U.S.A. - Arizona
Grand Canyon, Rim to Rim - Day 1: North Rim to Phantom Ranch
May 24th, 2008
The trail into the Grand Canyon began at the North Rim, along the North Kaibab Trail. Starting at 8,250 feet, it was a 14.2 mile hike down to Phantom Ranch, decending about 5,850ft into the canyon. We planned to spend 2 nights at the bottom of the Canyon before hiking out to the South Rim, making this a 3 day hike. It was 28°f when we started, and a fresh coating of snow from the night before was unusual for this time of year. It didn't look like the best weather for hiking, but the snow storm had passed and the weather forcast for the next 3 days looked good, so the hike into the Canyon was on.
Day 2 - Phantom Ranch
May 25th, 2008
We spent the next day at the bottom of the Canyon at Phantom Ranch campground. That was a good thing, because after the 14.2 mile hike the previous day, we could barely walk. We had underestimated how hard it was going to be hiking 14 miles with 40lb backpacks, so we had arrived at camp after dark, completely exhausted. To ease out sore legs, we took a short 2 mile hike along the 'River, which follows a small loop from the campsite. Crossing the 'Silver Bridge', the trail follows the Colorado river before crossing back over the 'Black Bridge' and back to Phantom Ranch.
Day 3 - Phantom Ranch to the South Rim
May 26th, 2008
From Phantom Ranch to the South Rim, it's about 10 miles, with an elevation gain of 4,460ft.