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Run Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

40.79 miles

Elevation Gain

11000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

Epic running in one of the world's greatest natural wonders. You'll get to experience the popular South Rim, secluded North Rim, and immense desert canyon all in one day, on foot!

This run is an extreme adventure and requires lots of planning and training. The risk for injury or heat related illness is high, so take precautions and don't run alone. Group sizes of 12-30 require a $175 permit from the NPS. These trails are popular with runners, hikers, and backpackers; please be respectful on the trail.

There are a few ways to run R2R2R, with the popular option being down South Kaibab, up North Kaibab, and up Bright Angel on the return. The distance for this route is slightly longer than returning to the South Kaibab TH. There is no vehicle access to the South Kaibab TH. It's a 2.4 mile run from the visitor center or a 10-minute shuttle ride. The shuttle leaves at 4:30 am and every half hour until 6am, and every 15 min after that until 1 hour after sunset. Average time to complete R2R2R is 13-15 hours. There is also a supply mule train that comes up South Kaibab in the morning, it usually starts between 8-11 and shouldn't impact early starters.

There are 3 year-round water locations: Phantom Ranch, Pump House and Indian Gardens as well as water at the South Rim trailheads. The rest are all seasonal with water usually available on the North Rim by May 15 (or when the rim is open to vehicle travel). As a general rule, the ideal times to run R2R2R are early April to mid-May, and late September to late October. Temperatures during this time can approach freezing at the rims and over 110˚F in the canyon. You can escape this heat in the winter but do not risk running on snowy days. Summer is not an option due to the extreme heat throughout the day.

Other guidelines and info:

  • The Grand Canyon ecosystem is stark, bountiful, and fragile at the same time. Please respect the trails and follow leave-no-trace guidelines.
  • If you have a large group, split into smaller sub-groups to limit trail impact.
  • Mule trains have the right of way.
  • Communicate to other trail users as you approach them to minimize surprises.
  • Down South Kaibab - Up Bright Angel Trail (45 Miles)
  • Down Bright Angel - Up Bright Angel Trail (47 Miles)
  • Down South Kaibab - Up South Kaibab Trail (42 Miles)

This run can be a life-changing event and if you're properly prepared, incredibly fun!

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Features

Fitness
Running
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Reviews

I completed this run on Oct 31 of last year and encountered a couple of problems, most important being water shut-offs. To anyone trying this as their first ultra (like me), I recommend purchasing a shuttle ticket from the North Rim just as insurance. At that time of the year shuttles only ran once a day, and even though I didn’t use it, I’m glad I had a ticket - you need to purchase in advance. Also, exactly one week to the day after we completed this, I saw people posting photos of the trail completely covered in ice towards the North Rim. Be sure to check weather & NP updates! This FB group is a great resource too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grandcanyonr2r2rrun/ P.S. Try the lemonade at Phantom Ranch! It’s the best!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cremation Canyon via South Kaibab Trailhead

Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge

Utah Flats via Cremation Canyon

Backpack the Grand Canyon's South Rim

Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Loop

South Kaibab Trail to Tip Off