Sometimes hikes are not the perfect scenario we have in our mind and become more difficult than planned. In May, 2018, I found this to be true, and due to many factors, my hike up the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon was much more difficult than it needed to be. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of strangers, not only did I have a successful hike, but I learned valuable lessons and left the canyon filled with gratitude. The difficulties of this trip made the success of reaching the top all the more special.
Plans and Preparation
I have hiked down the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon and also hiked in and back to Havasupai Falls so I knew a bit about canyon hiking. The heat, the dust, the steep hike up and the remoteness of the area are all factors I understand and respect. I love the canyon and wanted to share my love for this with Steve, who had never been there. We were looking forward to hiking down the South Kaibab Trail, spending a night at the bottom, and then hiking back up. the Bright Angel Trail. I applied and received a permit to camp Bright Angel Campground for May 2018. You have to have a permit to camp below the rim of the Grand Canyon. Follow this link for more information on camping permits. https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm
Endurance Prepping
Steve is an avid gym goer. Me, not so much. As a matter of fact, I really don’t like the gym at all. He increased his training in January, the minute we found out we had a permit. I have always trained by just continuing my activity and adding a bit to it which has worked for me in the past so I figured I was good. Besides, I had just hiked Havasu Falls back in October and had no problems. Big mistake!
Heat Acclimation
Unfortunately, since it was winter in Iowa, I couldn’t do my normal outdoor endurance activities such as rollerblading, biking, and swimming. I usually hike in the fall so I can build my endurance all summer. To make up for it, I ran up and down our steps at home, walked as often as weather permitted, and occasionally went to the gym. With the hike being in early May, and Iowa having a cold spring, there was no real acclimation to the unusual heat wave the Grand Canyon had the weekend we were there. Even though I knew the bottom was much hotter than the top of the canyon, we did not take heat acclimation and the drastic change in temperature into account.
What We Did Right
Luckily we did a lot of things right. which contributed to the success of our hike! Following tried and true tips from my own experiences and others, I knew to drink electrolytes, stop every hour to rest, hike early morning to avoid the heat, drink plenty of water, and eat salty snacks. We wore quick dry clothes, kept cook with water soaks, and took our time.
Arriving at the Grand Canyon
We arrived the afternoon before and Steve enjoyed his first Grand Canyon viewing from the South Rim. The view is spectacular and always awe inspiring. Part of the reason I wanted this backpacking trip was to see Phantom Ranch. I first heard about Phantom Ranch on my first trip here in 1978, I have wanted to hike down to see and experience it since. I was pretty excited this was about to happen. For more information on the Grand Canyon in general follow this National Park Service Link https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm .
El Tovar
We spent the night at the historic El Tovar. Beautiful hotel and wonderful dining experience. We ate dinner there and I had one of the most delicious steaks ever. The service was impeccable and the ambiance was perfect.
Diary of a Gen-X recommendations for hotels and restaurants are based on our own experiences. We do not receive compensation for recommending at any of these nor are we affiliates of any hotels or restaurants. The only hotels we recommend are places we stayed which were clean, comfortable, and provided exceptional hospitality. The restaurants we recommend are also places we have been to and enjoyed.
Down The South Kaibab Trail
Early in the morning we caught the first hiker’s shuttle to the South Kaibab trailhead. The sun had just rose and the colors of the canyon were showing off while the sun hit the canyon walls. It was a beautiful site to see. Steve and I headed down like a couple of kids going to their favorite park. The path was well packed and it was a nice walk down. We saw all the usual landmarks, Ohh Ahh point, Skeleton Ridge, and the Tip-Off. It started to get hot just before the Tip-Off but we kept snaking down. We could see the Colorado River and Black Bridge in the background getting closer all the time. Great information on this trail, along with a map, can be found on the following National Park Service Link. https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/southkaibabtrail.pdf
Destination Made
Once across the Black Bridge, which expands over the Colorado River, we passed Boat Beach, the hike from there to Bright Angle Campground was short and looked familiar to me as I had been to Boat Beach when I went rafting a few years ago. Even though it was early afternoon, we were one of the early ones to arrive at the Campground and had our pick of many spots. We chose a quiet spot along the creek.
Bright Angel Campground
After setting up camp, we sat in the creek for awhile. It was really hot out. We made the short hike over to Phantom Ranch. I was excited to be completing a bucket list item! It was packed inside. Between the heat and the long hike, I wasn’t feeling great but had a couple of bags of salty chips and felt much better! Steve had their famous lemonade.
