GRAND CANYON: Essential Tips for Hiking Rim to Rim

Hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is THE classic bucket list adventure and by far one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had. It’s sensory overload with stunning views, tons of wildlife, and a solitude you can’t find on the rim. This 24-mile hike from the North Rim to the South Rim is challenging to be sure and preparation is key which is why we’ve compiled dozens of essential hiking tips for going rim to rim.
Note: The National Park Services recently announced a series of trail closures due to construction which will impact access over the next couple of years. This temporary pause could be the perfect opportunity to train and prepare for the experience of a lifetime and exclusive bragging rights. Fewer than one percent of the nearly 6 million annual visitors to the Grand Canyon ever hike to the bottom. Happy Trails!
#topten #nationalparks #grandcanyon

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Grand Canyon - Full Episode of Rock The Park kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2ewdaqZYrqFo7csi=wa1oefukolMgf-ov

[@josephleigh5570]

I did the hike rim to rim in two days. The Grand Canyon is an amazing place that words just can't describe it fully. It should be on everyones bucket list.

[@deanrob5905]

Did they really fix the bridge to ribbon falls?

[@owensimek6736]

I’m 14 and yesterday I hiked rim 2 rim (south to north rim) in one day, I stared at 4:45am and finished at 6:40pm (13 hours 55 minutes) and this video helped me out a lot.

[@dylanwyatt2922]

I just finished the rim to rim trail for the first time today. I am 23 years old and I want to come back and hike this trail several more times in my life. So amazing, every second of the trail is an amazing viewpoint. There’s just way too much to remember here

[@rickwasmer89]

Great video! I'm 66 and I did my first rim 2 rim 2 hike months ago on October 19th. It took me 14 hours going from South rim to North rim, down the South Kaibab and up the North Kaibab. I know it would have been smarter to do it like you guys did but I wanted to see if I could do it. And I'm very proud that I made it! :)

[@billspindler4937]

I am 60 and wanting to to when I am 61. Starting my training now. Any recommendations?

[@rickwasmer89]

@@billspindler4937 Lots of running, lots of stair climbing, football bleachers of car parking garages, up and down. I did only about 4 training hikes, starting at 10 miles, 12, 16, with lots of elevation changes. I trained steady for about 4 months. I also weight trained at the rec center on off days from running.

[@PatriciaMitchell-s5r]

You gentlemen did this hike the right way. Rushing to hike rim to rim in one day is NOT the way to see this beautiful canyon. Take your time to enjoy every step. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!

[@violetsky__7649]

I’m so excited! My Grand Canyon rim to rim trip is this October!!😊

[@dylanwyatt2922]

No wayyy, I just finished mine today. What about you???

[@billspindler4937]

Great video. I just turned 60 and I am training to hike this when I am 61.

[@DaveHoffmancowboyhiker]

Great video guys! My son and I did rim 2 rim no on thanksgiving! Stayed at bright angel campground and hiked out Friday! It was epic! You video is spot on! I'm so jealous you saw sheep!!

[@rickskidmore3075]

Enjoyed the video and how you two took your time over multiple days versus one day. We are wanting to hike the rim to rim and doing it in two to four days is the most appealing. Thanks.

[@OldBrownDog]

That's the way to do it stay at every campground and enjoy the hike without exhaustion 👍

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely stunning upload my friend, such a professional presentation! This is NatGeo quality! 👏👏👏

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Thank you kindly!

[@Robertoayon]

That's the way to do it, no hurries.👏👏

[@peterjacobson8570]

Thanks for making this video. I just did 2 days solo S to N staying at Bright Angel Campground. Absolutely fantastic trip. I was inspired by reading Kevin Fedarko's Walk in the Park this summer. The heat and water have to be top of mind! A little bit alpine but in reverse. I think I would have found N-to-S harder. I'm 51. 7 hours day 1, 9 hours day 2 with stops/breaks.

[@eddiebrady6351]

Well done! Nice to see hikers who eat well!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

😊🙏🏽

[@Jessemart1999]

I was there last week just came across this video right now amazing I want to do the hike one day. That was a pretty devoted hiker up until a couple years ago developed some health problems I'm in my early forties but I can still train hopefully to do that someday. I've seen people do it in one day it's pretty crazy but it's a lot better to get to enjoy it and not rush through it in a couple days. Thanks for the tips! 😎🤙🏼

[@Cutlass7687]

Wish u 2 would more videos. Love the videos. I've watched u 2 for a long time. From tv

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Thanks so much! We are going to be doing more and more videos like these. Who knows, maybe we will be able to do more of the bigger episodes one day 👍🏽

[@Cutlass7687]

@@RockTheParkOfficial that'd b awesome. I'm from Montana. So it awesome to see u 2 hike here. U both should hike 2 mystic lake here in Montana

[@sjascuba]

Pasta sounds great for your meals. I think I may have to bring some for lunch on my one-day R2R hike.

