We Almost Died Hiking the Grand Canyon | Phantom Ranch | South Kaibab | Bright Angel Trail

One year ago, we snagged reservations at Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. After a year of talking and preparing to hike the Bright Angel and South Kaibob trails, we finally got our chance to do it! While there were some serious rough patches, it was an absolutely stunning hike and we're very glad we had this opportunity. Hiking the Grand Canyon is no joke and many people have to be rescued from the hike.
#GrandCanyon #PhantomRanch #SouthKaibab #BrightAngel #HikingTheGrandCanyon
We are Hayden and Aaron Hall, also known as the Vegan Voyagers, and we sold everything we owned to search for the best vegan food in every country around the world! We release a new video every Sunday which includes vegan food tours and travel vlogs. Hit subscribe so you don't miss any of our crazy adventures.
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[@bigpapi9392]

I’m glad you made it. My cousin, an experienced hiker, passed away from heat exhaustion hiking the canyon. It’s no joke.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Oh my gosh that's horrible, so sorry for your loss. It's definitely a very difficult hike, not to be taken lightly. Luckily, we weren't at risk from that, more like pneumonia

[@1houndgal]

So sorry for your loss.

[@bonniegrove1213]

You made it. As they say, "going down is optional, going up is mandatory." I did this hike solo just this past May. In one day. I took a break at Phantom and then multiple breaks hiking up BA. Luckily I had a little rain on the way up - not like you guys - and that cooled things down considerably. I was hoping to complete in 12 hours. It took me closer to 15. I'm good with that. It was one of the most humbling, amazing, incredible, breathtaking (insert all the other adjectives) things i have ever done. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but 3 months later... I want to do it again.

[@christopherhaak9824]

It's a bummer that you had bad weather, usually you don't get that kind of weather in May. This is a difficult hike and proper training should occur before doing it. It doesn't appear that you were physically prepared for this hike. The hike is much more enjoyable when you're in good shape.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Hayden and her family had done R2R in the past (a few more than once). We would have been fine had we not been snowed and hailed on. But this just proved that we're over hiking and we'd rather explore spas around the world hahaha

[@kitkit5515]

Just hiked South Kaibab last week and we only hiked to skeleton point. Downhill was fine for me but going back uphill for 3 miles was brutal. Thank goodness it did not get really hot because the shade is scarce. Thank god I brought salt tablets they really helped me make it back up. Still I had to take a break every switchback but at least I stopped feeling lightheaded and nauseous. I was so tired I tripped on those wood plank makeshift stairs ugh!! I overpacked my backpack too 😑 Lots of Lessons learned! I thought I was in decent shape because I work out 5 days a week, running, elliptical and weights but not running uphill or stair master..another lesson learned for when I do the south Kaibab to Bright Angel next!! The view was worth it

[@VeganVoyagers]

If you're coming back up Bright Angel it's a LOT less steep, so if your knees held up find going down South Kaibab then that's a great route for you to take. In hindsight since the downhill killed Aarons knees- we would have just gone up and down Bright Angel- might have had a much easier time. We trained for a year on the stair master and still nearly died haha- this is NOT an easy hike!! Hope you have an awesome time on your next visit.

[@Mandoslicer]

That hike is no joke. I did it with a tiny girlfriend from Mauritius in 1988. Your description of the challenges of the last three miles is spot on. However, I maintain that even with better weather you would have had some heat issues. We hiked it in September. The Mauritian almost had a heat stroke. I ended up cramming all her gear in my pack and she still almost needed medical assistance so we took three steps and stopped for the last two miles. Brutal. NEVER AGAIN!

[@richardhulbert9833]

Reality met the dream. Dream: gets you motivated to go reality puts you in check. Going up is no joke. I went down the bright Angel and up the Kaib 8 hours and 10 minutes. I had my meal at the end of the day.

[@louiedee3805]

Thank you for this video. You guys are inspirations to many and you don’t even realize it. Thank you so much

[@VeganVoyagers]

That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to us! Thank you so much for watching and for subscribing to our channel. It means the world to us!

