Grand Canyon, Rim to Rim to Rim - Down South Kaibab Trail

Trekking rim-to-rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon requires good timing and proper preparation. Mid-September was far from ideal as temperatures at the bottom of the canyon might reach 38° C / 100° F during the day. A dry heat maybe, but with 50 or more pounds on your back, it is far from pleasant. The problem is if you wait until much later in the season it can get quite cold at the rim.

Unlike many hikes the grandeur of the Grand Canyon starts at the very first step; immediately immersing you in what feels like a third grade science lab. Millions of years of sediment and erosion are laid out before your you like no where else in the world.

This was my third experience at the Grand Canyon was with my Great Treks partner Kirk, his girlfriend Kristy and my former student Ben.

Trying to get to the Phantom Ranch Campgrounds before the worst of the heat came down on us, we set a brisk but careful pace. Hiking down the South Kaibab Trail was a relative pleasure as the well maintained trails made stepping sure-footed. Still with no water source until the campgrounds the sun was our biggest enemy.

The variation in geology was unreal as we descended through millions of years of time.

Upon reaching the muddy Colorado River we knew we were close to the campgrounds.

The story continues...