Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim - Who does that?!?
Early in the year, I stumbled onto a Facebook group about hiking the Grand Canyon - like from one side of it to the other. I was immediately smitten and dove deep into this whole Rim to Rim thing. I wanted to do it and looked around for a formidable companion. Evan was the lucky guy who wondered through the kitchen at “just the right time.”
I played it cool like, “Hey man, this looks kinda neat. I bet we could do that. Wanna try?” “But hey, I’m gonna do it no matter what so don’t feel you have to.” I said this several times even though all flights, cars and rooms were booked - even up to the last days. I wanted him to know that he could back out at any time. I wanted him to WANT to do it.
On Sunday, June 9, Evan and I set out early in the morning for the airport. We flew into Phoenix, rented a car and drove to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. As you can imagine, our first site of the canyon was breathtaking. We’ve all seen pictures. But to see it in person is just whole new perspective. It’s just so vast and soulful.
All and all we hiked over 25 miles. A lot of the trip was quiet taking in the awe of the canyon. Even though it was physically challenging, it was mentally healing. I felt so much gratitude. Grateful that I’m healthy enough. Grateful that all the pieces fell into place. And most grateful that Evan was there with me. I say it all the time. My boys are 20, 18 and 16. If there’s something that they want to do with me, my immediate answer is “Yes!”
After the hike, we spent most of the time, wondering around the rims of the canyon. The North Rim is a totally different landscape than the South Rim. The North is quiet with tall pines and quiet. The South is dessert and touristy.
We squeezed in a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. It was a last minute add on that I’m so glad we did. It was amazing! After seeing it from the bottom as we walked, it was so cool to see it from the opposite perspective from the air the sky.
Before we left on Wednesday morning, I took a walk to the canyon for one last view. In those last few challenging miles, I swore I would never do it again. Evan agreed. A few days removed and I’m ready to go back. And I think he’s just wacky and hearty enough to go back too.