Length: 27.85 mi
Elev. gain: 6427 ft
Time: 12 hrs 8 mins
The hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/rim-to-rim-north-kaibab-to-bright-angel-903356a
Back in 2015, I took South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail as a day hike from the South Rim to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up with a friend (CYY). The near 16-mile hike with 4636 ft elevation gain was very tough and took us nine and a half hours. I was very tired when I finished the hike. So I never thought I’d be able to do Rim to Rim as it was much longer.
A few days ago, my sister decided to do Rim to Rim. The idea was so irresistible that I ended up booking the trip as well after a few moments of hesitation (to figure out if it was possible for me to complete the hike in a day). But due to scheduling conflicts, we were not able to do it on the same day. She hiked a day early.
I stayed in Kanab last night. In order to be able to start hiking at first light so I could finish it before dark, I was up at 2am and arrived at the trailhead at North Rim at 4:50am.
It was 32°F when I started the hike.
The first 16 miles or so was easy. Lots of switchbacks to hike to the bottom of the canyon.
I took a detour to Ribbon Falls (7:49am).
Then continued on the hike.
Approaching Phantom Ranch. According to the forecast, the temperature at the bottom of the canyon would reach 104°F on both yesterday and today. My sister told me the thermometer that a ranger showed her yesterday read 137°F. Fortunately I reached Phantom Ranch before 11am so it wasn’t as bad yet. But it still felt very hot.
I didn’t stop at Phantom Ranch for a break because I was trying to get out of the canyon as soon as I could to avoid the extreme heat.
Ready the cross the Colorado River at around 11am.
The trail followed the river for a little bit.
Then it started the 10-mile ascent. By then I had already hiked 18 miles and was very tired.
The last few miles was extremely difficult. I was exhausted and had to take frequent stops to rest towards the end.
I made it before dark but could barely walk after that.
My route:
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