Solo hike Rim-Rim Grand Canyon

Here I am answering the call of the canyon…

We went to Grand Canyon few times with family. Everytime its a different experience.
Somewhere along the way the lure of hiking the canyon from “Rim to Rim” tugged me to complete this before I turn 40 🙂
I began to do my homework on the “logistics” of this hike.
It was very difficult to get an accommodation at Phantom ranch as it is booked 18 months in advance and by lottery. I tried my luck few times and never got in.
I am not into backpacking with tent and not an avid Hiker either. So waiting to get an accommodation at PR. One day I found out they have a last minute cancellation and booked it immediately for November 10th 2019 . Still have doubts if I can do rim-rim as north rim entrace will be closed in November and I want to do North Kaibab to Bright Angel.

Here comes my great strenght, my family. Asked Ani & Rishi what I should do, Ani said- since this is in your bucket list go ahead and try and added
“You may not get these opportunities often”. Rishi, as always doesnt like any risky adventures, so he said no 🙂
SV said go ahead and do it, but plan according to your comfort and not the budget. What else I need.

I did a lot of planning and prep and had done a North to South R2R November 2019.
I did not trained anything specific for this hike, but I ran a half marathon a month before this, I consider that as my training for R2R.

Here is my trip report:
Day 1: Flight from St louis to Las vegas, Took Stg shuttle to St.George, Had a cab to take me from there to Jacob Lake.

Day 2: Shuttle to take me from St george to North Kaibab Trailhead. John from Gate way tours is very helpful and showed me around North rim sunrise
and dropped me off at NK Trail head. Started my hike at 7AM to Phantom Ranch. While this one was all downhill, it pounded the heck out of my joints.
Having been in the canyon for first time, I did not see anyone for few miles, I got the whole canyon for my self.
Loved the silence, got scared of my own footsteps echoing 🙂
After 14 long miles, ~5000 ft elevation gain and 6 hours of moving time arrived at Phantom ranch, drinking that amazing iced cold lemonade felt like a blessing.
Checked into dorm, long shower and rested for that day.

Day 3: of my R2R Hike – Pahntom Ranch to Bright Angel Trail head. 9.2 miles, ~5700ft Elevation Gain and 6.5 hours of moving time.
Started my hike at 6AM after having a 5:30 breakfast. Met many hikers that came to celebrate their birthdays.
The last few miles are very tough, literally going up the hill. Finally I made it to the top of the South rim to Bright angel Tail head.
I had lunch, and rested a bit on the Bright Angel Lodge. Waited for a shuttle to take me back to Las Vegas. By 5:30, I was on the bus, well rested and headed to airport and back to St.louis.

The first time on the “Rim to Rim” hike I had butterflies as I have no idea what to expect . I just wanted to “finish it”.

At its deepest, (Colorado River) the trail descends to a point 2,200 feet above sea level.
This trail is considered “difficult” taking into account both distance traveled and considerable elevation change of over 10,000 feet.

I “earned” my way into the club by completing the Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon. Even though i planned everything last min, i am so glad it worked out well.

I realized that this one hike was the most amazing experience, adventure and added perspective to my life.

BOTTOM LINE: ANYTHING YOU WANT TO DO, DON’T WAIT, GO GET IT!