Our hiking started at the South Kaibab Trail
On April 10th at about 645am 7 of us started down the South Kaibab Trail. 10 hours and 45 minutes later at about 530pm 4 of us finished our day by reaching the top of the Bright Angel Trail. The other 3? They finished at about 2pm. What?!?!! 2pm?? I’ll explain in a bit.
In a previous blog I told you what we were doing to prepare for this day. Now you’ll hear what and how we did.
As planned the group arrived at the Canyon on Friday afternoon. Got a good night sleep and made it to the first shuttle to take us to the trailhead at 6am. We began our hike at about 645am. 4 of us hiked and 3 of the group decided to run it. Run it?!? Yes. And it’s not unusual to see several people running these trails. It’s nothing I’ve ever entertained even when I ran. I love the scenery way too much. But that is how they finished 3 and a half hours before us.
Karl hiking the South Rim on the Grand Canyon
Now Let’s Talk about the Weather
The weather on this day was clear. But very warm – and actually hot during the 2nd half. When we started it was in the high 30’s. When we hit Phantom Ranch it was 100. Halfway up at Indian Gardens the temperature gauge showed over 110 but I really doubt that since it was facing the sun. 100 is more like it. It did get cooler as we gained in elevation, but the sun didn’t give up. When you plan a trip like this you typically have to do it far in advance so it can be difficult knowing what the weather will be like on that specific weekend. I have planned this one for almost the same weekend each year and have had different experiences with weather. Several years ago, there had been snow and ice on the trail for about the first half mile. So. Chalk it up to being part of the adventure.
Food in my Pack
This is what I carried in my pack for food:
- 3 chicken thighs
- 6 hardboiled eggs
- nuts
- beef jerky
- 2 bananas
- 2 apples
- water (started with a full 2 liter bladder and 4-16 oz bottles of water).
Also in my pack were trekking poles, electrolyte tablets (I use Nuun tablets), a first aid kit, 2 chargers, charging cord for my phone, small towel, pair of socks, knife, headlamp, and extra batteries.
Everyone in the group did great and, although exhausted at the end, had a great time. I was especially proud of Nichole who 2 years ago did not put the training in that she needed to and paid the price for it. This time was far different, she upped her training intensity and for a good part of the trek up Bright Angel led the group.
If you decide you want to do this hike in the future and have any questions, please feel free to contact me at karl@longevitypt.com.