Hiking Grand Canyon Rim to Rim

[2chiefsRus]

We have hiked the Grand Canyon twice from the South Rim. We went down to Phantom Ranch on the South Kaibab Trail and hiked up and out on the Bright Angel Trail. Now we want to hear from folks who have hiked the Canyon Rim to Rim to assist us in planning a Spring 2015 Rim to Rim hike.

1. Tentatively planning to hike down the North Kaibab trail and back up the Bright Angel. Since the North Rim doesn't open until May 15, we are going to shoot for sometime between May 15 and June 15 for our start down date.

2. Where to leave our 40 foot class A motorhome - north rim or south rim? We know about the Rim to Rim driving shuttle for $85 per person. We could either leave motorhome at North Rim, then take the shuttle back AFTER hiking 3 days. Or we could leave the motorhome at the South Rim, and take the Shuttle BEFORE hiking 3 days. Either way will involve a night in a hotel.

3. We are NOT experienced tent campers so will need to purchase items for the hike. What do we absolutely have to have to spend 3 nights on the trail?

4. We are thinking spending the first night at Cottonwood campground, then another night at Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch. 2 nights would be better at Bright Angel if we can get them. Then hike out in one day on Bright Angel Trail.

5. Between arriving and departing, it seems like this will be at least a 7 night adventure with at least one night in hotel at one rim or the other.

Any suggestions from those who have made this hike would be greatly appreciated.

[BubbaChris]

I can't advise you on the hiking part, but North rim could still have snow if you're early in the season. For me the thing really going for the North Rim is you won't be hiking up into a sea of humanity (compared to South Rim).

Hope it goes well for you.

[B_s_Bunch]

I just hope that when you get to that place when you think no one else has ever been there that you don't look down and see a cigarette butt, coke can or empty water bottle. I used to ride horses a lot and got off the beaten trail quite often and it really just burned me up to get to a place of tranquility and find where some jacka$$ thought it would be just fine to throw his or her trash . I usually hauled more out than I hauled in. Go and enjoy. wish I could. Larry

[Lauren]

I have no suggestions but just want to say --- Good For You! God bless you and be safe.

In my late 40's - early 50's I was serious long distance runner - nationally ranked at 50K. OK, not 1, 2, or 3 but like 24th. Lived in Minneapolis and a friend suggested we run Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim To Rim - like 48 miles. I actually considered it but my good friend, Mr. Common Sense, convinced me otherwise.

We have hiked in the Grand Canyon and know people who have done it very seriously to the extent you are - they all say it is an experience of a lifetime.

(On edit - typos)

[hocker]

I did the rim to rim, north to south, in October '12. Wife stayed in our 5th wheel on the south rim while I shuttled to the north side, tent-camped in the campground close to the trailhead on the rim, then spent 3 days and 2 nights doing the hike (I could only get a 2 night permit, one night at Cottonwood and one night at Indian Gardens). I'd vote for leaving your rig on the south side...it was great to be able to walk off the trail, immediately get on the park service shuttle bus and get into my "home" a few minutes later at the RV Village. Done.
I'd also vote for one night in each of the three campsites in the canyon...Cottonwood, Bright Angel, then Indian Gardens. Carrying a backpack all the way UP in one day might spoil the fun if you're not used to this type of thing. Stopping at Indian Gardens for a night splits the torture in half and it gives you time to explore/enjoy that area as well.
If you're interested, I wrote about the hike, with photos, in my blog:
http://wherervgoing.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/october-8-14-2012/
Enjoy the hike!