GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Grand Canyon Rim to Rim run is extremely beautiful. It is also one of the most strenuous and potentially dangerous runs anywhere. The run begins at the North Rim at the Kaibab Trailhead, goes past Roaring Falls, through Phantom Ranch to the Colorado River, and continues up the Bright Angel Trail, through the Devil's Corkscrew and past Indian Gardens to the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village. The elevation drop from the North Rim is about 6,000 feet to the canyon bottom, and then climbs approximately 5,000 feet to the South Rim.

WARNINGS:

1. The distance, heat, aridity, elevation (7,498 feet) and long steep climb of 11 miles at the end of this run virtually ensures dehydration, no matter how much fluid you take in. At best, you are on the verge of heat exhaustion by the time you are 3 miles from the finish. Run with at least one other person, drink lots of fluids, and "only" take the Bright Angel Trail up the South Rim (it is not as strenuous as the South Kaibab Trail and there are water fountains at periodical intervals).

2. Watch where you're running: erosion barriers and rocks on the trail will probably trip you at least once during your run (hopefully not on a cliff). Twisted ankles are common, and broken bones not uncommon.

3. The National Park Service has noted a large increase in the number of search and rescue missions during spring and fall weekends to rescue injured people attempting to run rim to rim. The approximate cost for a helicopter rescue is $2,500 and is the only way out if you have a serious problem.

DISTANCE: 24 miles.

North Rim: Start of the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Run. Begin at dawn and work your way down the cliffs. Be sure and watch out for the erosion barriers - they're a real tripping hazard!
Continue down the cliffs - carefully.
As you get closer to Bright Angel Creek, you'll pass Roaring Falls on your left.
Wading a seasonal side stream along Bright Angel Creek.
Along Bright Angel Creek on the way to Phamtom Ranch, at the confluence of Bright Angel Creek and the Colorado River.
Along Bright Angel Creek.
Crossing Bright Angel Creek.
A broken bone in the foot twelve miles into the run!
Phantom Ranch - get a couple of lemonades, sit in the shade, and then cross the Colorado River and start up the South Rim. By mileage count, you're more than half way to the top of the South Rim - timewise, you're only starting this run!
Cross the Colorado just past Phantom Ranch, and stay on the Bright Angel Trail the rest of the way.
Stop for a dip in the Colorado.
Up the "Devil's Corkscrew" after crossing the Colorado.
Continuing up the South Rim between Devil's Corkscrew and Indian Gardens.
This sign warns not to: "hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back in one day! This is a two day trip."
Below Indian Gardens.
Above Indian Gardens - coming up the South Rim.
Higher on the South Rim.
Almost finished - within sight of the end!
The end of the best run in the west!