2 days at Grand Canyon South Rim - what to do (1 Viewer)

[FBG26]

Myself and 2 friends found this out the hard way in our early 20s. We made the trek down to the Colorado River and back up and out in one day. Would not recommend.

Me and two friends, also in our early 20s, found this out as well.

It can be done, but it requires the right supplies and preparation. I did it back when I was 25ish and in marathon shape. It was tough but doable. No way I could do it today. 

I was also with a group of people that had done down/back in a single day before, so we were prepared as a group. We started down at daybreak. I think each of us had a camelbak backpack with 2 gallons of water and lots of food.  We rested for an hour or so at the bottom, made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. Coming back up is definitely very hard, fortunately we came back up a trail that was shaded for significant portions. You would definitely not want to come up the path we took down, as that was full sun in the afternoon.  My feet were pretty beat up when we were done, but otherwise made it no problem.  Even then, it probably wasn't a smart idea and I wouldn't recommend it. I'd simply say, if you are going to attempt it, bring lots of water and some snacks. 

 

[kutta]

thanks... We will be there Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday next week.

Great! I’ll see if there’s a way I can make it up there for a bit.

You guys should check out Jerome - it is a nice drive fro Sedona and an awesome place. And take the drive up 89A to Flagstaff. One of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever do.

 

[kutta]

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[bigbottom]

It can be done, but it requires the right supplies and preparation. I did it back when I was 25ish and in marathon shape. It was tough but doable. No way I could do it today. 

I was also with a group of people that had done down/back in a single day before, so we were prepared as a group. We started down at daybreak. I think each of us had a camelbak backpack with 2 gallons of water and lots of food.  We rested for an hour or so at the bottom, made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. Coming back up is definitely very hard, fortunately we came back up a trail that was shaded for significant portions. You would definitely not want to come up the path we took down, as that was full sun in the afternoon.  My feet were pretty beat up when we were done, but otherwise made it no problem.  Even then, it probably wasn't a smart idea and I wouldn't recommend it. I'd simply say, if you are going to attempt it, bring lots of water and some snacks. 

You hit the nail on the head - supplies and preparation.  That said, it's totally doable in your 40s and not in marathon shape, so long as you've adequately trained for it and as you mention have adequate supplies and preparation.  I've done the Rim 2 Rim in one day four times in my 40s (which is more difficult than down and back up) and didn't consider myself in marathon shape.  It was incredibly difficult, but absolutely doable.  Of course, I was climbing football stadium steps, and going on long hikes for a few months prior, to get my body prepared for the experience.  And yes, each person in our group had a Camelbak with a 3 liter reservoir.

And you are 100% spot on about the alternate route back up to the South Rim.  It's longer, but it does have shade and water stations.

 

[Mile High]

It can be done, but it requires the right supplies and preparation. I did it back when I was 25ish and in marathon shape. It was tough but doable. No way I could do it today. 

I was also with a group of people that had done down/back in a single day before, so we were prepared as a group. We started down at daybreak. I think each of us had a camelbak backpack with 2 gallons of water and lots of food.  We rested for an hour or so at the bottom, made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. Coming back up is definitely very hard, fortunately we came back up a trail that was shaded for significant portions. You would definitely not want to come up the path we took down, as that was full sun in the afternoon.  My feet were pretty beat up when we were done, but otherwise made it no problem.  Even then, it probably wasn't a smart idea and I wouldn't recommend it. I'd simply say, if you are going to attempt it, bring lots of water and some snacks. 

Yeah it can be done because I did it. Your way of doing is much preferred over the way my 2 friends and i did it. Wish you had been with us.