hiking north rim to south rim any pointers?

[roma042987]

Planning on hiking across the grand canyon as soon as the road to the north rim opens for the season. Plan on taking 3 days to do it then taking the shuttle back to pick the cruiser up. From what I understand its 27 miles so I'm thinking it should be fairly easy to do in three days. I have hiked to the river and back before at the south rim 18mi. but nearly didn't make it due to not bringing enough to eat. Just looking for pointers from anyone that has done it also what kind of temps to expect (mid may I think).

 

[Bogo]

Baking hot in the bottom, with potential of freezing over night up on the rims.

Most people I know say take 4 days if you are hiking south to north and 3 or 4 north to south. Allot of your timing will depend on where and when you can get camp sites. Be mindful of your water and know where you can reliably resupply. Lack of shade and high temperatures will mean you will need more water than you think you will.

Check the times of the shuttles. You may need to stay overnight on the rim and catch the shuttle the next day. There is only one trip each way per day.

 

[roma042987]

I have a 3 liter camebak and filter pump so I can replenish from natural water sources. I'm thinking that should hold me over.

 

[B-RAD]

A friend of mine did the trek in one day a couple of years ago. He ran/hiked it and said that it was tougher than a marathon. I have hiked to the bottom and back from the north rim in two days. Supposedly the NPS has created more places for you to refill your water, so you should be good there. Go as light as you can, and be prepared for the temprature swings mentioned above. Comfy boots and a change of socks would be good too!

 

[roma042987]

After backpacking in yellow stone last year i learned my lesson about packing light. I was carrying the pack in my avatar at first then had to carry my girlfriends pack on my front because she couldnt hack it ha ha. I got a new pair of columbia boots ive been trying to break in before the trip. Im thinkin this time around i'll bring strictly the essentials. Sleeping bag food and water ive been looking at good lightweight tent but i may have to hold of on that since they are a bit pricey.

 

[Sno bored]

You need a backcountry permit for any camping below the rim, May could be pretty busy. As Bogo said the shuttle only runs once a day. Last time I was there the girls camping next to me had to start hiking at 5 AM so they wouldn't miss the shuttle. There is a place at phantom ranch that sells snacks and cold beer, so bring cash. They serve dinner there too, but I don't know if it's only for people staying in the cabins or for everyone. It would be nice if you could save weight in your pack by eating dinner there one night.

 

[MANUCHAO]

If yah got 3 days... you could hike it rim to rim to rim and do without the shuttle all together....and worry only about getting camping permits...
Seen the grand canyon going down is very different when you hike it back up.... (it was my first time) and you get to spend more time in a true amazing place.... !!

YES, for Phantom ranch !!! Cold beer is the tits when its hot !!!!
When we got the north rim we hitch a ride (not supposed to) to the visitor center and the park ranger gave us a ride back to the north rim trail head..(he then schooled us on not hitch a ride ever and how the ride they provided never happened !! )
Go as light as you can and dont skimp on H2O...

 

[Bailey27]

Growing up there I can tell you what others have said, Gets really really hot and can freeze at night. I would bring a nice hat that gives you shade and be sure to break in those boots really good.

 

[Bogo]

There is a place at phantom ranch that sells snacks and cold beer, so bring cash. They serve dinner there too, but I don't know if it's only for people staying in the cabins or for everyone. It would be nice if you could save weight in your pack by eating dinner there one night.

NPS has a page or two on Phantom Ranch. You may be able to get dinner only, but I bet you have to reserve a spot as all supplies have to be packed in and trash packed out.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Bring gatorade powder or other electrolyte-replenishing drink mix. Bring some ibuprophen, just in case.

 

[roma042987]

I'll def look into phantom ranch. wonder if its possible back country campsites would filled in mid may? surely not.?

 

[Bogo]

May is a popular time... There are still reasonable temperatures down in the canyon.

 

[roma042987]

i really wish the road was open to the north rim now because i would rather go sooner

 

[Sno bored]

Get in touch with the rangers now and see if there are still permits available for the dates you want to go. If there are permits, reserve them now. If no permits come up with a plan B.

 

[Kofoed]

Make any reservations, get permits, now. There are basically no campsites available at the NR in May or June. I will be there over Memorial Day--no hiking, though.

 

[Coastline]

I ran the Bright Angel down and over to Phantom Ranch and back up Bright Angel while the sun was up. But, I had a different body and mind-set back then. I have also swam across the river a few times on other journeys. Dang! Gotta hit the gym.

 

[Mace]

Years ago I did it in a day, up and down. It sucked and I will not do it again. Nor do I think I am anywhere near in the condition to do it.

2 days is fairly easy. Spend the night on the rim and hike down. Spend the night at the bottom at the ranch. Hike up the next day.
Good hike and not that bad. Three days seems a bit on the long side to me.

Phantom ranch has rooms to stay in as well. With all the amenities there, you can easily do the hike with just a day pack for munchies and clothing.