[@stanleydsouza5539]

Having done the canyon and many parts of it at different times of the year, I have to say the weather here for these folks was on the cool side, which is a blessing. Try doing this hike in the heat and it is really a killer. I have done it in late October with rain and it is quite nice actually. Once I did the hike with an inversion in place and it was spectacular. The key is to prepare for this long distance with similar hikes in AZ. Once your body is used to the heat you can do it fairly well. It is a tough hike and not for the faint of heart!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yea, Hayden has done Rim to Rim in the summer and it was much more enjoyable than what we experienced here. It wasn't just rain, it was hail and sleet, which is not enjoyable in the slightest. Would have taken the heat 100%

[@JM-on9xy]

I did the bright angel trail to phantom ranch there and back which is 20 miles or slightly above in 35-40 degrees Celsius. Completed it in 9 hours. Hardest hike I’ve done in my life by a country mile.

[@hartsteve61]

thanks for sharing. I noticed the sneakers in the hike, I'd recommend good hiking shoes and proper rain gear, but hey you survived!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Our shoes were great! Hoka One One- they're trail runners, SUPER comfortable. We'll never buy hiking boots- these are way more comfortable. Definitely proper rain gear would have helped lol

[@christopherhaak9824]

@@VeganVoyagers Trail runners are just fine. In fact, for about 99% of established trails, they are the best choice.

[@linejumper9741]

Never face the wilderness unprepared !

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks for your unique advice! Haven't been told that one yet lol

[@rickwasmer89]

Sorry you had such a tough time, doesn't sound like any fun. I hiked rim2rim 10/19/23 for the first time at 66 years old. Down South Kaibab and up North Kaibab, 23 miles, 14 hours. I admit the last 5 miles was very tough but I'm proud to say I made it :).

[@sheriboone8584]

My best friend and I are doing this hike Friday and Saturday! Staying one night at the ranch! So excited!! Love this video ❤️

[@VeganVoyagers]

Good luck!! We are hoping you have amazing weather- but plan for the cold and rain/ snow!

[@gedheaton1415]

Only just seen this but massive well done guys,I really don't think people (me included) can grasp that the weather can be brutal at times, I hike in Scotland/Wales and it can change so quickly, plus with the GC you of course do it arse about face in so much it gets worse as you ascend coupled with fatigue etc, Again,thanks for sharing,V well done and pls stay safe.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement! It was definitely a brutal hike for us, but there was only one way out and that was to keep going!

[@nistramo]

Read" death in the grand canyon "...good book and relates to your experience so well. Glad you made it and much love to you from the UK.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Lol we'll definitely check it out! thanks for the recommendation

[@janetmccann2043]

Wow sorry for the experience. That is too bad, never entered my mind there could be so much rain and never mind hail. Ugh. Glad you got out anyway.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks! Yeah it really was a crazy experience with the hail and the freezing rain. Definitely made it tougher.

[@dantheman1624]

Thank you for the real vid…finally a “normal” couples experience…I’ve done it a half dozen times and it is no joke….

[@christinetaylor5726]

Great job! I'm glad y'all got to do it...even though it was hard, you did it! :)

[@VeganVoyagers]

Christine Taylor yes! We did it hahaha. It was a great experience overall

[@rday1192]

I agree with a previous post. You two obviously were not physically fit enough to do this hike period. You also didn't do proper research on weather conditions for the canyon. Wearing shorts really? People die because they don't respect the canyon. Next time you hike know your limitations and the weather conditions it may save your life.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Sounds like you need to do a little research into the weather at the Grand Canyon. Temperatures in May can get up into the 90s so I’d say shorts are pretty applicable in that weather. But hey, thanks for the continued engagement on our channel. Make sure you hit that subscribe button and check out our latest videos!

[@michaelharvey1432]

Maybe I missed it, but what month / time of year did this happen? I’m about to attempt the same thing mid September

[@geraldreeves9264]

I was there in mid May last year (2021). Overnight temperatures on the South rim were 22°.

[@VeganVoyagers]

It can get super cold there right? Unless you’re talking Celsius then that’s not too bad

[@geraldreeves9264]

@@VeganVoyagers 22°F!

