In May of 2009 myself, Derek, and my dad were able to mark an amazing hike off of our check list of things to accomplish in this world. The hike from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 25 miles. We started our hike at 6 am much to dislike of myself and Derek and finished the hike around 4pm. *Just so everyone knows my Dad who is 58 years old did beat Derek and I out of the canyon by about an hour*
The hike was beautiful. There were small waterfalls along the path as well as a sparkling clear creek through nearly a quarter of the hike. My Dad took the time to stick his feet in the water, whereas, Derek and I did not and wish we had. The trip was cool in weather on the North Rim where it was about 40 degrees in the morning but at the bottom of the canyon the temperature increased significantly to around 85 degrees. Luckily, it began to rain in the middle of the afternoon on the ascent out of the canyon on Bright Angel trail or I think I may still be at the bottom of the canyon.
There were a ton of man made bridges through out the hike and I was amazed at how well maintained the trail and campsites were. Every few miles there seemed to be a place to fill up water and use a clean bathroom (j-john).
I vowed to myself to never do the hike again once I was finished as every muscle in body screamed at me for not preparing for the long hike. But now I feel an urge to try it again with my wife. It truly is an amazing hike and place.
