Hiking the Grand Canyon 2023
I hiked the Grand Canyon last week. It was the second time in the last decade I was able to hike down, and then back up, on the same day. Some notes, thoughts, and highlights about this hike:
First off, the South Kaibab Trail is challenging no matter how great of shape you are in. 14 miles round-trip. 12,000 vertical feet elevation change. 9 hours from start to finish. Being able to complete this hike is an accomplishment, and I'm happy to still be able to do it successfully.
A couple of firsts:
First time I've done a *significant* physical challenge with my wife, and it was great to share the experience with her. I was super proud of her both for wanting to try the hike and then for succeeding.
It was my wife's first time ever hiking the Grand Canyon. (It was likely her last time too, but that's ok.)
First time I've hiked the canyon without any event-specific training. I have been dedicated to a full-body, functional-strength workout, exercising consistently week after week and month after month. I knew I was in better general shape than I used to be, but not in as good of trail-running shape. I was interested to see how the different training was going to translate to such a long endeavor. And I was pleased with the results.
I continue to maintain that everyone should make it a point to see the Grand Canyon in person, and even better to hike down 45 minutes or so to the place where the amazing views really open up (Ooh Aah Point.) It's one of those places where National Geographic and Imax just don't do it justice compared to what you can see with your own eyes.
Trekking poles are the way to go. We did not see many other long-hikers without poles, and by the end of the hike both of our knees felt it. If/when I do this again, I'm going to try using poles.
The hike was the same as last time I hiked it. The views, vastness, and majesty of the Canyon are almost magical. On the flip side, the trail is long, steep, and relentless.
The hike was very different than last time. I'm older, I was with my wife, we hiked at a slower pace, and we carried more water (weight). It was, in some ways, more challenging than last time. But also more rewarding.
Photos from the hike:
Fresh and clean at the top of South Kaibab Trail, 6:00 am, 24 degrees
Ooh Aah Point. Battleship Rock (in the background between us) is where we’re headed.
The trail below Battleship Rock is grueling.
The black suspension bridge across the Colorado River comes directly out of the canyon wall.
We made it! 9 hours, 14 miles, and 12,000 vertical feet.
- Chris Butterworth