Submitted by Peter Collins on 1 August, 2006 - 09:59.
Yo Dom,
Having scouted this great run, I'd be happy to give you all the beta you'd want if you tell me your goals.
Do you want to really RUN this thing, or experience the canyon to it's fullest?
The one-way trip (south to north) has been done in under 4 hours but I'd plan for 6-8 hours to enjoy the scenery, flowers, waterfalls (involves detours), wildlife, and a Colorado swim.
Again, if you're planning a south-to-north-to-south tour, I'd recommend starting on the SOuth Kaibab to Phantom Ranch, then returning back up to the South Rim via the Bright Angel trail.
Contact me and I'll tell you why, and more details.
I also have logistical info and camping suggestions if interested.
Submitted by Peter Collins on 1 August, 2006 - 12:00.
11-14 hours sounds good, but I'm not sure about the Vegas thing. The Las Vegas strip is 5 plus hours drive from the South Rim and there's a checkpoint to get through before crossing the Hoover Dam.
I'd recommend: - camping out at the south rim campground (or stay at Yavapai lodge. - take the 4:15 am hiker shuttle (free) for the 10 min ride to the South Kaibab trail head. Bus stop is a 15 min walk from Yavapai. - Run down the South Kaibab trail (absolutely the best canyon views) although you may be in the dark (I needed a headlamp for first 15 mins only as sunrise was ~5:15am). Can you say ridge trail? Note: there is NO WATER on this trail until you reach Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. I reached the bottom in ~ 2:15 hours (with photo stops). - If it's hot, take a dip in the Colorado at the "boat beach" that you'll see from the "black bridge" but don't go over knee deep as the current is strong, and the water glacial. Better yet, cool off in the Bright Angel Creek. - Fill up your bottles at Phantom Ranch. There's 2 water stops on the way to the North Rim, but this trail section is twice as long as South Kaibab and the box canyon from Phantom to Cottonwood is very hot & stifling. There is a stream near trail for 2/3rds of north-side ascent but not always reachable. - The side trip to Ribbon Falls is well-worth the detour. - The side trip to Roaring Springs will be mandatory if you're short of water. The real-climbing starts at the Roaring Springs cutoff, so be prepared.
On the return trip, ascend the South Rim from Phantom Ranch via the Bright Angel trail (not the Kaibab trail you descended). It's longer, but
- there's 3 water stops and the Indian Gardens campground - there's the Plateau Point detour that's well worth a look at sunset - you'll top out in the heart of Grand Canyon village with lots of tourists, free shuttles, restos, etc. (there's nothing for you top-side on South Kaibab).
Peter P.S. Watch out for rattle snakes, Tarantulas, and Scorpions. They were all seen on trail.
Comments
rim to rim to rim?
Rim2Rim2Rim Run
Having scouted this great run, I'd be happy to give you all the beta you'd want if you tell me your goals.
Do you want to really RUN this thing, or experience the canyon to it's fullest?
The one-way trip (south to north) has been done in under 4 hours but I'd plan for 6-8 hours to enjoy the scenery, flowers, waterfalls (involves detours), wildlife, and a Colorado swim.
Again, if you're planning a south-to-north-to-south tour, I'd recommend starting on the SOuth Kaibab to Phantom Ranch, then returning back up to the South Rim via the Bright Angel trail.
Contact me and I'll tell you why, and more details.
I also have logistical info and camping suggestions if interested.
Peter
RUn R2R2R
Rim2Rim2Rim
11-14 hours sounds good, but I'm not sure about the Vegas thing.
The Las Vegas strip is 5 plus hours drive from the South Rim and there's a checkpoint to get through before crossing the Hoover Dam.
I'd recommend:
- camping out at the south rim campground (or stay at Yavapai lodge.
- take the 4:15 am hiker shuttle (free) for the 10 min ride to the South Kaibab trail head. Bus stop is a 15 min walk from Yavapai.
- Run down the South Kaibab trail (absolutely the best canyon views) although you may be in the dark (I needed a headlamp for first 15 mins only as sunrise was ~5:15am). Can you say ridge trail?
Note: there is NO WATER on this trail until you reach Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. I reached the bottom in ~ 2:15 hours (with photo stops).
- If it's hot, take a dip in the Colorado at the "boat beach" that you'll see from the "black bridge" but don't go over knee deep as the current is strong, and the water glacial. Better yet, cool off in the Bright Angel Creek.
- Fill up your bottles at Phantom Ranch. There's 2 water stops on the way to the North Rim, but this trail section is twice as long as South Kaibab and the box canyon from Phantom to Cottonwood is very hot & stifling. There is a stream near trail for 2/3rds of north-side ascent but not always reachable.
- The side trip to Ribbon Falls is well-worth the detour.
- The side trip to Roaring Springs will be mandatory if you're short of water. The real-climbing starts at the Roaring Springs cutoff, so be prepared.
On the return trip, ascend the South Rim from Phantom Ranch via the Bright Angel trail (not the Kaibab trail you descended). It's longer, but
- there's 3 water stops and the Indian Gardens campground
- there's the Plateau Point detour that's well worth a look at sunset
- you'll top out in the heart of Grand Canyon village with lots of tourists, free shuttles, restos, etc. (there's nothing for you top-side on South Kaibab).
Peter
P.S. Watch out for rattle snakes, Tarantulas, and Scorpions. They were all seen on trail.