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Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike

Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim is a big challenge. The Grand Canyon is also affectionately known as"The Big Ditch". Situated in the State of Arizona Grand Canyon National Park is the most visited National Park in the USA. The Canyon was carved out by the Colorado river and is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and reaches 6000 ft at its deepest point. It has taken 17 million years for the Colorado river to carve rocks up to 2 billion years old as the Colorado plateau was uplifted.As the land rose the river cut down through the rocks leavng the Canyon. Spring and Autumn are the best times to go.Summer too hot, winter might even be too cold with snow.

Walking from Rim to Rim is a tough challenge that 20,000 people /year achieve. The park rescues 500 hikers a year from the canyon- most of these are young men! The Canyon is an upside down mountain climb, the walk down requires little exertion but the walk back up in the heat can be exhausting.The Canyon gets hotter as you walk down. There are 5 climate and vegetation zones from rim to river from cool pines to hot desert. Like walking from Canada to Mexico and back in one day.

Start your trek in the cool of pre dawn on the North Rim at the North Kaibab Trailhead.The North rim is 1000ft higher than the south at this point something you might think on later in the day.The Trail descends for 5800 ft and 14.5 miles through Ponderosa Pine,Douglas Fir and spruce. Through the Supai tunnel and onto The roaring Spings waterfal. After passing through a chasm of 2 billion year old schist you ll arrive at the Phantom Ranch with a ranger staion,campground,cantina and lodge near the river. There 6 reliable water sources on the way down.

Now the tough bit climbing back out. Follow the river for a mile then head up the Bright Angel Trail 4500ft and 8 miles of up. Shaded areas with drinking water provide respite and this section is best done in late afternoon although it will still be hot the temperature should cool as you ascend. A steady pace, stayng hydrated and frequent rests are the key. You should arrive at the South Rim by Sunset. After the beauty of the canyon the fast food outlets seem somewhat out of place.

Backcountry passes are available to make the trek over several days, contact www.nps.gov/grca/

You can of course do a smaller walk around the canyon rim,a small descent or a flight over the canyon.

A final word. You need to be fit and well prepared for this hike. But most importantly there is no room for bravado and disrespect for the conditions. Heed the advice and come out happy and in one piece.