Story:
Hiked from the South Rim via the South Kaibab trail to the River. Then hiked the River Trail to the Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. Great day for a hike. Took about 9 hours.
Hiked from the South Rim via the South Kaibab trail to the River. Then hiked the River Trail to the Bright Angel Trail back to the South Rim. Great day for a hike. Took about 9 hours.
Tips:
Take plenty of water. There is no water on the South Kaibab trail. You can get water when you cross the river. Water is also available to Indian Garden and then at two places on the Bright Angel trail (at the 3-mile resthouse and at the 1.5-mile resthouse).
Bring plenty of sunblock because there is very little shade. Also wear comfortable, broken in hiking shoes and some cushioned hiking socks to keep blisters at bay.
Take plenty of water. There is no water on the South Kaibab trail. You can get water when you cross the river. Water is also available to Indian Garden and then at two places on the Bright Angel trail (at the 3-mile resthouse and at the 1.5-mile resthouse).
Bring plenty of sunblock because there is very little shade. Also wear comfortable, broken in hiking shoes and some cushioned hiking socks to keep blisters at bay.
Tags:
grand canyon, South Kaibab Trail, River Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Black Suspension Bridge, Silver Bridge
grand canyon, South Kaibab Trail, River Trail, Bright Angel Trail, Black Suspension Bridge, Silver Bridge
Comments (3)
Hansenfotos obviously knows how to do this hike safely, but it is amazing what one sees on the trail. I last did this hike a couple of weeks ago, when there was several feet of snow on the ground. About two miles from the top, we came across a family with young children, dragging airline luggage down the trail. They told us they were going to camp out at the river. After they moved on, we made a quick call to the Ranger Desk and alerted them to these folks. The ranger on station at Indian Garden intercepted them, apparently with their luggage in tatters. Nighttime lows were in the 20s, so I hate to think what would have happened to these folks. At best, it would have been a miserable night.
by LagunaHiker on Feb 14, 2010
I agree with dcveeneman. This hike is great, but doing it in one day can be taxing. I do this hike about twice a year, but I'm also very cautious. It's a beautiful hike and can be done easily over a two-day period if you stay at Phantom Ranch. If you do decide to do it in one day like I do, please hike with a friend, take A LOT of water with you, drink as much water as you can before you start out on the hike, and rest frequently, especially during the midday heat. I stop a lot while hiking this trail to take photos. I also bring peanut butter, Power Aid, lots of food and water, and then I stop for several hours at Indian Gardens. If in doubt, plan a two-day trip. The desert is beautiful, but demands respect and caution.
by mhansen514 on Feb 13, 2010
For other hikers--don't try to do this hike in a day, particularly in the summertime, unless you are in excellent condition and know what you are doing. Temperatures will easily reach 110° or higher at the bottom. In 2004 it killed Margaret Bradley, a marathon runner who had placed 30th in the Boston Marathon. She died of dehydration. http://www.gbtc.org/announce/announce0407-bradley.html. A much safer course is to do it over two days, and avoid the midday heat.
by LagunaHiker on Feb 13, 2010
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