a few years ago, it's tough but epic. I think the winds were gusting up to 50mph when I was there. Hoping to get it up this year, stay tuned...
@@Hikingguy You're making really useful guides and they're enjoyable to watch! This is the first Grand Canyon's rim to rim video guide, that I know of. Thank you!
Great video. Appreciate the time you put into the hikes in both directions as well as the great information provided along the trail. Am looking for times on the hike from North to South Rim. What time did you start, get to stops along the way and when you got to the South Rim. Thanks in advance!
Your line about day hikers smiling on the way down is the funniest line ever. They have no idea what they have signed up for. Lol. I’ve seen many happy smiling faces on the way down but then on the way back up, people don’t even want to talk to you as you pass them. No greetings, no smiling, no happy faces. 🤣
Lol 😆
Great review. Obviously you're referencing a single day hike across, so carrying minimal gear. A day hike across is no small feat, but if you take 4 days to cross as I do, (camping out) there are other considerations. The initial drop onto the trail from either trailhead will happen carrying a heavy pack, since you're full of water and food, so the stress on your quads and knees is significant! I would not consider doing it without hiking poles to ease the endless drops down the "steps" along the trail. I've found that the South Kaibab Trail is particularly hard on knees since that's the way the mules climb out. The mules go down the Bright Angel Trail and come up the South Kaibab Trail. As those metal horse shoes climb the South Kaibab Trail, they've formed a series of "steps" which may be a mule stride, but they certainly are not a human stride! If you're doing a Rim to Rim 3-4 day hike passing through Phantom Ranch, you can still make meal reservations at Phantom Ranch for dinner and breakfast! That will take a meal or two out of your pack! Also, going North to South, leaving Phantom Ranch, you'll be facing the Devil's Corkscrew. I always reserve the EARLY breakfast (yes, there are two seatings!) so I can get through the corkscrew before the sun hits it. While I admire the stamina of those going Rim to Rim in a day, I love having 4 days to see the sights down there. In a world of day hikers, and Rim to Rim runners, someone carrying a backpack is almost an oddity these days. My ego did enjoy it when we "summited" on the South Rim at the Bright Angel Trailhead with my group of 5. After taking our photo at the trail sign, someone walking past asked us where we'd come from. We got to point across the canyon to the North Side, and say, "over there." That almost made everything stop hurting. Almost. Everyone be safe out there.
You are an asset to the hiking 🥾 community. Thank you for your service.
I appreciate that! Thank you
@@leapheap6837 double what you said. i have been follow him for a while . learned a lot. thank you so much.
You’re a beast! Rim to rim to rim! All just to educate people on the right way to hike the trail. That’s why you’re one of the best on UA-cam. Thanks!
Ha thank you so much 👍👍👍 Yea I was pretty drained after it but it's a good excuse to eat a lot...
Agree with many other comments, this is the video you first timers need to watch. Very well put together sir! Very informative without much fluff. Very pleasant voice and pacing of the hike. Went north to south on my 60th bday almost 3 yrs ago. Have watched many videos before and since. This one right here is imo, the best.
I appreciate that 👍 and am glad you got to experience it. I've done the hike many times and always look forward to doing it again, hope others can get and enjoy it too.
Chris. Thank you for doing this. I live not far away from the GC and because of my health I am unable to do what you did. My only way is to stay on the south rim and walk the trails on the rim. This video is just like being there on the trail. I watched every minute of it and only wish I was 20 years old again and could walk it. You made my day watching this and I WILL be sharing it with my friends. Kingman, AZ.
Ah thank you and glad the video was fun to watch. The South Rim trails aren't too shabby either! Out of all the spots that I hike, the GC remains a favorite.
Your guide is hands down the best guide I’ve seen or read. You deserve more subs! Thanks for the info!
Thanks!
Thank you!
I have viewed dozens of videos on the subject of hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. this is the very best five stars out of five stars! Thank you!
Thank you 👍👍👍
Your videos are outstanding, perfect amount of important information, landmarks, and tips, without being dull or overbearing. Very well done and enjoyable.