Phantom Ranch
Phantom Ranch 
Made it to My Bucket List Place
Back at camp, we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting in the creek and just hanging out. We went to bed early, actually so early that it was still light out! Steve fell asleep on his sleeping bag and woke up freezing shortly after midnight! I am always amazed at how chilly the canyon can get at night!
Leaving Camp
We awoke well before dawn, packed up our gear and were off by 4:00 am. I felt renewed and refreshed. It was going to be a hot one and we wanted to avoid the heat. Hiking in the dark is both exciting and a bit nerve racking. The only lights we saw were from our headgear. It was overcast so no stars were showing. I can’t begin to explain the feeling to be the only ones we could see on the trail in the darkness. Definitely feeling very small in this large universe!
The Hike Up Bright Angel Trail
We hiked along the River Trail with no problems. Dawn was breaking as we reached The River house. I’m not exactly sure where the River Trail ends and The Bright Angel Starts or if they are concurrent We started uphill, knowing we were approaching the Devils Corkscrew. The early morning sun was peaking through the canyon wall. We felt great and were enjoying the sites of the canyon. Great information on the Bright Angel Trail can be found, along with a map, at the following National Park Service link https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/brightangeltrail.pdf
The Devils Corkscrew
The Devils Corkscrew was in front of us looking intimidating. We attacked it and actually had no problem with it, enjoying the views, resting as needed, and trudging ahead. We both felt great and were excited to be getting closer to Indian Gardens.
Devil’s Corkscrew 
Happy to be on Top of the Corkscrew
Indian Gardens
We started entering the lush area before Indian Gardens and enjoyed hearing the birds, seeing the waterfall and enjoying the breeze. It was warm out but not dreadfully hot. We saw the first of early morning hikers coming down the trail. It was great seeing other people.
Indian Gardens was busy with people. Some coming down the Bright Angel Trail and some going up. We rested there for a good half hour. My ankles were starting to swell which was unusual for me. We heard horror stories from those coming down about how awful the rest of the way up would be. I didn’t remember it being that bad, but last time I was going down, not up! It was getting hot so we soaked our shirts and hats in water before continuing on.
Continuing On Bright Angel Trail to 3 Mile Rest House
The hike up to 3 mile Resthouse was tough. Lots of switchbacks. I stopped a lot. I was fatigued and for some reason my legs were swollen. There were more people coming down, most letting us know the worse was yet to hike! I didn’t really need that anxiety, but I’m sure they meant well. We continued to hike slow and steady, stopping for snacks and electrolytes and we kept adequately hydrated. I was slowing down and my pack felt heavier all the time. We reached the rest house with out any significant problems, but I was beat. It was obvious that Steve’s extra gym days really paid off and my less than stellar preparation showed.
After a long break at the 3 Mile Rest house we again soaked our clothes in water and headed on up. The switchbacks were no better. They were becoming steeper and more frequent. I was resting about every 15 minutes. It was hot and my legs were aching. I couldn’t put my finger on it but I wasn’t feeling quite right. Once we arrived at the 1.5 mile Rest House, I was beat. There were tons of people there and there was a line for water. Once we rested, snacked and soaked our selves we headed up.
On to Mile and a Half Rest House
One Step at a Time
I was beat. After about 10 minutes we found some shade and rested. I must not have looked too great as a group of people coming down asked if we were ok. We told them I was just a bit beat and was going to rest for awhile. They shared some Vitamin C powder with me and that seemed to help. So many people who were walking down offered water, electrolytes or snacks, we thanked them all and told them we had all that on us and just needed a rest.
Getting Closer to the Top. We Took Very Few Pics going up!
A Hiker named Katherine
I made it up a couple more switch backs and was ready to rest again. This time I didn’t feel I could do much more. I told Steve I was ready to just leave my bag there or stay put until it either cooled off or I had a nap. A young gal heard me and said she was just on a day hike and would be more than happy to carry my bag to the top and leave it at Bright Angel. I couldn’t believe my ears, I was amazed that someone would offer this. She insisted, she said if I was her Mom and her Mom was having trouble she hoped someone would give her a hand. I felt a renewed energy and gave her the bag. Her name was Katherine and she was from Toronto. She took our phone number and headed off.
