Grand Canyon North Rim: North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs

[@claycook5773]

I've done four backpacking trips below the Rim now. The fifth is coming up soon. It's funny how all hikers habitually speak of mileage first, and only later add, "...and it's about XXXX vertical feet." I think we consistently underestimate the literal impact of the vertical component of hikes like the Grand Canyon. The perverse part of GC hikes is the combination of joint stress going down first with the muscular demands on those tender joints when you climb back out. Perhaps some smart exercise physiologist can come up with a convenient conversion of vertical feet into horizontal mileage that would make the challenge more clear. It's just so hard to prepare for it. But it's TOTALLY worth it.

[@ltlarrow1]

I've done the south kaibab trail, down to O'Neil's Butte and back, just after sunrise. I plan to do the North Kaibab Trail next year, just down to the tunnel and back...and I plan on using poles. btw, the previous trip I just took my time, drank plenty of Powerade, stopped when I got winded, and had no problem with the 3000 foot elevation change

[@theamazingoutdoors]

Just down to the tunnel will really give you plenty of stunning scenery. Our biggest mistake was doing this hike in a heatwave!

[@stephenyoung3721]

My brother and I hiked to the tunnel and back 2 weeks ago and it was right at the edge of my limitations. A ranger we encountered told us going down is easy. Going up is MANDATORY.

[@theamazingoutdoors]

I hope you enjoyed the hike! It really is a beautiful place.

[@jamesyoung7382]

Great shots with perspective of how the canyon looks. Much different than I've seen. Great video because of how you showed the switchbacks looking down then up. Really enjoyed how you filmed

[@theamazingoutdoors]

Thanks James! Glad you enjoyed the video. It was not an easy hike but the views were unforgettable!

[@GC-Hiker]

Great, crisp video, a trail I have hiked more than once! I have signed-up for your channel and hope you will return the courtesy. Best of luck with your hiking adventures and channel! 🥾

[@theamazingoutdoors]

Thanks for subscribing! Glad you enjoyed the video 😁

[@thedeafcattledog8608]

You can't go down and back up with just water. You got sick because your electrolytes got out of balance with the heat and exertion. You need salt pills or electrolyte packets to put into your water. If you'd done that you wouldn't have been nauseous or had muscle cramps - you'd have had a much better time. I guess you might not know this if you don't live in a hot climate. Anywho, nice video you shot, very much enjoyed it and would love to see the place for myself.

[@theamazingoutdoors]

We completely agree and we actually were using electrolyte tablets in our water bottles for specifically that reason. Unfortunately, Travis still felt poorly and we agree, we weren't used to the heat or the exertion due to the elevation changes. We are much more careful in our planning and take weather into consideration more than ever. So glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the wonderful advice!

[@joshyoung7481]

What time of the year was this?

[@theamazingoutdoors]

We were there the second week of June. It was unseasonably warm with record temps that year.

[@mattc4266]

How long it take ?

[@theamazingoutdoors]

It was about 9 hours total. It was an easy 4 hours down to Roaring Springs and a grueling 5 hours back up. We would definitely recommend going on a day when it's not going to be quite so hot.

[@BP2U]

@@theamazingoutdoors which month was this? planning it for mid-October, so thanks for the POV :)

[@theamazingoutdoors]

@@BP2U we were there in early June 2021 and there was an unexpected heatwave so it was VERY hot as we got lower into the canyon, reports said around 120f. Hopefully the weather will be a little friendlier for you. This is still definitely a trail that deserves respect and caution.