This is a great guide Cris. Have done N to S and SK to BA each in a day, they are both great hikes with some really nice areas. A couple of my kids comment that the worst thing for them was the stupid squirrels at Indian Gardens and the people feeding them there. I know you are not emphasizing fitness for this vid, but it can't be over emphasized how important it is to be fit and train for these hikes for them to be enjoyable.
Absolutely the best video I've seen of this hike! Looking forward to getting stuck into the website guide tomorrow. Thanks Cris for so much amazing content & inspiration!
Thank you 🙏🙏👍 Glad the guide was interesting, the scenery is so incredible there it would probably be hard to shoot something bad.
This is absolutely phenomenal and very insightful!
Thank you for the great videos! Just did the R2R hike and the information you shared was extremely helpful as a solo hiker. I will definitely visit the support page.
Well done video and appreciate the time spent in explaning the complete hike and locations along the way. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Hello Hiking Guy ! I loved your video. Very informative. Can you tell me what time of year you took your trek and the temperatures you experienced?
This was May - check the link in the description for a full weather and timing breakdown.
I wish I could go again. Not long ago we took the short walk as seniors and flied with a helicopter, which is one of beautiful trips. It is enough for my physical capability. From your great video I really admire you guys.
What an incredible resource, thank you very kindly
I did the North Kaibab to Bright Angel route back in mid-October 2019. It was the last day the shuttle that takes you back to the North Kaibab trailhead did 2 runs for the season (morning and afternoon); after that, I think they only do a morning. The lodgings on the North Rim had closed for the season the day before I started my hike so I slept in the trunk of my SUV that night. I drove from southern California and got to the trailhead at 2 AM. I started the hike shortly before 7 AM after trying unsuccessfully to get some sleep; it was too cold at 26 degrees. At the bottom of the canyon, it was 97 so the temperature spread was 70 degrees which makes layering essential. I was originally planning to do it in one day, but at the last minute I was able to get a one night stay in one of the multi-person cabins at the Phantom Ranch. I was told, if you can, try to spend the night down there since the stargazing is amazing. However, I don't recommend spending the night at the Phantom Ranch if you're a light sleeper. The dorms are divided into mens and womens dorms with about 6 (maybe 8) people per dorm. The one I was in had a couple guys who snored and I didn't get any sleep that night either. As for the stargazing, it was practically a full moon that night so I didn't see many stars. The food was great. Dinner was a steak the size of my face and the lemonade was truly refreshing. One word of caution about refilling your water at Phantom Ranch. The water has been treated with chlorine and lots of it. It was so strong I suspect I could have done my laundry in that water with no detergent. As a result, I drank very little of the water when I did my hike out of the canyon making it especially rough. I got back to the Bright Angel Lodge 18 minutes before my shuttle was scheduled to leave. If I hadn't made it, I probably would have had to sleep on a bench because lodgings on the south rim at that time of year are always sold out. Another word of caution if you drive the North Rim at night (which I did both coming to and leaving) there are lots of deer and they love to jump out in front of your car when you're whizzing by. Take it a little slower since hitting one is going to kill the animal and probably destroy the front of your vehicle and possibly take you out in the process. If that doesn't put a little caution into you, there are herds of bison that would look perfectly at home in Yellowstone. They will definitely mess you and your car up if you don't give them the respectful distance they desire.
That's epic, thanks for posting that. & for Phantom, the holy grail is the private cabin... I don't think there are a lot of them but they are there... and for the water at PR, think you may have had it on an off day, I've refilled a few times (from in front of the canteen) and didn't have a problem. Wonder if they do extra treatment in the water when they get breaks in the pipeline.
@@Hikingguy I met two guys on the way down into the canyon on the North Kaibab trail who were able to snag one of those private cabins and they got it just the day before. I guess someone cancelled at the last minute. Luck of the draw... My jealousy was palpable because I knew what my night was going to be like if even one of those guys in my group cabin snored. It was hotter at the bottom than I usually like to hike, but by then, you're kind of committed to whole thing since nobody's coming down to get you if you change your mind. As for the water, you could be right. It wasn't so much that it was so chlorinated, but it was the fact that I had mixed it in with rest of the perfectly fine water in my water bladder which made all of it distasteful to me. I'm glad it's not an issue for everyone.