Trudging On
Without my pack, I was able to slowly get to the top. It was very slow. Unfortunately a lot of non-hikers were walking down the trail as we were getting closer to the top. Not knowing trail etiquette of those going uphill having the right of way, countless numbers of them stopped in the trail blocking it, or just kept walking and almost plowed us over. This made the ascent more difficult as I would have some momentum going up, then I would have to stop and start the momentum over again. It was a struggle, not just the heat, but just putting one foot in front of the other!
There was a ranger on the trail checking on people ascending. Steve told him I had been having a tough time going up, and recapped our day to him. He reassured me I was doing everything right and he also was impressed by the story of the gal that carried my bag. I kept going, making it through the first and second tunnels was a milestone!
Almost To the End of Bright Angel Trail
We were getting close enough to the top that we could hear people above us but still had a way to go. Katherine called and told us where my bag was. Steve tried to get her address so we could send her a thank you and she told us the only thanks she needed was for us to pay it forward. What a wonderful person she is and I will be forever grateful to her.
With gratitude I continued up the trail, slowly and purposefully. We had just passed the Kolb Studio when a man was standing on the trail in front of us taking pictures, we over heard his wife tell him to hurry up. He replied, “Just a minute, I’m taking a picture of the hikers.” I turned around to look and see who he was taking pictures of and there was no one behind us. He was taking pictures of us. We were the hikers!! I had to grin at this because I didn’t feel like we were the best examples of hikers, especially me!!!
We Made It!! Ice Cream For Us!!
We had made it to the top!! In one piece! I had all the feelings. I even teared up I was so grateful for so many things. Having overcome all the obstacles on a not so stellar hike felt so rewarding. I always knew we would make it but wasn’t sure how long it would take or what shape I’d be in. The total time up for us was just over 11 hours. I swore I would never take another big hike without major endurance training again, no matter what time of year! We went and had an ice cream cone, because I had been talking about the ice cream at the top after a hike for months! It was amazing!
Bright Angel Lodge
We spent the night at the Bright Angel Lodge, with an amazing view of the canyon from our room, just steps from our doorway! We had supper at the Bright Angel and I have never enjoyed a cold beer more than I did here!
Checking out The South Rim
We awoke the next morning feeling refreshed, but not ready for another big hike! We walked along the South Rim Trail and then drove over to the Desert Watchtower. All in all it was a relaxing day. We ate dinner again at El Tovar after enjoying the sunset over the canyon.
The next morning when we left, I cannot begin to express how much gratitude I had for this experience. Lessons were learned, strength in myself renewed, and Steve and I had shared an awesome couple of days together.
Conclusion
Since this trip we are planning another hike down. I now go to the gym while still continuing my other workouts. Now, efore any big hike, I up my endurance training and I can tell the difference. Above all, I am grateful for so many good people on the trail, especially an angel named Katherine.
Resources
Whenever I plan a trip anywhere, I do a lot of research. The following Books and Trail Guides were very helpful.
James Kaiser’s book, Grand Canyon The Complete Guide, is truly a complete guide. He covers everything you need to know about The Grand Canyon, hiking, what to see, where to stay, and history. This guide includes beautiful colored pictures. Of all the books I’ve seen this is definitely the one to buy if you want a comprehensive guide to the Grand Canyon. Definitely glad I bought it.
The Grand Canyon Bright Angel Trail Guide is another great resource to have. It is pocket sized and takes you down the Bright Angle Trail step by step, pointing out places of interest, a map and history. It is a great little pamphlet to take along in your pack and refer to as you hike up or down
The Grand Canyon South Kaibab Trail Guide is also a great resource. Like the Bright Angel Guide it is pocket sized and you can take it with you to refer to while hiking. It includes information on places of interests as well as a map and history. Both of these pamphlets have valuable information as you follow them through while hiking. I believe this series has information on most of the popular trails at the canyon.
Click on the Links Below for more of my Grand Canyon Trips and Tips
Grand Canyon Hike and River Raft
What to Bring on a Grand Canyon Hike and Raft Trip
That sounds a bit like my recent experience at Zion, but that’s because I’m seriously out of shape and have no endurance. Glad to hear you survived your experience unscathed. (At Zion, I developed heat exhaustion on just a 1.3 mile hike with minimal elevation changes. Totally unexpected to me, I thought I was okay to do the route.)
