GRAND CANYON: Essential Tips for Hiking Rim to Rim
Summary
TLDRJoin Jack and Colton on their exhilarating rim-to-rim hike across the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This 24-mile adventure takes you through diverse ecosystems, from the North Kaibab Trail's challenging descent to the Bright Angel Trail's steep ascent. Essential tips include rigorous training, proper gear, a backcountry permit, lightweight food with zero waste, and at least 2 liters of water. Experience the canyon's beauty, wildlife, and the thrill of reaching the Colorado River, making this a memorable journey that less than 1% of visitors undertake.
Takeaways
- ποΈ The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and offers an unforgettable hiking experience from rim to rim.
- πββοΈ Essential preparation includes rigorous training, especially for long hikes with heavy backpacks, to build endurance and break in new footwear.
- π Proper gear is crucial; the script emphasizes the importance of having the right trail runners or light boots and suggests packing light to avoid overburdening.
- π« The North Kaibab Trail is highlighted as the least used and most difficult, yet it offers a rich experience passing through diverse ecosystems.
- π³ Hiking the Grand Canyon can be overwhelming with its sensory overload, making a multi-day trip advisable to fully appreciate the experience.
- βΊοΈ A Backcountry camping permit is mandatory due to the park's popularity, and it's wise to apply at least 4 months in advance.
- π² Pack food that is light, high in energy, and leaves no trash, such as dehydrated meals, granola bars, trail mix, jerky, and dried fruits.
- π§ Water is critical; carry at least 2 liters and a water filter, as water stops may not always be available.
- π Be aware of wildlife, including various types of rattlesnakes and other predators, and always give them the right of way.
- π‘οΈ Prepare for extreme temperatures, carrying sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the heat, and layers for nighttime cold.
- π The journey to the Colorado River and back is a significant checkpoint, with the Silver Bridge being one of the only two bridges across the river accessible to hikers.
Q & A
What is the main activity discussed in the video script?
-The main activity discussed in the video script is hiking the Grand Canyon from the north rim to the south rim, also known as a rim-to-rim hike.
Who are the hosts of the video?
-The hosts of the video are Jack and his buddy Colton.
What is the significance of the North Kaibab Trail mentioned in the script?
-The North Kaibab Trail is significant as it is the only maintained trail from the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and it is less used and more difficult than other trails, offering a diverse ecosystem experience.
Why is it recommended to train before hiking the Grand Canyon?
-It is recommended to train before hiking the Grand Canyon to prepare for long hikes with heavy backpacks, which helps in breaking in new footwear and building stamina for the challenging hike.
What is the importance of a Backcountry camping permit when planning a hike in the Grand Canyon?
-A Backcountry camping permit is important because the Grand Canyon is immensely popular, and the permit is required to camp in the park. It is advised to apply for it at least 4 months in advance.
What are some essential items to pack for a hike in the Grand Canyon according to the script?
-Essential items to pack include a first aid kit, blister pads, antibiotic ointment, light and high-energy food with zero trash, and a water filter since water stops may not always have water available.
Why is it advised not to exceed 25% of your body weight when packing for the hike?
-Packing should not exceed 25% of your body weight to avoid overburdening and to ensure safety and comfort during the hike.
What is the significance of Phantom Ranch in the context of the Grand Canyon hike?
-Phantom Ranch is significant as it is located about halfway between the North and South rims, offering accommodations and is one of the few places in the US where mail is still delivered by mule.
Why is it important to be cautious around wildlife during the hike?
-It is important to be cautious around wildlife because they are unpredictable, and while they may seem accustomed to humans, they should always be given the right of way to ensure safety.
What is the challenge of hiking up the Bright Angel Trail from the Colorado River?
-The challenge of hiking up the Bright Angel Trail from the Colorado River is the significant elevation gain of nearly 4,400 ft, with the toughest part being the initial steep incline known as Devil's Corkscrew.
What is the advice given for dealing with extreme heat during the hike?
-The advice for dealing with extreme heat is to always prepare by using sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, regardless of the time of year.
