Rim2Rim

The sun was lighting up the East faces of colored cliffs as we strapped on our packs and descended into the shadows of the Grand Canyon on Friday morning. We had spent the night at a cabin in Williams that one of our party of 5 had arranged. Good thing because the South Rim was chilly in November. Chad had arranged for an ex-cop from Kanab who was full of drug-bust stories to shuttle us around the canyon so we could leave a car on the North Rim.

Hiking down South Kaibab was ideal for the panoramic views, but less than ideal for my knees. Eric brought trekking poles, and I think I will too next time. After the footbridge across the river we relaxed and stretched at Phantom Ranch while sipping overpriced lemonade.

The next leg took us through a narrow canyon along Bright Angel creek with plenty of shade. After a couple of miles it widened out and then the heat hit us. It was only in the 80s, but the sun really saps your energy. So we were relieved to drop our packs and explore a side canyon where we cooled off at Ribbon Falls.

We camped at the Cottonwoods after 16 miles of hiking. I thought there would be lots of cottonwoods down there, but the campground seemed to have the only cottonwoods in the whole canyon. We tried to dry our wet clothes and ate the brats I brought. They were a lot better than the usual freeze-dried backpacking meals. It didn't get cold that night, much warmer than the Uintahs in the middle of the summer. It was ideal for staying up and playing cards.

The 6.5 miles out to the North Rim was much tougher than the previous day's 16 miles. It took a little over 4 hours to go that distance, but it's a gain of about 5000 feet. It was pretty in a different way, without the panoramic views. The last 3 miles felt straight up, and with packs and sore legs from the day before it was the hardest hiking I've ever done. The North Rim was cold even at midday since we were drenched with sweat. Eric got a cramp driving to Jacob's Lake for a cookie. That was funny to watch. Then it was down to Chad's house in Kanab for a shower and home.

Next year I'm doing Rim2Rim2Rim. We saw lots of people doing it and I think November is the only time to attempt it. I couldn't imagine how tough it would be in the heat. It will be challenging, but without the big pack and with the aid of trekking poles I'm hoping that I can handle it.