Yeah I had a hard time believing I had such trouble going up there since I’ve done it before. I think I had a touch of hyponatremia. The heat was unbelievable!! We are hoping to do Zion next year. I’m guessing that it will be pretty hot there as well!!
Good post for those who would try this hike without any prep. What most people do not realize is the elevation at the top of the South rim is 7,000 feet. If you come from the plains at 2,300 feet, you are going to be short of breath, just walking. My wife and I hiked down Bright Angel to Plateau Point and back in one day, as day hikers. We did it in January, so being too hot was not a problem and there were only a few hikers and mules about. We were emboldened by successful part day hikes down Hermit’s Rest and also into Bryce Canyon. The distance was 6 miles each way and the elevation gain/loss was 3,000 feet. We started around 8 AM and finished at 4:30 PM. It was a beautiful day, but by the time we neared the rim again, I was carrying everything except my wife. Our mantra with each step was Advil, alcohol, Advil, alcohol. On our way back up, we met many sight seers who were not prepared in any sense of the word. It was an icy trail and the top and we had crampons on the whole way down and up. Some people came down in sneakers and loafers. I am happy we did this and survived (at my age of 64). Later that same year, I did another hike up 3,000 feet elevation in Vancouver, starting at sea level. This one was much steeper and just as exhausting. Conditioning, water and proper footwear and clothing are required.
Absolutely. We saw people walking down in flip-flops! I think another problem is people are in a hurry and make it such a raise when actually it’s just 1 foot in front of the other! I think when it comes to prepping more is always better!!! I also think sometimes no matter what you do a hike is just not going to go your way! Even though I live in the plans I’m in Colorado frequently so the altitude does not bother me but the heat was a surprise! All in all, the things I did right out weighed the factors that didn’t go as well. What I really found astonishing, since the last time I went to the bottom, was the amount of people that run down the canyon and run back up for training in the awful heat! Of course they are not 53 like me but wow! That’s a workout!
Just, and just only wonderful, dear. What a description ! What a photography ! Great article structure. I’m jealous, dear !
Thank you my friend!!
that was a great story; glad to hear you accomplished what you set out to do, with a little bit of help from a stranger. good luck with your next hike.
Thank you! It is amazing how many good people there are in this world!!!
Oh man! I had the same experience with the non-hikers getting in my way! After hiking up the Grand Canyon, getting close to the end, and then just have someone walking right on your side of the trail and not moving…was the most frustrating experience!
I’m so glad you ran into Katherine and that you were able to see Phantom Ranch, to check off your bucket list! Awesome job and awesome post!
Thank you! The problem with the non-hiker is isn’t just at the Grand Canyon though. we ran into it at Yosemite and also at Colorado!!! I think at the grand canyon now someplace or that there is a sign or something saying that uphill has the right away, well mules first, then uphill!! And yes check in Phantom Ranch off my bucket list 40 years after I first wanted to go there is pretty cool!! Next hike will be into plateau point because I was on my bucket list back then as well!!
Plateau Point is on my bucket list too!
Adventures are always good. Better when they end on more positive notes. Sounds like a great time. And interesting how living in one place does not always prep one for another. Spent some time working in West Texas and then Louisiana following that. From a dry heat to a very damp one. Ugh….But your trip will be something you will always be fond of among others. jerry
It is interesting how the climate is different. I know when we are at the Grand Canyon the heat does not feel like the Midwest heat because of a lack humidity!!!
I’m hiking there in September, same trip as I did last year. It’s my vacation so we make it easy and spend a night at Indian Garden on the way out. The canyon is an amazing place that can’t really be truly appreciated form the rim! Glad you safely finished your hike!
I agree it is a place to truly appreciate from the bottom up! We are going to try for a permit in May and stay at Indian Gardens and go out to plateau point because I have not been out there yet. So funny how this place just keeps drawing me back there!! Enjoy your time in September! My first hike down was in September and it was a great time! Rafted the river when we got down there. It was so hot I just slept on a cot out in the open at night!!! I loved it!!!
I enjoyed your post! Makes me feel better to know others get as exhausted and hot
as I do.
That is part of why I wrote it. I think there are other people, like me, who can get tired, hot and sore but think everybody else is just flying through it!! I tried to make it as realistic as I could for someone over 50 which I am!!
Well, you did a great job!