[@nadiaster]

Nice video, not too long, but informative. And I love how your voices sound🙃Hope one day to see the canyon, hi from Russia!

[@DennisBaxter-Adventures]

Great video! So loved and miss the show!

[@austinado16]

Nice job on this guys! We started backpacking there in 2007, as a family. My daughter and I started running R2R to celebrate our birthdays, mid-Aug, when she was 15 and I was 52. We ran 5 in a row, and she just joined me for her 6th, in '22. We also run the Rim2River (with a turn around at Phantom). Just ran my 11th R2R on my 60th, and out-jumped a rattlesnake strike, about 200yds before Phantom. Couldn't hear the rattle because of the buzzing of the Cicadas in the trees. Came back 7wks later, to run it again, but as a speed run. Love it there!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Awesome!!! It’s definitely an experience being down there in the canyon!

[@beardedtacoma]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing. I am planning this hike myself and cannot wait.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Good luck!

[@hopedee-2838]

Great video...can't wait to do this hike!

[@arunbalasubramaniyam5863]

Good one...

[@yohanacruzsheridan3423]

Did R2R in one day 09/2023. Trained hard for 13 weeks. It was 100% worth it.

[@yogageorge8835]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

You bet!

[@user-qe2cj5tl7d]

I tearfully appreciate your efforts ❤

[@kr02201985]

I am training for this trek. Hopefully will complete it soon

[@Raptorblitz1]

Thank you for touching on trail etiquette. We live in Utah and all the years of hiking all over the states its amazing how many people don't have any respect or the slightest etiquette. The worst is when people walk 2 to 3 wide down the trails.🤦‍♂️

[@aceyorba]

Good luck getting reservations for overnight stops. Most just do the rim 2 rim in 1 day. Dont underestimate this trek. Its a complete as s kicker. Bring lots of electrolytes .

[@jacksonmurillo1748]

Great Video! I just put in for The Phantom Ranch lottery for November 2025. They now book it 15 months in advance . what month did you do this hike?

[@breakfastwithace]

Trying to see if there's a trip itinerary anywhere? I have questions... Did you camp 3 nights total, hiking 4 days? What month did you do this?

[@redefv]

I live near their. I started watching these rim to rim videos and noticed that some people have rim to rim to rim videos. I like rimming as much as the next person, but how much rim to rimming is enough?

[@cassy6ful]

Amazing video! I have always wanted to go, but I didn't know what to expect or if a permit was needed. Your video was pretty informative. I just would like yo know what months of the year are better to do this backpacking trip? Thank you

[@KarlRKaiser]

When I visited the canyon I realized that it is so vast that you cannot tell how large it is. When you walk down inside you realize that it is TWICE AS BIG as it looks.

[@GrimJokes]

What I like the most about this new patch is the utility of previously useless loot. It's forced a reprioritization of loot, and that's great.

[@flyweight_adventures]

Just got permit for Memorial Day weekend 😊

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Nice!!

[@CamK-dt5wk]

How was it? 😀

[@flyweight_adventures]

@@CamK-dt5wk thanks for asking. amazing!! A real challenge (for me) but totally worth it. Recorded a lot with the new insta360 camera so should have a video out in a week or so. Great weather and great friends made for a great time. About to sleep for 4 hrs then start long journey home :)

[@prestonl323]

Hey could you guys go over what packs you carry?

[@pedalbyte]

Thank you!

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

You bet!

[@SLIVER300WSM]

Great video guys! I'm planning our R2R camping trip and am wondering what month in the fall you would recommend going? October? November?

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

I’d say either would be good! We did it in November and the temperatures down in the canyon were perfect 👍🏽

[@GenX_-um2ct]

I did rim to rim in 2015. Originally the goal was to do it in 1 shot, but easier said than done especially if you have a large group. If that is your plan I would make your group small and make sure they are in shape. If you choose to go with bigger group, then I would suggest you break the trip into 2 days. There is an outpost in the basin called Phantom Ranch that serves food and lemonade, as well as rents AC'd cabins with bunk beds. Camp the night and start out in the morning. It is so hot in that basin, I would suggest staying the night and leaving early before the Sun comes up.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

All good tips!

[@garym8024]

my son and I are part of the 1 % we spent the night at the ranch 116 degrees there in July

[@Maggie023]

Where did y’all camp along the way? I’m looking into planning a rim-to-rim for next spring

[@johngehrke8490]

Enjoyed the show.

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Glad to hear it!

[@lew419]

With 2 friends, I did the R2R N2S in 1978. Day 1 to Phantom. Day 2 South Kaibab. I fell in love with the Canyon and go back every year. No R2R these days, though.

[@williamreeder3660]

Thank you

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Saltygreybeachbum]

Is there a snake bite kit you recommend?