This is awesome video. We’re doing north to south at the end of September.
Did R2R NK to BA this last Saturday and I just wanna say THANK YOU for this video. I lost count of how many times I watched it to get ready for the hike and it was so so so helpful. Looking forward to going back and doing SK to NK.
Awesome, that's great to hear, and I'm very happy that the guide came in handy and you had a good hike! 👍 Good luck on the S-N. Can't wait to get back to GC myself...
Breathtaking views ! Thank you
As someone who's done this hike now dozens of times - both (usually) "North to South" and "South to North" - my simple advice is: TAKE YOUR TIME.
Our usual itinerary, done in the early Fall, is a five-day trip: "North Rim .. Cottonwood .. Bright Angel .. Indian Gardens .. El Tovar." TAKE THE TIME to fully appreciate each place.
But, if "R2R" is not in this year's plans, consider hiking down the South Kaibab Trail, overnight at Phantom, then up to Indian Gardens, then out. The two trails are completely different: SK hikes down a ridgeline with excellent views, while BA works up through a canyon. (Indian Gardens offers a not-to-be-missed sunset hike to Plateau Point.)
Let me now just add one more critical thing: "Gookinaide!" An electrolyte powder that you add to the water in your canteen, to replace the minerals that you sweat out. The first time we did this hike, we were zapped by muscle-cramps. "Electrolyte replacement" made ALL the difference. I prefer to put it in every bottle; my wife prefers "half and half." To each his own.
TAKE YOUR TIME, AND HAVE A =WONDERFUL= TIME!
Agree, if you have the time and can book the lodging, spend as much time as possible in the Canyon. Check out the link in the description for a pretty exhaustive run-down of the lodging and itinerary options. Having done it many times myself, I've had ups and downs when it comes to booking lodging. For those out there who can't score a campsite or Phantom Ranch and are comfortable with the effort, a R2R day hike is still a great option.
@@Hikingguy Dunno ... to this day, I'd count these two things as "our most-serious Grand Canyon hiking mistakes." (1) Hiking without Gookinaide. (2) Bypassing Cottonwood and Indian Gardens in a too-short itinerary. Although in the latter case we tried to "make the best of what we could get," in retrospect we realize that we should have chosen better reservations. Even though the reservations system has now changed VERY considerably, and has now become much more challenging, it's still well worth your time to be as flexible as you can.
cris, this is the best video ive seen on hiking the canyon it gives the inexperienced hiker insight on what its like to go down there . surprised by the quality of your video . Gopro did a great job. you are the man !!! top notch , top notch !
Thank you 🙏👍 !!!
Grand Canyon je kus krasnej zeme ,na vichutnanie narocnej turistiki ,podla toho kto ako sa na to citi.je to kraj tak z nadhernou faunou a florou ,krasnymi vodopadmi ,ci chodnickami kazdou stranou ,no videjko je nadherne a poucne pre tych ktory miluju takyto druh adrenalinu spojeny s turistikou a vizitim tej tak nadhernej krajiny aj spodnebim.dakujem ,ze som mohla nahladnut vdaka vam ,tak nadhernej krajiny ako je grand canyon ,co je moja srdcovka na oddych a relax .no urcite sa tam vratim a budem ho preskumavat dalej roznymi turistickymi cestami a uzivat si to.vdaka ,je to super.
This is SOOO beautiful. Thank you very much for making it. I was overwhelmed with emotion, remembering how wonderful it was living out West, decades ago.
Beautiful. Good combination of visual, word and song!!
Awesome video! I did the rim-to-rim-to-rim for 10 straight years with an overnight at the North Rim Lodge until Covid interrupted the streak this past year. This is the best and most informative video I've seen. Looking forward to doing it again this September!
Thank you! Yes, I had a stretch of 8 years going before COVID blew it up too. Was nice to get back there and see things come back to life. Have fun in September... trying to head back to South Rim in Oct/Nov for some more obscure trails like the Tanner.