Thanks!
What a fantastic read. I will definitely be coming back to this again when we get a chance to do a proper hike! Your photographs are wonderful! Well done!
Thank you!!!
Fantastic reporting and photography, plus impressive effort and endurance. 11 hours up – wow! We honeymooned at El Tovar in 1984, so it was nice to see your photos of the interior – classic! We mainly walked the rim, and took a short jaunt down to the tunnels and back. Altitude sickness was a problem for us sea-level folks. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you for the kind words! El Tovar is pretty cool! I love the old National Park Lodges and try to stay at them when we are visiting a national park!! When I was there as a kid in 1978 we walked to the first tunnel and back….it was just enough to give me the canyon fever…lol….always wanting to experience more of it!
Great story! And that settles it in my mind…I might be walking down…but I’m hiring a heliocopter to bring be back up. No cost too great!
Down is definitely easier except it’s hard on knees. We are going to go down, spend another night, and hike back up again in the spring if we can get a camp permit! Not sure why, but I love it!!
I lived in Arizona for 4 years and never made it to the Grand Canyon. I definitely want to go after reading this!
It is a wonderful place!!!
This was such an interesting and informative post!!!! I LOVED your picture of the green ribbon of river on your way down. I’m not a hiker and have only seen the Grand Canyon from above, the southern rim. I learned so much in this one post about the rules of hiking, what’s needed, what it’s like. I love living vicariously through your posts. 🙂 So glad you were able to make it up and kudos to Katherine. How lovely!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!! I didn’t start hiking until I was 47!!!
Wow, this was quite the journey! So glad you came though everything okay…with an wonderful assist from Katherine. You took some incredible photos too…those views are amazing!
Thank you! It was a great time in retrospect!!! I certainly Felt very blessed meeting so many wonderful people especially Katherine!!
So amazing! Between Katherine, ice cream, and being able to spend the night at Bright Angel – just incredible! And gotta say, ‘cept for your endurance training, which I wouldn’t’ve even thought about! your list of things you done right made me feel a lot better ‘bout doing that just surviving another summer here in Central Texas, lol! All the best to you two! 🙂
It was amazing!!! Thanks!! Every high can you take I always learn something I could do better but then I always have to remember things I did write otherwise I’m too hard on myself!!! The best to you as well!
Yes, it’s a struggle not to be too hard on ourselves when we try so hard, but worth remembering! Almost as much as this incredible trek ya’ll made! Inspiring! 😊
Fascinating read, what an adventure . Fab photos too x
Thank you!!
This is so beautiful. I am really looking forward to go there too 😊
It is a beautiful place!
You’ re nominated, dear, for the “Special Blogger” Award. Here’s the link, Lori, of the nomination : https://outosego.com/2019/08/10/nominated-for-the-special-blogger-award/
Ps: If you choose to take part on this, i wish you all the best. Take care and enjoy, Lori.
Thank you very much, I do appreciate the recognition very much but I’ve decided that I prefer not to participate in blog awards. Best wishes to all those who have been nominated!!!
Thank you, Lori, for answering back. I respect your decision, dear. You’ re a wonderful blogger. Take care and enjoy, Lori.
I enjoy your blog as well!!
Stunning! And great info! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and sharing your adventure with you and Steve.
To have met a true ‘Trail Angel’ on Bright Angel Trail is quite fitting and says volumes about our community.
Keep up the great work. Looking forward to your next adventure!
Thank you! I think It is so great with all the problems in the world today to know that there are so many true angels especially when I’m out hiking!!!
Nice blog and beautiful photos!
Thank you!
What an incredible trip! Love your pictures. We hiked about 7 miles round trip from the north rim, and that hike back out of the canyon is rough! Even in November, when we had camped at 19 degrees the prior night, it can feel hot during the day.
I too have hit the wall like that before. It’s tough not only overcoming the physical challenge but the mental challenge of putting on foot in front of another at that point. How wonderful that so many strangers were so kind. In my travels over the past few years, I have found that being in nature brings out the absolute best in people, and it gives me hope for our future (which I do not always feel these days!).
Great post! Keep adventuring!
Thanks! It’s good to know others have a rough time with hikes sometimes! I do believe that you are right about nature bringing out the best of people. I have found no matter where I hike I have always met kind, happy and good people.