[@StevenTorrey]

It's interesting to read the perspective from a "failed" hike--if you'll pardon the expression. You made it out under arduous circumstances; glad it ended well.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Haha, it was definitely a "failed hike." Pretty miserable experience overall- but we did it!

[@nepalesenomad1195]

enjoyed watching, thanks for sharing.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@MusicByJC]

People for some reason don't understand that it is a difficult hike and you have to have a certain level of fitness to do it comfortable. I see a number of people that make it but they are in pain the whole way back up or they end up puking. I have never done the hike but would like to some day, but I would train months prior to reduce the chances of having a horrible time. Glad you were ok.

[@melh.5752]

I was laughing throughout this whole video. I’m going in August and I’m scared I’m going to hate it. I did the Four Pass Loop in Colorado last summer & it was beautiful but so hard. I was seriously contemplating throwing my stuff over the side of the mountain & I thought I was done with hiking forever. But after the four day hike was over and I got a nice dinner, I was already thinking about what I wanted to do next.

[@billendy7425]

Sounds like a pretty rough hike, congrats for making it. You just reach a point that you forget about the end, all you can do is concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.

[@VeganVoyagers]

The hike is tough, but it really was the weather that broke us. 18 miles round trip is no joke, but hail and snow was completely unexpected.

[@DairyStateVegan]

1 year ago! I didn’t realize they booked so far in advance. Y’all are brave! Yay for the clear skies! That’s so stinking gorgeous but I’d be so terrified. What an amazing experience y’all had!

[@DairyStateVegan]

7 miles of stairs. Oy.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yea, the reservation process is pretty cut-throat. It's difficult to even get the reservation (a year in advance). We got lucky!

[@jenjiang1362]

Great video thanks for sharing. You mentioned cold, what was the date you guys did this? We will do exactly same as you did next week.

[@VeganVoyagers]

It was early May, freak snow storm, hopefully you will have better weather!

[@Ambracita]

I live in Phoenix and drive up to Grand Canyon to hike. It is a very interesting place. It can become very hot, or very cold. Not too many people enjoy the weather….depending on the person. First time I went to Grand Canyon, I was so cold I could not get out of my Jeep LOL. But, I ended up coming back in the Summer next and the weather for me was fantastic. But yes, it does get a bit warm. It depends on the climate your body is either used to, or enjoys. :) If you overheat, go in the cooler temps.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks for the tips! The weather is super unpredictable, it's good to know that it can change any moment.

[@martinluthierking]

so you're saying the weather changes?

[@VeganVoyagers]

@@martinluthierking ?? Of course the weather can be unpredictable… what is this question?

[@claypot88]

Great video! Did you guys go down from the south rim and going up from the north rib? How did you arrange pick up from the north rib?

[@VeganVoyagers]

We started and ended on the south rim as the north rim was still closed for another week or so. So we went down one trail and then back up a different one.

[@georgecataulin907]

Enjoyed the video very much! Yeah, you guys had the worst weather, wow! I'm headed there in 2 weeks, June 8th. I'm sure we'll get the opposite...HOT! I hope you guys change your minds about not hiking the Grand Canyon again.

[@VeganVoyagers]

George Cataulin the best of luck with your upcoming hike! Hope the weather is much better for you.

[@Hemifan4266]

We did the ranch to Indian garden, stayed over night then out. That is a brutal one day hike.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yeah some of those hikes in the canyon can get real intense! And that’s just one factor of the equation.

[@mariahsart]

All things considered... that looks beautiful in the rain.

[@VeganVoyagers]

It was very beautiful in the rain, made it more gorgeous when it finally cleared up too!

[@williambrennan7794]

If you're thinking about hiking the Grand Canyon don't do what these 2 did. 1 year is plenty of time to a) train, b) research. Clearly they did neither. Train your legs for the relentless descent, and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to make the trip enjoyable and successful.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks for watching! We DID train for a year and one of us has already hiked rim to rim- so we knew what we were getting into. What we weren't prepared for, was hail and snow.... It was a freak storm in May. That's the only thing that derailed us.