That's too bad you missed your 2020 crossing. I wasn't going to let the covid stop me. I trailered a 2nd car! Left the truck and trailer on the South Rim, drove the 2nd vehicle to the North Rim, and slept in it. Did my R2R run back to the S. Rim, spent the night in one of the cool little BA log cabins, and then headed out the next morning to pick up the 2nd vehicle on the N.Rim and drive back home to SoCal.
@@austinado16 I love it! It must have been pretty nice without the people there...
@@Hikingguy We were there to run an impromptu rim-to-river, the day after they opened the park, on Memorial Day weekend. Here's the video: ua-cam.com/video/bM6nJvvdQ18/v-deo.html
@@austinado16 Love it
Great videos! You really explain in detail all trails and their different variation and alternatives! Thanks great work!
Thank you!
Great video, thanks. Doing R2R N to S with 1 night at each CWC, BAC and HGC and this really helped ❤
Excellent video.. probably the best I've seen on UA-cam for the rim-to-rim hike..so much information! Thanks for the step-by-step video guide. I really appreciate it since I am considering doing a rim-to-rim hike in the near future.
Thank you 👍👍 and I highly recommend this hike, it's unlike any other in the world, truly spectacular
Thanks for letting me experience this vicariously. I won't be able to do it myself at this stage of life, but FANTASTIC to see what it is like! THANKS!!
This video is the best I have seen. I've done these hikes and this video discusses almost everything, truthfully, and has wonderful video. Great job.
Thank you I apprecaite that!
Thanks a lot for make pefect guide. Was very Informative and helped me in planning my hike.
Great Vid. It was like I was with you , riding on your Pack !!! Thank You...
Thank you so much for giving in depth details.
Thanks for the video. Considering how far away from the Grand Canyon I live, I'll never go there, so at least I know what I'm missing. Fortunately, we have similarly beautiful treks in Europe...
If you ever have a trip overseas, I recommend the Canary Islands.
Fantastic video, one of your best!
Thank you 🙏🙏👍👍
WOW - Thank you, thank you and thank you! Great information - really apprecaite you taking the time and making this AMAZING video!
Great information, thanks so much for sharing.
The most detailed and professional video I’ve seen so far. Great job! Ya got my subscription. Thank you.
Awesome, thank you! 👍
Thank you for posting this. Especially for those of us that won’t ever be able to hike it but wonder what it’s like. Very good video!
This video and commentary is absolutely superb. Thank you.
Thank you 🙏
Putting my application in as we “speak”! Keeping my fingers crossed ❤ that i will be accepted.
This is a superb video. You nailed it! Congratulations!
Good luck 👍👍👍
Hey Hiking Guy, OMG you hit this one out of the park! Great advice on the hike, appreciate the turn-by-turn and the scenery is just sublime. Your best production for sure. This one is definitely now on the bucket list and I can't wait to take it on. Thank you and keep up the great work of there!
Ha thanks so much, I appreciate that 🙏👍 - And yea, the scenery is so spectacular at the Grand Canyon it's hard to go wrong... && great one for the list, good luck with booking everything and making it happen, it's worth the effort
This is the BEST video I've seen. I'm doing North Kaibab to Bright Angel next week and feel much better with your explanations and video. THANK YOU!!
Thank you 👍🙏
Thank you for this. I’ve done this trail but just all the way down to the river. Will plan to the full hike soon. 🤙🏼
great Video! headed there in a week to take on the Rim to Rim to Rim!
Awesome, have fun - it's a beautiful one! 👍
Very nice video. Planning our trip there this spring.
OMG! What a great video.
thank you for sharing this beautiful video with us, now I know I won't be able to do this but at least I could see it.Thank you so much
a must look video for rim2rim2rim hike. Thanks!
Thank you!
Really appreciate such detailed guide
Thanks for this tremendous content!!! We always love your So. CA hikes. But this Grand Canyon hike footage and info is spectacular.
Ah thank you so much 🙏! Glad the videos are fun to watch and the South Rim is only a 6 hour drive (ish) from SoCal... lots of epic hikes there.