Also, I forgot to note that I’m typing this from a hotel in Flagstaff, so funny timing! I won’t be seeing the Grand Canyon today, as I’ve been to both the south and north rims, however will be wandering around this area a bit and down to the red rocks of Sedona, which I’ve never seen. Then it’s back though my beloved New Mexico and home to Tennessee.
I can’t wait to see your posts on Sedona! I drove through there before my Havasu Falls hike but did not do much else. My husband and I both want to check Sedona out! Have fun there and in New Mexico! Safe Travels!!
You are so fortunate to see Havasu Falls! It is on my wish list.
I’m sad to say that I don’t have that many pictures from Sedona. Coconino National Forest and Sedona were national park-level-busy this Monday, and I couldn’t get a campsite, so ended up driving all the way to El Morro National Monument that night. Also, my pup Juniper seemed really heat-stressed, thus the long drive to El Morro to find some cooler weather. That Flagstaff and Sedona area landscape is amazing, and I will definitely be back one day to spend a few days there (but not in busy summer season, ugh!).
I don’t blame you!! That he can be pretty rough on everybody!
Very nice post, nice pictures.
Thank you!
Fantastic images and information. 🙂
Thank you!
The Grand Canyon is amazing!!!!
Ot most certainly is!!!
Looks amazing and what great views! Looks like you had a great time.
It is an amazing place!
Wow! Thanks for sharing your experience. It mirrors my hiking trip from yesterday! I went to Mount Rainier to do a little hiking. I try to pick “moderate” or easy trails. I run on my treadmill, train and try to stay in some kind of “fit” by walking/running in the park, occasional hiking. But yesterday, just about did me in! Though it wasn’t anywhere hot like your trip, I just couldn’t do the hills. My body would not cooperate. I had to acknowledge my age (66) and acknowledge that I can’t do what I could do decades ago. It’s depressing and disappointing, but I know that I can still hike, just picking easier trails, and can still enjoy getting out and being active! Today I feel so much lighter and happier, it’s amazing. I hope to get to the Grand Canyon soon. My mom’s family was from Iowa, and I spent some time there when I was little. Kudos for your travels. I’m headed to Jasper National Park next month to do more exploring. Thanks for checking out my blog too, Natural Views. I’m very behind on posts!
I have not hiked Mt Rainer but busted the are as a kid in the early 1970’s. I remember it being very beautiful! I think sometimes some hikes, for whatever reason, are just tougher than other days.
Thanks for sharing your experience.And you are right, even with preparation things can go wrong. I’m spending a bit of time in the west next year, although I’m not sure it will include a hike in the Grand Canyon. We’ll see.
Spending time out west is always great no matter where you go! Thanks for commenting!
A well-told cautionary tale. My wife and I will be going rim-to-rim next August. Living in Texas, we have a training advantage and a lot of experience in hot-weather hiking!
Have a great hike!! I truly think heat acclimation was my biggest issue! I never have a problem hiking in the Southwest after our hot humid summers in Iowa! Rim to Rim
Sounds fantastic!!
I enjoyed (with sympathy) your Bright Angel Trail experience. We hiked a good bit of the trail just last week! We had wanted to stay either at the Phantom Ranch or the campground but couldn’t get a reservation. (I grew up in Iowa btw- now in Illinois)
It’s a tough one!!!! We are going to try for a permit this May at Indian Gardens and check out Plateau Point. I will definitely be doing more training this time!!!! Iowa is a great place to grow up in!!
I grew up in Ames, did graduate work in Iowa city. We hiked just to plateau point then back up last week- beautiful view. Also- fun fact- just got our frequent flyer to Greece next fall so I am checking out your blog- thanks for Crete info especially- We want to do Samaria Gorge
Oh cool! I worked as an ER RN at Ames for several years!! We love Greece! I will
Be posting more on Crete, then Santorini and Athens over the next several weeks. We did not hike Samaria Gorge but did do some smaller gorges! We found Crete to be very nice. Also found some great places to eat!!! Sounds like Plateau Point is worth the hike!!!
This is such a beautiful and encouraging post for someone like me who is hoping and aspiring to be fit again. I so really want to do these hikes but first, fitness. One day soon, I will get to Grand Canyon!