[@DiscoverLifeMedia]

Awesome!

[@gondwanalon]

Going down is brutal on the quads. Got to prepare prior with squats and lunges and weights. Far easier going up.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yeah we trained for a year in the gym before attempting this hike and it still was intense

[@aliensoup2420]

@@VeganVoyagers The best training for long hikes is always more long hikes. The gym only prevents your body from going soft, but there is no substitute for actual hiking - particularly at altitude.

[@Discover-Ireland]

👍👌 enjoyed

[@VeganVoyagers]

So glad you enjoyed it!! It was a brutal hike but something we will remember for the rest of our lives!!

[@ratb9362]

well done for doing it !!! great achievement !!! ( I have never even been there) looks amazing

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks!!! It was gorgeous but definitely a tough hike!

[@Batise]

A (late) suggestion but if you hike down the BA (which isn't so steep) and back up the Kaibab, it is easier on you knees and a quicker walk up. A two day trip really doesn't give you a true Canyon experience. I spent 35 days on one of my hikes of Grand Canyon and really got a feel of the magic of it.

[@aliensoup2420]

I don't recommend this route direction for 2 reasons : 1. There is no water all the way up S. Kaibab. Bright Angel has water service on the trail, and at Indian Springs. 2. S. Kaibab is more exposed to the sun. Going up Bright Angel in the late afternoon is in the shade. It is wiser to go down SK and up BA.

[@catherinegrimes2308]

I really enjoyed your video. But I was shocked with how bad the weather was considering that it was early May. I will be at the Grand Canyon on the 15th April 2024 after seeing the total solar eclipse in Texas. It looks like I will need to take some wet weather gear with me, but being British I am used to the rain.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yeah the weather really wasn’t anything like we had expected! Rain sure, but snow? We are also used to the rain having lived in the Pacific Northwest for years but this was intense. We hope you have a much better experience!

[@thedeafcattledog8608]

Better bring some snow gear with you too, crampons, trekking poles, warm layers. The North Rim doesn't even open until May 15th because the elevation is so high it gets snow storms even late into the spring. It can also be snowing at the South Rim in April. For example, if you visit the park service's website today, April 4, 2023 - "Much colder today with high temperatures just below freezing. All trails into the canyon are snow-packed and icy. You will encounter snow drifts, icy slush, mud and fallen rocks from snowmelt. Foot traction and trekking poles are recommended." If you don't go prepared you will be miserable. You shouldn't attempt to hike into the canyon if you have not been training for it. You should at the very least be walking five miles every day, preferably with some steep elevation (or some exercises to mimic the grade), and without any pain or other problems. If you have bad knees, you should train with trekking poles and knee braces. OP appears to be out of shape and unprepared, and the results are what one would expect.

[@Menstral]

Your frankness was enlightening. I am hiking on two days with 0% chance of rain. No war of attrition though, you could always fling yourself over the edge.

[@VeganVoyagers]

If you have great weather, I'm sure your hike will be great! It's absolutely beautiful, enjoy!

[@lindablanch1]

Wow I so relate to this! We hiked the GC a few years ago and coming up took us 14 hrs due to several issues. And you know you have no choice...you must get yourself out. I cried at the top of the Bright Angel. That said, we loved it!!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Hayden was sobbing for the last 3 miles lol. It's definitely rewarding getting out of there, especially with any kind of issues. Glad you loved it!

[@travismolly4654]

That video was so funny 🤣, my heart goes out to you glad your alright 👍. I'm hiking it next week February 6 I'll think of you two

[@VeganVoyagers]

GOOD LUCK! We hope you don't have a freak snow/ hail storm haha

[@DarrellNorton-yz4ew]

You should always have winter gear in the grand canyon

[@aliensoup2420]

Not during mid-summer. Maybe a waterproof windbreaker and long pants, but that is all. All that unnecessary extra weight will only hurt you.