I just wanted to drop in and say how amazingly well put together this video was. We backpacked rim to rim to rim just last week, and this would have been a wonderful video to watch before the trip. But instead, for me it was a great reminiscent video. We took our time and did it all in 5 days. South Kaibab to BA campground. BA to Cottonwood. Cottonwood to the North Rim back to Cottonwood. Cottonwood to BA. Then took Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. It was my first time to ever see the canyon, and it was absolutely amazing. Even more amazing than I imagined it would be. Thanks again for the amazing video!
I really enjoyed this video the scenery and trail look so cool! I’m glad I found your channel and enjoy your commentary. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you 👍👍👍
Great video,so nicely shot with so much information for us wanna be future r2r2r folks, thanks.
Thank you 👍
nice views ! on my bucket list.
Very detailed and informative video! Thanks!!!
Super video. Such an epic adventure for those that are prepared. I did this a few years ago…. a great hike which took all my willpower to finish. Thanks for sharing. Two thumbs up.
This is a SUPER VIDEO, thank you.
Great video - so informative!
Beautiful scenery. Thank you for taking us along. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the commentary
Thank you 🙏👍
Great video! I am planning to hike the rim to rim next year and this broke it down very nicely for me. Thanks!
Awesome video.. thank you so much! Very authentic way to see just how beautiful the grand canyon is once you hike into it.
Ahh. glad it was a fun watch, thank you 🙏👍
In awe of the views and absolutely terrified of the idea of hiking down and up the GC.
Awesome video. Trail look so cool..Amazing..
Great video! Your shared experience and tips are extremely helpful! My wife and I are planning a rim to rim to rim much like your video. Our trip is schedule for Sept 2024. South to north. Spend the night in a lodge. Then head back the next day, north to south. Once question that has not been commented on is - do you need a park pass or ticket, etc. to do the hike. Like many others, we plan to start early (i.e. 4am ish) and want to be prepared. Thanks in advance for your help, and thanks again for all your content!
As long as you are not staying overnight in the Canyon, no permit is needed. Just the entry fee to the park. Have fun, it's incredible!
Incredible!!
Thank you for all the work you do on these videos! I am really enjoying them!!👍👍🥾⛰
You did great !!
Thanks for all of your content Chris, our group has enjoyed your hikes over the years.
We’ve done the Whitney day hike a few times and now we’re preparing for the Rim to Rim day hike…South K to North K. Two questions…which do you think is more difficult and what is your preferred start time? We want to get ahead of the crowds but not miss the incredible scenery.
Thanks, Mark
Thank you and some answers:
- For me Whitney is more difficult because of the altitude, but having to do a big climb at the end of the hike is what makes the GC always tough
- You'll probably have crowds no matter what - I usually take the first backpacker shuttle - people will thin out as you hike and everyone settles into their pace
very helpful! thank you.
what an excellent video !!!! now i wont need 2 go !!!! lol
really , makes me anxy to go !!!!!!!
Thanks for the video, very informative. We will be doing Rim 2 Rim in Sept, 2021 in 3-days, (North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails) with camping at Cottonwood and Indian Garden campgrounds.
Awesome, that's a great itinerary, you'll have a blast.
Thanks a lot, Cris!
It's on my bucket 🪣 list, and I'm realizing that I got to train more, lot more, before tackle this R2R2R.
Ha yea, this one is worth training for, otherwise it can be miserable. I've seen lots of people struggling on this hike. It's a great one for the bucket list...
Watching this right now.
All things considered, would you opt for the Zpacks Sub-Nero 30 or Stratos 24, or neither, for a one day Rim2Rim hike in early Oct.?
For the Grand Canyon the vent on the Stratos will be better I think.
Thanks Chris. Wasn't sure if the weight difference on the Bright Angel assent was enough to favor Zpacks or not. I have both packs but will train with the Stratos. It will also allow me to use a bladder if I choose to do so.
@@steveragan3945 Yea for me at that distance the comfort and vent on the Stratos is key. I actually did R2R with the Stratos 24 and it worked very well.
For anyone who is doing this as a multi-day hike and staying overnight at Phantom Ranch or one of the campgrounds, it is worth taking the short hike to Ribbon Falls. From my recollection it is only a mile or so off the main trail and quite scenic. Otherwise, like the video says, save your energy for those last few miles of switchbacks.
