To Do: R2R (Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Trail Run)

It only takes 40+ miles and 10,000+ feet of elevation gain to "run across one of the Seven Wonders of the World... TWICE!"

Luckily it only takes 20+ miles and ~5,000 feet of gain to run across it once.

Rim to Rim (R2R) is an difficult run/hike (usually) from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Maps:

Stats:

~21 miles (South Kaibab/North Kaibab trails) or ~24 miles (if you take the North Kaibab/Bright Angel route).

4,400-4,800 feet gain (Bright Angel versus South Kaibab).

The North Rim is ~1,000 feet higher than the South Rim. Most people choose to hike North Rim to South Rim due to logistics (North Rim is much less developed) and for the easier climb back out of the canyon.

(Source)

Timing:

Most people who attempt the R2R, plan for fall (October/November) or spring (April or May). The Canyon is too hot during the summer (even reaching up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit) and can be snowy/icy during the winter months. Also keep in mind that the North Rim roads are closed in the winter and some water sources are seasonal (more on that later).

I'd like to attempt this route in October 2022. I will likely start on the North Rim very early in the morning to get ahead of the mules and make best use of daylight.

Gear list:

• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Iodine tablets for water purification
• Hiking poles
• Small first aid kit (knife, moleskin, etc.)
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Trail runners
• Good socks
• Synthetic shirt
• Synthetic shorts/bottoms
• Baseball cap
• Sunglasses
• Bandana
• Food (including energy gels/electrolyte replacements)
• Water
• Compass/map
• Emergency Wag Bag and hand sanitizer (there are some toilets along the route)

Parking:

South Rim – Bright Angel Trail parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center parking lot (300 yards from trail head – Parking lot D). This avoids any shuttling logistics and allows you to be close to your car at the end of the hike. The Bright Angel Trail is slightly longer than the South Kaibab Trail, but it has a more gradual climb as well as more shade and water.

Water:

Purified drinking water can be found at a few locations in the canyon along the Corridor trails:

• Mile-and-a-half and Three-Mile resthouses (Bright Angel Trail)– May to Sep
• Indian Garden– year-round
• Bright Angel Campground– year-round
• Phantom Ranch– year-round
• Cottonwood Campground– May to mid-Oct
• Roaring Springs Trail Junction– May to mid-Oct

However, NPS warns that the pipelines are subject to breaks at any time of year, cutting off water supplies. The Backcountry Updates and Closures page contains information on water availability along the Corridor trails. Water is also available from the Colorado River, creeks, and potholes, but must be treated and many water sources in the canyon are intermittent and unreliable.