Outlines
ποΈ Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
Jack and Colton embark on a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. They emphasize the importance of rigorous training, including long hikes with heavy backpacks, to prepare for the 24-mile adventure. Essential gear includes trail runners or light boots, which should be broken in prior to the hike. The North Kaibab Trail at the north rim is chosen for its unique ecosystems and less crowded nature. The hikers advise against attempting a one-day hike due to its risk, suggesting a multi-day trip to fully enjoy the experience. Trail etiquette, such as yielding to uphill hikers, is discussed. The necessity of a Backcountry camping permit, obtained 4 months in advance, is highlighted, along with packing essentials like a first aid kit, blister pads, and antibiotic ointment. The video also covers the importance of packing light, high-energy food with zero waste, carrying at least 2 liters of water and a water filter, and dressing in layers due to the temperature extremes.
π Wildlife and Scenery on the Trail
The hikers encounter various wildlife, including mule deer, which are adapted to the environment with keen senses to avoid predators. They discuss the presence of rattlesnakes, including the unique Grand Canyon pink rattlesnake, and the importance of carrying a snake bite kit. The video showcases the beauty of the Grand Canyon, with a focus on Phantom Ranch, a historic way station for hikers. Reservations for accommodations here are highly competitive, and the ranch is known for its mail delivery by mule. The hikers continue their journey, passing through Bright Angel Campground and encountering a buck, illustrating the need to give wildlife the right of way. They reach the Colorado River, a significant checkpoint, and cross the Silver Bridge, one of only two bridges over the river accessible to hikers. The challenges of the hike, such as the steep Devil's Corkscrew, are discussed, along with tips for dealing with extreme heat and the mental game of switchbacks.
π Completing the Rim to Rim Journey
In the final stretch of their journey, the hikers spot desert bighorn sheep, highlighting the Grand Canyon's diverse wildlife. They reflect on the physical and mental challenges of the hike, emphasizing the importance of preparation and the rewards of completing a rim-to-rim trek. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to undertake their own Grand Canyon adventure, equipped with the right preparation and awareness of the park's unique features. The hikers express awe at the beauty of the canyon and the sense of accomplishment from their hike, encouraging others to experience the Grand Canyon in its full grandeur.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Hiking
π‘Grand Canyon
π‘Rim to Rim
π‘Backcountry Camping Permit
π‘Ecosystems
π‘Water Filter
π‘Wildlife
π‘Phantom Ranch
π‘Switchbacks
π‘Desert Bighorn Sheep
π‘Search and Rescue Missions
Highlights
Hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim is a unique way to experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Serious training is essential before attempting the 24-mile hike, including long hikes with a heavy backpack.
The North Kaibab Trail is the least used and most difficult of the canyon trails, offering a diverse ecosystem experience.
Hiking rim to rim in a day is possible but a multi-day trip allows for a more enjoyable and less risky experience.
Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays and should be applied for at least 4 months in advance.
Cottonwood Campground is a popular spot to rest and resupply during the hike.
Packing light, high-energy, and zero-trash food is recommended for the hike.
Carry at least 2 liters of water and a water filter, as water stops may not always have water available.
Phantom Ranch is a unique accommodation option located about halfway between the rims, with reservations opening 13 months in advance.
The Colorado River marks the dividing line between the north and south rims and is a major checkpoint for the hike.
Wildlife, including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and deer, are common in the Grand Canyon, and hikers should be cautious and prepared.
Ribbon Falls is an incredible waterfall worth a quick detour during the hike.
The Bright Angel Trail is a challenging ascent of nearly 4,400 ft to the south rim.
Devil's Corkscrew is a particularly steep and winding section of the trail that hikers must navigate.
Switchbacks are a mental game, and hikers should avoid looking up to prevent discouragement.
Desert bighorn sheep can be spotted in epic locations within the Grand Canyon.
Less than 1% of all visitors to the Grand Canyon attempt the rim to rim hike, making it a unique and rewarding experience.