GC veteran. Train train train. Do not attempt the R2R if you’re not prepared or confident in your backcountry skills. Make sure you know the weather. Be cautious of heat stroke and dehydration. Bring electrolytes.
I would also say bring snacks and start eating them every hour.
Excellent job on this! Thanks for taking all the time to put it all together with such great info, content, pointers, and videography. I can't imagine all the hours it took to put this together. It should be mandatory to watch, prior to hiking in the canyon!
I began backpacking there with our family in 2007. Started running R2R, in 2015, and have 8 runs across now, plus 2 rim-2-rivers (S. Kaibab to Phantom, Phantom to B.A. and to the top). Love it there. Heading back Oct.24 with my daughter to get another rim-to-river in this year!
It blows my mind to see all the people down in the canyon, unprepared with insufficient/inappropriate gear, clothing, training, young children, lack of knowledge, lack of awareness of where they are, lack of electrolyte hydration and correct nutrition, and on and on. I typically have at least 1 save, per trip. Hundreds of vids on UA-cam, giant signs all over the trail heads and in the transport busses, and the park website is full of more warnings and information......and yet here these people are, 24/7, as if they're going for a stroll in a city park.
Folks: This is one of the most dangerous and probably THE most difficult places to hike (or run) in the country...maybe the world! Please show up well trained, and properly equipped, not only with the right gear/nutrition/hydration, but with the minimalist amount of it, so that you're not too loaded down. Please leave your young children at home unless you are an athletic family, and they are absolutely little beasts. And even then, consider leaving them at home. It's one thing to take the punishment of 10,000 log steps for mules, on the initial downhill, on fresh legs, in cool early morning temps. It's a completely different situation on the climb out, in the soaring temps and direct sun, on destroyed legs. Avoid June and July here. The temps are absolutely unforgiving. If you're doing this in a large group, stick together the entire time. In the snap of a finger, someone can roll an ankle, fall, become sick from the heat or exertion, and it can become a very serious situation, with no help available, very quickly. There is no cell service until 3mi house, so take your safety seriously!
Todd, thanks so much and thanks for sharing that. I agree, and it always blows my mind too. The last time I was down at the river, a guy with a school bookbag pack asked me the way back to the parking lot. I guess that's just the deal at National Parks.
And thank you for all the tips. For the other folks that are reading, please read the full guide in the description link where I echo Todd's wisdom and go a little deeper on a webpage format.
Hope to see you in the big ditch someday!
Excellent video.
Perfect just perfect !
Thank you sooooo much love your videos ❤
Nice video. Thanks!
Great video! thanks very much. I am considering this hike as a 4 day backpack N-S, can't get camping reservation earlier than Mid-June. One of the things I didn't see in the video was WHEN you did this hike and what the temp was (there were a couple thermometers that looked to be about 100F). On your page you recommend end of May or early Oct. So will I regret doing it mid June? I really don't want my whole trip being about how hot it is. I could possibly do early Oct. That was your other recommendation - or postpone till next May, Thoughts from the hive minds who have the experience?
great video quality
I've done s-n once and n-s 6 times. A long time ago when I lived in Flagstaff. Will do n-s for my 65th birthday in a few months. I really appreciate this. Very professional and informative. Am jealous that there were no tourists in flip flops blocking your hike. My concern for this upcoming hike is the crowd of oblivious walkers with no clue about etiquette the closer we get the end. I have stories about that. Thanks.
Oh man, what a great idea for a 65th birthday adventure. And FYI, the flip flop crowd is always there, I just edited them out of this video! There's nothing like the culture shock of leaving the pristine North Rim and then seeing people with ice cream cones as you approach 1.5 Mile Resthouse.... have fun out there, hoping to be back in May myself...
Thank you for this. Looked over your page many times as I have started planning this hike. Hopefully this hasn't been answered, but the logistics of this hike kind of make my head spin. For a one day itinerary for S > N you suggest hiking, camping, and then taking the shuttle back. Do you park at the Visitor center on South Rim the morning of the day hike and then take the Hikers Express to trailhead?