It was an eye opener for me, as I had been a lot more fit just a few months earlier, got kind of cocky and quit some of my exercise routines. Ok, most of them. Starting this January I started to get back to the gym and added things each month. I still have a ways to go but it does make a difference. When we hiked at Yosemite in May, I was much better than the canyon but not there yet. In August I hiked Colorado and I could see a difference from May to August. We just returned from hiking Greece and I really could tell the working out paid off. I do get discouraged because at 53 it is much harder to get back in shape then it was at even 45, like I said, I have a ways to go!! You will get to the Canyon someday and I can’t wait to see your posts!!!!
I’ve done this hike (well actually down Bright Angel and up South Kaibab) and I know how challenging it is. It does sound like you did everything right and had the right gear. Possibly just an off day, or hotter than was comfortable. I’m glad everything turned out well, and also glad to see you posting a cautionary tale. I’ve seen people way less prepared walk into the canyon. We saw a ranger talk about how often they need rescuing. Anyway, if you’re interested in my account of the trails, take a look at https://daringdayhikes.home.blog/2019/04/14/almost-rim-to-rim-day-1-grand-canyon/ and the related pages.
I’d love to take a look!! I still think I didn’t prepare as I had in the past. I hiked Bright a Angel and rafted 2014. Also hiked Havasu in and out 7 months earlier!! He was definitely a factor since it was still really cold in Iowa and we went out and went from 40° temperatures to over 100!! We are thinking of hiking down to Indian Gardens spending the night there and I can over to plateau point if we can get a permit in May! Something about the canyon draws me there!!!
I’ve done this hike (well actually, down Bright Angel and up South Kaibab) and I know how difficult it is. Despite your modesty, it sounds like you were pretty prepared and you had the right gear. Maybe you were having an off day, or it was just extremely hot. In my two visits to the canyon, I saw a fair number of people who looked unprepared for what they were doing, who ignored the “down is optional, up is mandatory” warning. We saw a ranger talk at Phantom Ranch about how many people need to be rescued. I’m glad your trip turned out well, and I’m glad to see your account contains a cautionary tale. If you’re interested in my trip, please check out my blog (I see you were there today). Anyway, nice article and I’m looking forward to reading more. Larry
I have been at Grand Canyon 5 times or so, but never had the guts to hike down as I was afraid I would not make it up again. It looks so steep and you pretty much confirmed that it is a hell of a hike back up.
It was hell on the way back but I made it. I had wanted to do it since I was 12. I shouldn’t have waited 40 years!!!
Thanks for all these great tips. It’s great that you’ve highlighted the areas where people may struggle and how to properly prepare for your hike. This is certainly on my bucket list and I’m totally up for the challenge!
So worth going to!!! The feeling you get when you reach the top is wonderful!! Don’t forget an ice cream once you get to the top!!!
My husband and I visited last year! We can’t wait to go back an explore more with trails like this!
We enjoyed it!!!! I never tire of the Grand Canyon!!
Amazing pictures, it looks like a really beautiful hike!
Thanks. It is a beautiful hike. So amazing to see the colors of the canyon.
Reading this post you give me hope that I can hike up one of this parks in the future. You’re so brave and I like the idea of waking up so early in the dawn to avoid so much heat in the day time. I love this post!
Glad you liked it!! It was the most amazing and hardest experience of my life but the most fulfilling!!! Thanks for your comment!!!
Wow – I’m so glad this ended up being a good trip for you. That heat is no joke. Congratulations on finishing your epic hike!
Thank you!!! Heat does suck but I’ve been working on endurance training as well to give me a better hike next time!!!
wow i never thought to hike during a visit to GC.. don’t know why! Definitely will do some endurance training prior so we can do one of these hikes.. what a cool (but hot!) experience!
It was a great experience. Next time I will be more prepared!!
Great hike, isn’t it? I made it in November and the weather was perfect.
Great job!
Thanks! The hike is awesome. I wondered what it would be like in November. I did Havasu in October and it was hot!
Well done on completing this amazing hike. The views are well worth it. Preparation really is the key, I think. You certainly earned the beer and the ice cream.
Thank you!!!
Hopefully you had the Canyon Crunch ice cream at the Bright Angel Lodge. 🙂
I had vanilla!! It was right out side the Bright Angel!
i have been to Grand Canyon a couple of times but never really did any hiking. Your post has inspired me to do one next time. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad it did!!! I would definitely do it again if I get the opportunity!’
Hoping to do this hike in December
Have a great time! It is quite the journey!