"Me and five of my best friends did the four day (over-weight, over-forty) old-fart's hike exactly as written. By taking the shuttle from the South Rim to the North Rim the only way back to our cars was to walk. And walk we did, sometimes taking 50 steps at a time then stopping to breathe. It was glorious and I can hardly wait to do it again. (Over fifty now.) The "Kaibab Shuffle" is also a unique phenomenon to be individually experienced. The cold lemonade purchased at Phantom Ranch was priceless. It was inspiring to meet other hikers, including a 70+ year old who was a frequent hiker and knew all the best rest-rocks on the Bright Angel Trail up to the South Rim. Also interesting as we approached the Rim was to meet day hikers coming down. They were wearing short skirts, flip flops and only carrying empty styrofoam cups that had their morning coffee just an hour ago. Forgetting the golden rule "it takes twice as long to hike up as it does to hike down" Just a couple of corrections to this excellent trail review. The black suspension bridge (#5) is on the South Kaibab Trail and has a rubber floor to enable the mules to travel over it. The Silver Suspension Bridge has a grated surface that you can see through to the Colorado river below. (#6)is actually Plateau Point. A very nice side hike after setting up camp at Indian Garden. A lesson well learned - take care of your feet. Stop and check out all "hot spots", moleskin and goldbond powder and dry socks are your friend. Enjoy your hike, have a trip of a lifetime."
Visited on May 13, 2001