[@cindygagnier2250]

Yay to the Vegans!! We are hiking rim to rim September 4th. 24 miles in 1 day. Wish us luck!!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Best of luck with that!!! We wanted to do rim to rim but would have still stayed overnight at phantom ranch.

[@EggNebula]

Thanks for sharing. What month were you there? And which week of the month? I'm planning on going late April / early May.

[@VeganVoyagers]

We were there the first week of May.... it was a freak snow storm, wasn't on the forecast. So just be more prepared than we were, haha!

[@safdarakbari]

We are from Ontario and back in Dec 19 we were following our GPS to Grand Canyon viewing point. It took left on Hwy 64 into Kaibab forest. Next 20 miles driving through this forest in snow studded tracks in a sedan was a horrifying experience. In hindsight I should have reversed realizing the snow accumulation right after the entrance but there was no place to even take a u turn. Our car got stuck near Grandview lookout tower which wasn't too bad as we found people who helped us out and made sure we made it to Deer View Rd. Lesson I learned is never to trust the GPS blindly. It must be a beautiful forest but we only have horrible memories from it.

[@VeganVoyagers]

At least you can look back on the experience now and laugh a little. Hopefully you make it back there some day

[@WhichBetty]

I really wished you had filmed the way out. I didn’t even know this hike existed. I wanna do it now!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Be prepared! It’s intense!!

[@WhichBetty]

Vegan Voyagers I know we have been. Definitely plan to go back!

[@AAVIATOR481]

What dates did you hike this? I’m going the first week of Sept this year and trying to gauge the weather at the top and bottom!

[@VeganVoyagers]

We did it on May 8th and 9th of 2019. It was pretty warm at the bottom but we were definitely shocked by the hail towards the top

[@WiltonWanderlust]

Great video! It brought back memories. I traveled from Michigan to Arizona in my 20’s to work a season at the Grand Canyon at the Yavapai Cafeteria (by the grocery store) and my employee housing was behind the El Tovar Hotel. I never had the nerve to do that hike, though, lol!

[@VeganVoyagers]

It was definitely a tough hike! We will never do it again, but glad we had the experience. Hands down- hardest thing we've ever had to do

[@WiltonWanderlust]

Vegan Voyagers I wouldn’t mind trying it if I ever get back to Arizona again.

[@VeganVoyagers]

@@WiltonWanderlust You should definitely do it!

[@WiltonWanderlust]

Vegan Voyagers I’d LOVE to take a road trip back to the southwest! I haven’t been there since December 1996, but it’s definitely not cheap.

[@brendagodinez5131]

You guys make a great couple, very very adventurous. How did dad do on his way up? I'm planning a Grand Canyon hike with my boyfriend and you guys are great motivation.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Aww you're sweet- thank you!! Dad did great, he just had knee replacement surgery and beat everyone else down to the bottom! He did way better than us.

[@LEM19284]

What month was this hike?

[@X_explorer]

Good clip!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thank you!

[@haroldsullivan7452]

Kool love the video!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@danielgriffith3633]

Enjoyed ur vid, yea GC can get dangerous real quick. I've hiked it a dozen times- our thoughts are its not a successful hike unless someone almost dies LOL.

[@VeganVoyagers]

That's a great way to put it! Only successful if someone almost dies 👏

[@harmgregory4560]

A 'ceraunophile', THAT'S ME!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Storms are the BEST! (except when you're caught out in them without the proper gear trying to hike the hardest hike ever.... hahahha)

[@desertrat1111]

"To go down, no problem" Yep, thats what I would always say 😆

[@VeganVoyagers]

It's hard on your knees to go down the way we did, think 7 miles downstairs.

[@ktpinnacle]

@@VeganVoyagers I found that it wasted my quads. They were gone with two miles to go on the south Kaibab.

[@NickandRachel]

I'd love to hike there! Awesome video guys!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thank you! If you get the chance, it’s worth even doing some of the shorter hikes there!

[@NickandRachel]

@@VeganVoyagers no problem!

