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Category: Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Double Crossing #6

May 29, 2006

I admit it.   I am addicted to running across the Grand Canyon and back.  There is just nothing to compare it to — the challenge, the beauty, the sounds, the trail, and the people.   I love that place and can’t wait to return.   When a cold front blew in for Memorial Day weekend, I checked the weather forecast and knew that conditions would be ideal for a run on Memorial Day in the canyon.   With my teenagers working and my wife wanting to paint a room, I took the opportunity for a quick solo trip from Utah to the canyon.   The North Rim is again open and I figured I would only have to be away from home about 27 hours — about 13 hours for the run, and 14 hours for the commute. 

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Grand Canyon Double Crossing #5

May 12, 2006

After a wonderful week backpacking with friends in Grand Gulch, Utah, we capped off our yearly week in the outdoors with a trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim.   The plan was for me to run my 5th double crossing (rim-to-rim-to-rim) and my friends would hike rim to river and back.   

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Grand Canyon Double Crossing #4

April 21, 2006

On a whim, I decided to take time off work and make a quick trip to the South Rim for another double crossing.   This would be my 4th double crossing, and my second double crossing from starting at the South Rim. The long 9-10 hour drive is a pain.  I arrived in the early evening.   The weather was sunny, warm, and wonderful   I decided to take a leisurely walk along the rim in the tourist crowd.   At Mather Point, I could see a great view of Phantom Ranch and The Box (canyon) heading up to the North Rim.   The Canyon was hazy due to some controlled burns in the area. I felt anxious to get going, but I planned to start around 1 a.m. (Utah time).   I like to do most of the first crossing in the dark, and make the return trip in the morning before it gets too hot at the bottom.

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Grand Canyon Double Crossing #3

November 5, 2005

After two weeks since my last double crossing, the big ditch was calling me again.  I decided to try a solo crossing to see how fast I could do it.   I drove to the North Rim Friday evening, arriving at about 9:30 p.m.   After making preparations and failed attempts to sleep, a little after midnight I decided to just go ahead and start.

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Grand Canyon Double Crossing #2

October 21, 2005

Five months ago, I accomplished my first double crossing of the Grand Canyon, running alone from the South Rim, to the North Rim, and back in about 14.5 hours.   I looked forward to returning, this time starting from the North Rim.  I invited my brother, Bob, to join me.  Bob had recently finished the St. George Marathon, and had run many 30-mile training runs.   I believed he could make it just fine and I looked forward to sharing the experience with him.

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Grand Canyon Double Crossing #1

May 5, 2005

Over two years ago, I considered hiking across the Grand Canyon, rim to rim.   I later wisely dismissed the idea.   I wasn’t in proper shape and I would have suffered.  Rim-to-rim hikes or even day hikes from rim to river and back are strongly discouraged by the National Park Service.   Rescues are frequent.   People overestimate their abilities and underestimate how strenuous such an adventure can be.   Another key factor is the hot temperature of the canyon.   Temperatures in the lower canyon are typically more than 20 degrees hotter than the rim.   Many hikers end up suffering from heat exhaustion.

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