If you like to hike, consider a trip to the Grand Canyon. There you will be challenged with distance, terrain and temperature. Each year we get together with friends and family for a trek from the South Rim to the North Rim and back to the South Rim. The overall distance is 44 miles that we divide into two days of hiking. There is approximately a two week window when you can hike up the North Kaibab Trail and have lodging at the North Rim. The North Rim Lodge (at right) opens in mid May. After Memorial Day the North Kaibab Trail is closed in the daytime due to extreme heat so you need to plan the trip accordingly.
We all meet the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the canyon the night before our first leg of the hike. In the morning we catch a bus to the trailhead at Yaki Point where we begin at 5:00AM. It is about a 7 mile decent with a 4400’ drop in elevation to the Colorado River. We re-group at Phantom Ranch for water and nourishment before we head up the North Kaibab Trail. The North Kaibab Trail follows Bright Angel Creek and it is in this section where we walk through what is referred to as the “box”. The box is a narrow winding passage with towering walls that snakes along the creek. The next stop is Cottonwood Campground elevation 4050’ (7 miles up the trail). At Cottonwood we enjoy shade, water and a well earned rest. Another 1.4 miles and we near the Pumphouse Ranger Residence that has running water (elevation 4600’). Approximately one more mile brings us to Roaring Springs (elevation 5220’.)
Roaring Springs is a waterfall created by water pouring from a muav cave into Bright Angel Creek.
Three miles of steep elevation gain and we arrive at Supai Tunnel (19.3 miles from the start and 6800’ elevation). The vistas along this stretch reward us for the effort. From Supai we hike about two more miles up to the North Kaibab Trailhead elevation 8241’ for a total of 21 miles from the start. We plan on about 12 hours of hiking to get to the North Rim.
The North Rim Lodge is about two miles up the road and we hitch a ride from the trailhead. People at the trailhead are very willing to transport hikers over to the Lodge. There is a variety of lodging available from motel rooms to rustic cabins that have recently been remodeled. The North Rim Lodge has a cafeteria and also a wonderful restaurant. Here we rest, enjoy the views overlooking the Grand Canyon and keep an eye out for Condors. Two nights here and we are ready to hike back to the South Rim.
We find someone willing to take us to the North Kaibab Trailhead at 4:00AM. Usually there is an employee who will do this for a small fee. The hike back to the South Rim takes us to Phantom Ranch (14 miles from the North Rim) and an easy decent in the early morning. Arrival at Phantom Ranch is between 9:00 AM and 10:00AM. The idea is to get through the canyon as early as possible to avoid the mid day heat. There is no water available on the South Kaibab Trail so we take the Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. It is nine miles from Phantom Ranch. The Bright Angel Trail crosses a creek several times allowing us the opportunity to filter water and wet our clothing. About one half way up we arrive at Indian Garden where there is running water. From there it is 4.6 miles to the finish. The Three Mile Hut and One and a Half Mile Hut both have running water and a place to sit in the shade. Along this trail we encounter tourists on day hikes from the top. The elevation gain on this day’s hike is 4660’. The mileage is 23.6. Overall trail miles for the adventure is 44.6 with a total gain in elevation of 10,501’. The path is sandy and wide in most places and well maintained. The trail is easy to walk on, but is often in full sun. Mules use these trails.
Our annual Grand Canyon Adventure requires us to be well prepared. We bring just the necessities to keep our packs light but enough to cover contingencies. We train year around for this adventure by snowshoeing in the winter and hiking in the early spring along the abundant trails here in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This trip is for experienced and very fit hikers. I would be happy to provide any additional details for anyone interested.
Posted By: Stephen Orear - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson City Nevada Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
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