[@tonygareth221]

I want to stay in that hotel and start early like you did. Was thinking about bright angel trail going thru phantom ranch? Not sure what the best route is for me yet. Always wanted to see the beach and falls at Havasu falls (I think that’s the name). Gotta plan

[@VeganVoyagers]

The S Kaibab was VERY steep, lots of people go up and down Bright Angel- which is easier, but longer. Highly recommend staying in that hotel, it was super convenient for starting the hike. We're heading to Havasupai Falls in April! We were lucky enough to snag reservations for the lodge. They're sold out for 2020, but in June will go on sale for 2021.

[@tonygareth221]

Vegan Voyagers Damn. I guess I won’t be staying in any lodges since I have no reservations and I’m going in 2020. I want to see Havasu falls but bright angel hike and sleeping in canyon by river is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time

[@austinado16]

I'm a little late to the party, but good job hammering that one out you two!! Very dangerous place, not to be taken lightly! Been hiking in the Canyon and running R2R there since 2012, so I feel your pain. You commented at the end that you might do trek to the Supai Village in the future. I've done it, and it IS NOT easier than the Grand Canyon. In fact, I think it was more difficult. There is a huge stretch of trail that is a gravel river bed type area, and it is just brutal on the legs because every foot step your feet are drifting in the loose gravel. I think it's a little over 10 to the village, and then 2 or 3 more to the campground area. I hope you guys don't give up on hiking, especially in the Grand Canyon! My suggestion would be to make it a personal go to go back and have a much better time. First order of business, and for your long term health, especially as you get older, is to loose all your extra weight. Investigate intermittent fasting and why it works and why it's important, and then look into the various ways of eating that are whole food (no processed foods), largely fresh, uncooked produce based, no nuts or peanuts, or corn, no grain, and very low carb, zero sugar and caffeine. Imagine not carrying 70-100 extra pounds on a hike like that!!! I hope you won't take that as insulting, because it's not meant to be. Don't give up and never give in!! Hope to see another video from you in the future where you go back to the GC and have a great time!!

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thank you so much for that insight about Havasupai! We unfortunately had our reservations canceled due to Covid and likely won't be trying to come back to the US (hopefully ever haha)

[@eomer1981]

So dramatic. Next time you'll enjoy more with a better prior training. Well done though.

[@VeganVoyagers]

We had adequate training- one of us has hiked Rim to Rim in the past- we just weren't prepared to be doing the hike in the sleet, rain, and hail.

[@karlasosa5304]

How long did it take you to go back up ?

[@VeganVoyagers]

It’s been a few years but it took us like 7-8 hours to get out. Aaron’s knee got tweaked early on in the hike so we had to take it a bit slower. You can do it in 4-5 pretty easily.

[@gabrielasaldana973]

What time of the year did you guys go? Trying to figure out a good time of year to go.

[@VeganVoyagers]

This was in May, but it was apparently a freak snow storm. Once you get into June/ July/ Aug the heat is unbearable. Maybe early June might be best

[@hewang3348]

hello guys. we are planning go to Grand Canyon next week. I wondering how is the weather there? is there cold ? or a lot of rain ? Thank you so much !

[@VeganVoyagers]

As you can see in the video, it poured rain and hailed. We hiked it on May 7th. The weather is really up in the air, just keep an eye on it and make sure you go prepared.

[@VeganVoyagers]

@Salvatore Parisi It appears you're unfamiliar with the Grand Canyon... For starters, you have to make the reservation a year in advance. In years past the weather at that time has been generally nice. But the beauty of the canyon is that weather changes constantly and without notice. On our way into the canyon, the weather said it would start raining, but not until a few hours later- so it caught us by surprise when it hit. Also, at the bottom of the canyon there is no cell service, so you can't exactly look at the weather the morning you're hiking out.

[@VeganVoyagers]

@Salvatore Parisi We hope you get the lottery ticket!! It's truly an amazing experience, even though we were pretty miserable lol

[@VeganVoyagers]

@Salvatore Parisi It's a hard hike without all the crappy weather! Good luck with everything, let us know if you end up making it down there :)

[@steveflak1808]

youll wana do it again

[@ssaenz11]

What time of year did you go?

[@VeganVoyagers]

It was in May

[@roebucksadventure]

What time of the year did you go?

