Grand Canyon R2R2R

[Double]

The folks I run with on Sunday morning had been planning this run for a couple years.  So, October 12th at 3AM we set out with our varying abilities with the intention of enjoying the day and getting back in one piece.  We had a group of 4 and we slowly worked our way down into the canyon in the pitch dark.  The trail uses lots of logs anchored into the trail to prevent erosion.  There are also many rocks on the trail which remain there because you do not want to pitch them over as they may impair someone below.

We had this thing dialed in.  All the logistics were studied in detail to prevent any derailments.  Just before daylight, we reached the Colorado River.  We crossed over to Phantom Ranch (9.6 miles) and started the 13.7 mile climb to the North Rim.  The last 5 miles of this stretch are not only beautiful, but pretty darn steep in sections.  It was here that one of our party had to stop.  Fortunately, we came across two girls from Denmark who were willing to take Barry back around with them by vehicle to the South Rim (217 mile drive), so we could continue on.  Barry had been sick up to the day before the run, so he made a valiant effort to get to the North Rim.

Now we had to make hay and get back to Phantom Ranch before 4PM to collect our box lunch and get lemonade, (I had a Budweiser).  We made it back there in 3 hours over those 13.7 miles.  Fourty minutes later, we packed out and started the final 9.6 miles to the South Rim.  It got dark again just past Indian Grove (4.6 miles to go), but we knew we would make it out.  We did in a total time of 17:42.

I could write a book on all the experiences, but would say it was one of the best running adventures of my life.  I highly recommend this as an adventure trek.  Rest assured, be prepared and don't go with the attitude of achieving a fast time.  You want to stop and take a lot of things in.

[Ed]

Sounds like an amazing time - glad you enjoyed it.  Did you take a camera with you and get some photos?

[Ryan]

Double, that had to be an incredible experience. I'm sure it's one that you don't want to run for time for multiple reasons, primarily both the difficulty and taking in what had to be a simply amazing experience.

Congratulations on completing what had to be a very challenging but also incredibly exhilirating run.

[cameron]

legend

[Andrew A.]

Nice, this is actually something I have thought about doing for a while now. 

[Double]

I would recommend a small group.  Someone always tends to have something you forgot.  Safety can be an issue.  Practice on hills an do some walking.  We walked about 2/3rds of the way.  If you ever go, I can help out by giving you what we used that worked. 

This was not as physically hard as a 100 miler or a road 100K.  I mean, it works you, but I would say if the distance is covered reasonably then it is similar to the demands of a 50 miler one would run fairly hard.

Since we were all experienced ultra runners, the time continuum and persistent grind was something we managed well.  It appeared to us that many of the rim to rim crossers bit off more than they wanted to chew.  Way over or way under packed or prepared.  No real commitment to the group or contingency plan.  When you run into people and they are maybe averaging 1 mph, facing darkness, are beat, loaded down, and still have at least 7 hours to go; one wonders how does anyone without ultra experience make it?  No wonder there are like 300 rescues a year.

The hardest part is stepping over the logs and rocks in the last 5 mile stretch.  Your laterals are shot.  Have a plan, do some research, train accordingly, and ask the Rangers questions before you leave.  Time of the year is important.  They shut the water off in many areas after October 15th.

[rehammes]

Double, that would be a book that many of us would very much enjoy reading!  Great adventure, sounds like you guys had it nailed, too. 

I can imagine that adventures like this will become increasingly popular with the crowd of runners who have crossed marathons of their life's 'to do' list.  I highly doubt that many less serious adventurers would have the forethought necessary to handle whatever comes your way.  I think it sounds like a great time.  I think I would only go with someone who has gone before.  No way I could anticipate everyting! 

Thanks for sharing, Double!

[Layne]

Dave,

Can you tell me what airport you flew into? Phoenix? How long of a drive?

thanks,

Layne

[r-at-work]

very cool... back in 1975 I did it in one direction, South Rim to the Ranch, spent the day there and the up to the North Rim the next day, with a stop at some unmarked COLD pool    about half way up. However we were carrying packs and hitched back around... at the time I was horsebackriding fit and NOT hiking or hills fit, wow... the thought of how I felt after that has me in awe of your 'double'
-Rita

[Double]

Layne,

Flew into Phoenix.  About 3.5 hour drive to south rim.  South rim to north rim is 217 miles driving distance.