3 weeks precisely! My last update saw me checking in from Phoenix, AZ, on the precipice of heading to the Grand Canyon for an epic days’ hike: beginning at the South Kaibab trailhead on the south rim, descending to, and crossing, the Colorado River at the bottom of the Canyon to visit Phantom Ranch, then crossing back over the river to ascend back to the south rim via Bright Angel trail. This is known among Canyon hikers as a rim-to-river-to-rim hike.
The original plan for this adventure had been to hike across the canyon, ascending from the river to the north rim via North Kaibab trail, but that trail had been closed due to damage to the trail and water supply pipes caused by rockslides over the winter. Not going rim-to-rim would cut off about 2 miles of total length, and over 1,000 feet of elevation gain!
Frankly, after completing the hike, I did not feel cheated of those extra metrics.
Huge shout-outs to:
my older sister Megan and brother-in-law Matt for suggesting and organizing the trip
my younger sister Erika and neice Maia for joining in the fun
neice Maddie and friend Tyler for also joining in the fun
my mom and dad for shepherding us around, and for making the hike down Bright Angel to meet us at the 3-mile Rest House!
The day after the hike, I loitered around Flagstaff, AZ for half a day, before hopping aboard the Amtrak Southwest Chief train bound for San Bernardino, for another adventure… stay tuned for part 2!