[@VeganVoyagers]

It was the first week of May

[@nicolevillalobo5391]

Do you need a special pass or to pay an entrance fee for this trail? We’re going in 3 weeks

[@VeganVoyagers]

The park itself requires an entrance fee- or you can use the America the Beautiful pass (it's $80 for the year for all the parks). Unless you're in incredible shape, we don't recommend hiking all the way down to the river and back in one day. In order to stay overnight at phantom ranch, you need a reservation a year in advance. There are some great day hiking trails that will take you about half way into the canyon though!

[@VeganVoyagers]

@werner van gelder That must have been really nice! Now it's SO hard to get a reservation there.

[@martinluthierking]

serious question...did you train for this much?

[@VeganVoyagers]

We trained for over a year and Hayden had previously hiked rim to rim.

[@functionalaestheticse.c.8953]

Can you apply for a permit a year in advance?

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yes, we believe a year in advance is when they go on sale

[@thedeafcattledog8608]

Staying at Phantom Ranch is a lottery system. You can enter the lottery between the 1st and 25th of the month the year before the month you want to stay. So the lottery for April 2024 is up right now. You can camp in the canyon with a back country permit. They hold some back so if you are flexible you can sometimes get on a wait list and camp a day or three later depending on the season. Permits are available at the back country office at the south rim.

[@katew1030]

What month did you hike & what was the temperature range you experienced?

[@VeganVoyagers]

We hiked it in May. It went from freezing temps with hail at the top of the canyon and was about 20 degrees warmer down at the bottom.

[@katew1030]

Wow! I was not expecting it to be that cold in May. I am planning a trip to the South Rim in May... should I expect 30 degree weather too?

[@VeganVoyagers]

@@katew1030 It seems like it may have been a fluke weather system that came through. We highly recommend keeping an eye on the weather, we were in shorts and Tshirts, very unprepared for hail/ snow/ rain

[@mikedouglas5070]

@@katew1030 May is a great time to go. Best chance for flower's blooming. I have been twice in late April with no bad weather. Hermit/Tonto/Bright Angel - Grand view/Tonto/South Kaibab. I recommend Frog Toggs for rain gear. They are ultra light and work great. On each of those treks we took day hikes to Phantom Ranch and back. I don't recommend either of those treks for GC beginner's!

[@katew1030]

@@mikedouglas5070 Thanks fo the reply! I ended up visiting GC in early September. The weather was a breezy 70 degrees and felt wonderful with shorts and a t-shit. By evening, a large storm rolled through and dropped the temperatures down to 45 degrees and raining. I suggest, to anyone reading this and planning a newbie trip, to always bring a change of clothes and/or a rain jacket.

[@tonygareth221]

I need to plan but not sure when I’m going or which hike to take. No hotel lodge for me I guess. I wanna spend the night in the bottom of canyons by river. April or May would be nice. I work for the airlines so I’m trying to get people to meet me and go (people I don’t know)

[@VeganVoyagers]

You may need a backcountry permit to camp anywhere in the canyon if you don't have a lodge reservation. Not really sure how that all works, but we recommend doing lots of research so you don't get there and are underprepared. Have so much fun!

[@christopherhaak9824]

If you can't plan ahead, it is virtually impossible to stay at the bottom, unless you can find a cancellation.

[@tonygareth221]

Christopher Haak Why couldn’t I just pitch a tent somewhere down there?

[@christopherhaak9824]

@@tonygareth221 you need a back country permit and you can only camp in approved areas. By phantom ranch, that is the Bright Angel campground.