Yes you can park at the backcountry camping lot, then take the hiker shuttle to S. Kaibab, the shuttle can drop you back off at the parking lot. And I get it, lots of moving parts to organize.
Great Video & Content, very helpful. Thank you.
This is very subjective, but what's the best way to assess your fitness level to do a Rim to Rim to Rim (staying over at the lodge in between). How does this stack up to say a one day presidential traverse in the White Mountains? Trying to figure out if my first time I can go for Rim to Rim to Rim
If you can do the 1 day Presidential Traverse, this will seem easier
it did for me that is
Found your channel. Like the content. Do you need a hydration pack like a camelbak with 3L or would a running vest would be enough?
Usually there's a good amount of water along the way, but I'd take 2L between stretches just in case
The best Rim-to-Rim video bar none! Alas, my bucket list will remain unfulfilled and I would need TWO days to rest at Phantom Ranch given my advancing years. Of course, even during the pandemic securing a reservation at Phantom Ranch is totally up to luck and one would have to settle for the campground if available. Thank you for taking the time to describe in great detail so many different things that are of interest even to a casual viewer let alone a hiker. You video puts all the other videos to shame because they are not in same class as yours. You are serving your viewers not ego thumping because all the map details you provide make the hike "safer" and more enjoyable. Warmest regards, Sir! P.S. Please consider publishing, if you haven't already, a guide on preparing oneself for such a hike - physical, mental and other training.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and happy that it was helpful. I think taking two days at the river would be heaven, and if you can do it, try the campground which is much easier. And check out the website - I do have info on mentally breaking it down, planning, etc. that you may find helpful. Good luck on making it happen!
Don't take too long of break at the bottom. Muscles get cold and you have to get warmed up again.
Even experienced hikers can bonk. Met a hiker only 1.5 miles from North Rim who had R2R several times but just had a bad day that time and was awaiting a mule.
Another time I was passed while doing N2S R2R by a man from Sante Fe who was completing his 60th R2R2R! Not young by any means. They're out there.
Thank you. I am ordering gear using your links. Although 2 miles longer, since the South Bright Angel trail is less steep, therefore easier on the knees and body, what are your thoughts about hiking down the South Bright Angel instead of the SK to start the R-R? I have hiked R-R-R three times and R-R once. Those hikes were ~15 years ago. Thanks!
If you'd rather do a longer distance than a less steep trail because of your knees, that makes sense. I've found both trails pretty easy to just cruise down quickly without any real sections that I had to stop and pick my way down because it was too steep. Can't go wrong either way as long as you time it right.
Liked… That’s for the tips and video.
Hey question for you! I just started researching this hike within the last week or so & I really believe it would make the most sense for me to do this in 2 days instead of trying to force myself to do it in a day. I notice many people mention getting started really early on their one-day hikes - would you recommend the same for a 2-day hike or would it make any sense to start later in the day? Knowing I'd need time to set up my tent & whatnot. Ideally, I'll be going in October, assuming I can get the backcountry permit in May. Any insight on that is helpful, thank you!
Personally I'd go early to enjoy the sunrise and maximize my time within the canyon. Hanging out at the bottom waiting for a campsite to open, reading a book, looking around, etc. is nice.
@@Hikingguy thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Much appreciated 🙏🏼
Very informative and well done. New sub.
Awesome, great stuff! Do a guide for Humphreys Peak north of Flagstaff, AZ, one of these day!
Ha, yes, on the list. I last hiked it a few years ago, it's tough but epic. I think the winds were gusting up to 50mph when I was there. Hoping to get it up this year, stay tuned...
@@Hikingguy You're making really useful guides and they're enjoyable to watch! This is the first Grand Canyon's rim to rim video guide, that I know of. Thank you!
When is the best time to do a rim to rim hike? I have heard multiple people say in Fall and others say in April when the north rim opens up.
Great video. Appreciate the time you put into the hikes in both directions as well as the great information provided along the trail. Am looking for times on the hike from North to South Rim. What time did you start, get to stops along the way and when you got to the South Rim. Thanks in advance!
Thank you 👍 and check out the website (link in description) - I have some pretty detailed info on timing along the way that should be helpful