Transcripts
[Music]
as stunning as the views are from above
the Grand Canyon there's no better way
to experience one of the seven natural
wonders of the world than by hiking it
rim to
rim my name is Jack and my buddy Colton
and I have hiked hundreds of trails over
the years and our Trek from the north to
the south rim is one of our
[Music]
favorites it's almost sensory overload
your brain can't even comprehend
everything that is going
on if this 24m adventure is on your
bucket list here are the top Essentials
for hiking the Grand Canyon rim to
rim before you even leave home you'll
want to do some serious training
practice on some long hikes going up and
downhill with a heavy backpack this also
gives you a chance to break in your
Trail runners or light boots if they're
fairly new all right let's do it all
right
we're starting on the North kibab Trail
at the north rim wow all right je Louise
we are officially in the canyon yes we
are some people attempt to hike rim to
rim in a day but if you feel that's too
risky you can always plan a 2 three or
4-day trip and that way you can enjoy it
more there are three maintained trails
in the canyon North kibab is the only
maintain trail from the north rim it's
the least used and most difficult of the
Canyon Trails but we love it because you
pass through every ecosystem to be found
between Canada and
Mexico today we have it all to ourselves
but if you do meet hikers coming up they
always have the right of way because
they're likely tired and working hard to
maintain Pace this is the Supai tunnel
yep we've gone about a mile and a half
this tunnel was created by the National
Park Service by using jackhammer chisels
and dynamite to basically blast through
this giant rock to keep the trail going
after a few hours of going straight down
we're off the canyon wall and Cottonwood
Campground is up ahead all right home
sweet Camp many hikers run into problems
because they don't plan ahead due to
immense popularity you need to apply for
a Backcountry camping permit at least 4
months in advance pack the essentials
that you would take on any hike and add
some simple things that can save your
trip like a first aid kit blister pads
and an antibiotic ointment you're going
to get hungry we recommend packing food
that is light high energy and makes zero
trash because everything you carry into
the canyon must be carried out
dehydrated meals work well and so do
granola bars trail mix jerky and dried
fruits we packed High carbed pasta and
sauce to prep in our camp stove so this
meal is going to be really really tasty
but it's also pretty healthy for us and
it's what we need when we're burning
calories down here in the canyon really
inhaling that aren't you I'm
hungry water is also CR critical the
park has designated water stops but they
don't always have water available you
always want to carry 2 L of water and a
water
filter
oops we've got our pump we've got ways
to treat water but you got to you got to
say having a nice filtered source of
water out in the wilderness is pretty
awesome and as long as we're talking
about packing even though it can be
blistering hot during the day it can get
really cold at night so pack enough
layers to stay warm but try not to
overpack your pack should never exceed
25% of your body
weight so today is the day that we
really get to enjoy and embrace the
Grand Canyon the closer we get to the
Colorado River the more of this
diversity we're going to see in the
ecosystems I'm pumped to see ribbon
Falls an incredible waterfall that comes
in right about in the middle of our hike
it's worth a quick detour to see it
crossing the bridge over the Steep
Ravine of Bright Angel Creek there's a
ton of wildlife here in the Grand Canyon
I mean you've got seven different types
of rattlesnakes you've got mountain
lions and of course you have deer mule
deer are found all over the western
states the name comes from their long
ears they're small but very quick with
sharp eyes and excellent hearing to
avoid Predators like the mountain line
and
coyotes coyotes are all over the park
from up on the rim to down on the canyon
floor oh man there she
is these are the little pockets in the
grand canion that you're just never
quite expecting I mean just rounding the
corner and boom all of these vibrant
[Music]
colors hiking the North kibab Trail you
start to feel like you're the only
people in the canyon then all of a
sudden a lone Ranch appears out of
nowhere where located about halfway
between the North and South rims the
Park Service acquired The Ranch in 1922
to use as a way station for hikers it is
also one of the few places in the us
where we still bringing us mail by mule
so all of our uh postcards are stamped
uh mailed by mule from the bottom of the
Grand Canyon that's crazy that's awesome
Phantom Ranch may have the most
sought-after accommodations in the World
reservations open 13 months in advance
and sell out in a few hours for those