[@austinado16]

My recommendation would be to go rim-to-rim over a 3 day period, and camp overnight at Cottonwood CG , and then at Bright Angel CG, traveling from the North Rim, to the South Rim. That makes the trek 7.25mi each of the 2 first days, and then 9.5 on the final day. Very doable. If you go at the end of July, first few weeks of August, that's their monsoon season, so the temps drop, there's cloud cover (usually) and sometimes rain....but typically the rain doesn't reach the bottom of the canyon. It evaporates first. Don't quote me on that, but that's what I've seen, and I've been hiking there, and running R2R as well, since 2007. If you go R2R, you get to see the entire canyon, and the 2 big waterfalls, which really will make it worth it. Book a log cabin and dinner in the Lodge on the North Rim, apply for your back country permits really early (like now if you want to go in late July/early Aug), and then book a room or cabin on the South Rim for the day you hike out. You'll also need to book a ride on the Trans Canyon Shuttle, which leaves Bright Angel Lodge, on the South Rim, every day at 1:30pm and arrives at the North Rim at 5:45pm. If you don't want to carry a lot of food or do a lot of food prep, book a lunch at Phantom Ranch for when you arrive there on day 2, Dinner that same night, and Breakfast the next morning. You'll love that and their food is great. If you do this at the times I suggest, you won't need sleeping bags because it's too hot at night for them...so that saves a ton of weight. You will like an all screen tent, as light as you can afford (Big Agnes models for the win!!). And just a light blow up sleeping pad...again, as light as you can afford, and maybe one of those light pack blankets. Literally, think as light and compact as you can, otherwise you will suffer greatly on the downhill, and be destroyed on the uphill. Similarly, think ultra light footwear. We do it in Vibram FiveFingers, and I'm telling you, there's no better feeling. Merrell Trail Gloves or Vapor Gloves, or New Balance Minimus's, or Alta's would also be fantastic. If you choose to do the hike in heavy, restrictive, hiking boots, or similar "hiking shoes" you will pay the price for being in such heavy, restrictive footwear. You'll have to trust me on this! Lastly, training and body weight. I can't stress enough how important training is. Train hard, and long in advance, and if you're overweight, work on getting your weight off by doing intermittent fasting, a version of Keto/Paleo that suits you, etc. This hike is fantastic if you're prepared and fit, and at a good weight.......or as you've seen in this video, it can be murder. Here's a video of our R2R run in Aug 2019 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaObm2imaKyEgNU And a very long video of a R2R hike/camp that we did in 2013: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXbVi3-niZiIkJY

[@YACABE]

You sure that hail wasn't sleet?

[@VeganVoyagers]

It was likely BOTH! lol

[@orlandodustfreetileremoval]

definitely not for beginner?

[@VeganVoyagers]

Definitely not. We trained for a year for it and still weren’t in good enough shape to tackle it easily

[@orlandodustfreetileremoval]

@@VeganVoyagers oh oh. were in trouble. were going down for a visit and was hoping to hike a bit. we will have to hike 2-4 hour trails then. def not the one u guys hiked. it looked insane

[@SeeYouOnTheSummit]

I thought by the title you were actually serious about "almost died"

[@VeganVoyagers]

It sure felt like it when we were getting dumped on with freezing rain!

[@fluffybeast5819]

Click bait much

[@VeganVoyagers]

Fluffy Beast we almost died... so not sure how it’s clickbait 🤷‍♀️

[@BB-rc9sk]

It’s almost as if hiking the Grand Canyon unprepared is a terrible idea.

[@VeganVoyagers]

Yeah, it’s almost like we should have just skipped the entire year prior we spent training. We suggest you check out some of our other videos where we talk about what we did to prepare for this. Better yet, subscribe and see what we are up to today!

[@jeffredding1622]

Of all of the GC videos that i've watched this is easily the worst. Ooff...

[@VeganVoyagers]

Thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement and support!

[@LadyLikeables]

Lovely video New subscriber here I hope we can support each other’s channel

[@fishmonger6879]

If you would have trained for the event you would have done better.

[@VeganVoyagers]

We did train for this hike for almost a year in advance. What we weren't prepared for was the hail, snow, and pouring down rain that derailed us right from the start while attempting to make it out of the canyon.

[@fishmonger6879]

@@VeganVoyagers I have been planning a trip like yours, I guess I shouldn't have commented until I have walked in your shoes.

[@VeganVoyagers]

@@fishmonger6879 We hope you dont end up with terrible weather! The hike is hard enough on its own without having to battle the elements. Good luck!