Rim to Rim to Rim

[lobo41]

DB Rice, who is also a member of HikeArizona; John Mumma, a friend from Puerto Rica; and myself hiked from the South Rim to the North Rim and back to the South Rim in less than 24 hours April 26 - 27. Hiked a total distance of 45 miles with over 20,000 feet in elevation change. DB took 21:50, John 22:00 and I topped out at 22:05. Since we used the South Kaibab, North Kaibab, and the Bright Angel Trails, I am not sure a RTRTR classifies as a separate hike. I can write it up if there is any interest.

[joebartels]

Ummm... I'm interested! :P

You know everybody is always interested in hearing the details. Especially for such an accoplishment as RTRTR. Tips on prep and views on strategies come in very handy for newbies.

You know I do this one weekly…HA

Seriously, that's incredible! I take it you took a bath in Flex All afterwards.

[Dragon188]

How could you carry that much coffee to stay a wake? I would have to take a nap after hiking to the first rim . The real question is how painful was it and would you do it again?

[joebartels]

[quote='lobo41']I am not sure a RTRTR classifies as a separate hike.[/quote]

Most definitely does!

I started the site because there was no such thing as a hike called 'Browns Peak' on the internet. Sure there's 'Browns Peak Trail' but it only takes you near Browns Peak. I figured if I was interested certainly somebody else might be too.

I was chatting with Cindy Coons the otherday about this.
I don't generally go into depth on the basics.
ie: Humphries, West Fork etc

The real excitement is sharing the less documented hikes. Superstition Ridgeline, Upper Woods Canyon & Geronimo Head for myself. I venture to guess Fritszki was a tad bit more proud offering Battleship Mountain and Mazatzal Peak compared to Barnhardt Trail. This isn't to say to say basic trails such as Squaw Peak aren't appriciated but I think we all look forward to reading about the hikes that push the limit.

I love Papago Park but there's really nothing exciting to write about. 'I jumped on my bike and did the 0.8 mile loop ten times'... On second thought... Papago Loops! here I come!

[montezumawell]

Congratulations, lobo41, that is one awesome accomplishment! The only way we would ever be able to do that RTRTR is in our dreams and even then we would probably wake up stiff and sore just dreaming about it!
We were thinking about the RTRTR just the other day and wondering what kind of people do that hike these days and then, poof, here comes your message. We, for two, sure hope that you go into some pretty extensive details on your experience. Us armchair travelers will read and savor every word. Even though we will NEVER, EVER be candidates for such an epic, we sure would love to hear all the details about it. Undoubtedly, we will be talking about whatever you write for months. Sure, people do that marathon hike but we don't know any of them. We don't know you, either, but at least we belong to the same 'virtual hiking club' and that counts for a lot. So PLEASE do write up your experience and don't skimp on words. THANKS!

J&S in RR

PS--We were also reflecting on something the other day on the Humphreys Trail. About 20 years ago there were enough gonzo people around to organize a race called 'Hole to Hump' or something like that.
If our foggy memories are close to correct, the 'contestants' would hike down to Phantom, hang out, swap tales, etc. and then get up and scoot out of the Canyon, jog across the Rimlands and cinder cone fields and then climb up to the top of Humphreys. First contestant to the top won. Supposedly they could do this in under 24 hours. As we recall, John Annerino (he of epic hiking fame) was a ring leader in the event. DO anyone know or recall anything about this?

[snow22_5150]

Congrats on the accomplishment. That is awesome! I am doing this trip next year, but certainly don't plan on doing it in less than 24 hours. Give us some details. We want to hear all about it!

[Mike]

Lobo41, congrats!! That is an incredible achievement and I humbly bow to you!!

I did about 1/2 of this a couple of years ago, south rim to north rim, on the South and North Kaibab. Took me about 12 hours. I was with a friend and his 13 year old son. I probably could've done it in 10 hours, but I spent some time waiting on them in a couple of spots (because his son was developing blisters). However, there was no way I was doing the return the same day!! I don't even want to think about how sore I was the next day!! 8O I'm still hoping to do the RTRTR some day, though!

[olesma]

Woa! That is impressive. My best is 26 miles (with a 50 lb. pack) in just under 8 hours. Then we missed our ride and had to walk another 4 hours (after lunch) before someone picked us up for the last 12 miles back to base camp.

RTRTR - that has always been a dream of mine - except mine involves an overnight stay at the lodge on the North Rim - shower and a BIG steak dinner included.

All in one day. That is seriously impressive. Did I mention that I'm impressed?

[azhiker96]

Congratulations! That is my next major goal. I'm planning to do the RTRTR in September or early October. I hike S. Kaibab to N. Kaibab in about 11 hours with my brother last fall. We were whupped when we got to the top. I learned a lot though and think I can fix enough mistakes to make the roundtrip. What time of day did you start and what time would you start if you hiked it again?

[lobo41]

What time of day did you start and what time would you start if you hiked it again?

azhiker96:

We left Phoenix at 7:30 in the morning. Our plan was to get to the Grand Canyon around noon, have a bite to eat, take a nap, and then start hiking at 5:00 pm. But, having had a big breakfast at Camp Verde, we were not hungry and we were too wired to nap. So, we started hiking at 1:30 pm.

If I did it again, I would spend the night on the rim and start hiking at 7:00 am.