like us who don't exactly plan that far
ahead there's Bright Angel Campground
and another helping of
pasta so far we're about 3/4 of the way
across the canyon floor with about 3
miles to go before we start climbing out
we're headed for the river that created
this natural wonder but we've run into a
minor traffic jam we got a buck up here
and he's got quite the rack on him so
we're going to give him a little space
look living near a Park Trail these guys
are used to seeing humans and seem
pretty chill about us being here but
wild animals are unpredictable so he
deserves the right of way he appears to
be moving often times you see wildlife
on the trails because it's the path of
least resistance we take them and they
like to take them too we love when we
get to see wildlife but sometimes you
know you just got to make miles there we
go there we
go enjoy your
day it's good that so far at least we we
haven't encountered another common
resident of this park there are half a
dozen varieties of rattlesnake living in
the park including the Grand Canyon pink
Rattler found nowhere else in the world
rattlesnakes are highly venomous but
will not attack a human unless provoked
most bites occur when people try to pick
up a snake if you hear a rattle move
away from the noise and always pack a
snake bite kit just in
case finally we reached the Colorado
River now this is a major your
checkpoint for our hike because it's the
dividing line between the north rim and
the south rim Silver Bridge at more than
500 ft long is one of the only two
Bridges across the river inside the park
it's too narrow for mules to cross so
only hikers can use it all right we are
across right Angel Trail this is
basically the lowest point of our trip
now we go
up and
up and up
again Bright Angel Trail takes us up
nearly 4,400 ft to the south rim the
toughest stretch comes right at the
beginning we are making our way up
Devil's Corkscrew right now which is
really the first significant incline and
steep section that we faced the entire
trip it's called Devil's cork crew for a
couple reasons one the trail is windy
full of steep switchbacks in the other
you could be looking at 130 to
135Β° right here in this spot that's one
reason we're here in the late fall when
those high temperatures are less of a
problem this aspect of reverse mountain
climbing of Starting by going down and
then coming up this is one of the
reasons why the Grand Canyon has more
search and rescue missions than really
any other Park more than 250 people are
rescued from this Canyon each year
mostly because they are not prepared for
extremes which brings us to another
essential tip regardless of when you
come always prepare for extreme heat use
sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat we
just got out of the devil's cork screw
and we're making our way through this
Meadow which will take us to Indian
[Music]
Garden what a spot
man you can see the north rim and it
looks so far away and behind us is that
last stretch tomorrow which looks
incredibly daunting but but right now I
couldn't be more at peace if you want to
go somewhere and absolutely feel like
you are alone and find that sense of
wilderness it's everywhere I mean look
at this this is
incredible so this is it this is our
last day in the canyon we've got about 5
miles to go and over 3,000 ft in
elevation to gain so it's certainly
going to be a d
however this is the time of year to do
it it is cool hopefully we can beat the
Sun every time we turn the corner on
another Switchback we're gaining another
40 to 50 ft of altitude and even though
it may be tempting to shortcut between
switchbacks don't do it it's dangerous
you can fall the ground crumbles and
that erosion can ruin the
trail the one thing about switchbacks is
they're a mental game you just got to
keep moving and not look up because when
you look up that's when you start to get
discouraged after about 4 hours we're
coming up on the last switch back when
the Grand Canyon gives us one more
moment to remember so just below the
south rim we've spotted a few desert big
horn sheep and they are probably in one
of the most epic spots you could
possibly see them the Grand Canyon is a
great environment for the desert big
horn sheep because they can find Ledges
like this that keep them away from
predators and also these guys know how
to live and adapt to the desert they can
retain water for up to 5
days last few steps yeah rim to
rim oh man that was a
journey and so much beauty that was
incredible fewer than 1% of all visitors
to the Grand Canyon hike rim to rim but
it's so worth it and with the right
preparation you can do it too for more
information please check out the links
below and feel free to leave a comment
and if you like this video please
subscribe to our Channel where you'll
find More Travel and Adventure tips like
this one and full episodes of rock the
[Music]
park
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