[@KindellKindellMollyMolly]

I've never seen an animal fight like the one on TV today

[@johnhess351]

"North Kaibab is the most difficult maintained trail". I think going up the South Kaibab is harder in one day than taking two days going up North Kaibab since you cannot camp on the South Kaibab, but maybe I was dehydrated. I came around a bend going down BA, once and saw a Mountain Lion, an Elk, and a Rattlesnake on the trail within 5 minute span. I took an 80 Lb pack the first time. I threw everything out (not on the trail) and took a 35lb pack next time. It was the difference between agony and ecstasy. Do not take any extra gear on this trip!

[@boris6747]

Why are you carrying backpacking gears for just a day hike? Is this some sorts of rucking exercise?

[@spiffokeen]

Tell us you didn’t watch the video without telling us you didn’t watch the video.

[@strvenoconnell4061]

I use to watch the show like it

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Thanks so much!

[@patrickm3732]

I wanna do this

[@GC-Hiker]

You should. Life is short.

[@patrickm3732]

@@GC-Hikertruest words

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

It’s incredible 👍🏽

[@leospaz2012]

Something that every movie lacks is to tell the viewers that the color of the Grand Canyon changes colors almost every hour.

[@SCUBONZIES]

Opposites attract ,😃

[@lys19931030]

The bridge to Ribbon Fall no longer exists

[@GC-Hiker]

I believe you are right 👍

[@karlkeating2803]

Good videography but there were some errors in mileages and in percentages of the trail hiked at various waypoints. What especially concerns me is your suggestion that backpackers carry no more than 25% of their body weight. Some viewers will think of that 25% as their target--a big mistake. That would be 50 pounds for a 200-pound man, an unnecessarily large amount. Without going ultralight, one can carry everything needed--sufficient clothing, food, water, and safety items--for between 25 and 30 pounds. For many hikers, saving 20 to 25 pounds could mean the difference between a hard but successful hike and a painful and possibly SAR'd hike. I noticed that your packs were large, so I wasn't surprised to see that at your meal breaks you pulled out Tupperware containers. I never before had seen hikers doing that, and it made me think that your packs contained many things that could have been left at home or, at least, could have been switched out for lighter alternatives (such as ziplock bags instead of Tupperware). Your video is aimed at novices to Grand Canyon, and I wouldn't want them to imagine that carrying heavy packs is "doable" for them. For most people, it's not. The North Rim opens around May 15. That still counts as spring, but at the Colorado River the temperature can exceed 100F in mid May--and then comes the toughest part of the hike, the uphill slog. Every pound saved (within prudent limits) will make for a safer and less painful hike to the South Rim.

[@boris6747]

On point my man. I have checked many video talking about r2r and most of them are carrying unnecessarily huge backpacks.

[@jurgschupbach3059]

Thats dä Schamlippä Friendzone

[@thembros4045]

130 to135 degrees? That's fake news bro, yes its hot but no need to exaggerate like that.

[@caseyknox5003]

The flood, in the times of Noah, created the Grand Canyon. The Colorado is not large enough to create the Grand Canyon.

[@johnganshow5536]

Over millions of years it is...

[@Cayldan]

And did you ever see an oyster walk upstairs?

[@austinado16]

If you ever go to the Grand Canyon, take the bus out to Hermits Rest, walk around and look at all the ocean fossils in the rocks. You'll see them at other places along the S. Rim, in the white rock. This upper layer was the floor of the ocean, until it began to rise. So the Canyon is basically the crack in a now 8,000-somthing foot tall mountain, that is several hundred miles in diameter. Driving to the Canyon from SoCal, you can see how the "mountain" starts to rise, from about Needles, CA, and continues to rise all the way to the actual Canyon. It's basically a huge dome that broke through the middle, and kept cracking open wider and deeper, as the dome rose.

[@jeffrice5793]

Hike the GC in windy conditions and get sand blasted.... It wasn't eroded by water alone and it's still happening.

[@ddone1583]

Lots of false information

[@RockTheParkOfficial]

Such as?

[@BlairClifford]

I guess it is a rule that hikers cannot carry firearms while hiking the Grand Canyon, which is why I will never hike it. As someone who has spent considerable time in wilderness areas, only a fool would go out there unarmed. There are possible threats from two-leggeds as well as four-leggeds. Just more of the nanny state at work. Good luck to you all.

[@susanwhite7202]

All frederal parks are the same.Many people survive it all the time!

[@susanwhite7202]

Sounds like you're afraid to go anywhere unless you have a gun on you??

[@Mr_Hndsm1]

@@susanwhite7202you never know what could happen. If he feels safer with his firearm, then so be it. Don’t attack someone because of their personal safety precautions.

[@shelleyrochelle7596]

Millions of people go to National Parks unarmed and are just fine. I've hiked most of the AT and countless other trails and have never felt the need for a gun.

[@Mr_Hndsm1]

@@shelleyrochelle7596 you might not need it and I hope nothing ever happens to you. Some might prefer that extra layer of safety. If that makes him feel better, then so be it.

[@KarlRKaiser]

When I visited the canyon I realized that it is so vast that you cannot tell how large it is. When you walk down inside you realize that it is TWICE AS BIG as it looks.