Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park

This was my third time to the Grand Canyon, and I wanted a different view. After a week long trek of the Mighty 5 in Utah, I felt I was ready to face the task of hiking rim to river and back in a day. No small feat, but I was ready to do something I had wanted to do since I first saw the canyon years ago. I know it is highly recommended not to do this hike as it is grueling and can get extremely hot and the dangers of dehydration are real, but again I was ready,

I spent the night at Mather campground and left early and caught the shuttle bus minutes later. at 4:30 am going to the South Kaibab trail head, and was walking by 4:45. Three hours later I reached the mighty Colorado River in all its splendor, it was magnificent! Crossing the bridge and heading up river to the Bright Angel Trail I realized the biggest chore was ahead. I took snacks and stopped periodically to refill my hydration bladder and a water bottle.

The last 3 miles were the real gain in elevation, and showed me what I was made of. I was at the rim and caught the shuttle back by 12:45, beating the heat, somewhat, and making good time for nearly 17 miles. I would never recommend this hike to a novice because the dangers are many, but when I reached that rim I was a happy man, attaining a goal I had long aspired to attain. Next time- Rim to Rim!

Sincerely,
Bobby

Grand Canyon National Park

America’s Southwest is full of breathtaking canyons, but none as famous or as widely visited as the Grand Canyon. This world-famous landmark offers wondrous views, spectacular hiking, exhilarating whitewater rafting and countless adventures. One look across the enormous chasm confirms just why this inspirational place is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a must-see destination for so many travelers. The park also protects a wealth of biological diversity, including numerous endemic and threatened species and several rare ecosystems.

State(s): Arizona

Established: 1919

Share on:

“I think it is wonderful to have the opportunity to help the NPCA in keeping these parks alive for myself and future generations to enjoy.”

National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!

 {{ active ? "Cancel" : "Begin"}}

Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.

You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.

In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!

Here’s your unique story page link:

{{ storyUrl }}

* indicates Required fields

Click to choose a file to upload

Submitting your story means that you agree to our Terms of Service

More Stories

  • Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park

    I have visited numerous national parks in my lifetime; however, one week-long visit and trek will forever be remembered: My University of Colorado Geology class field trip in the summer of 1993. On the way to the Grand Canyon, our class stopped and camped one night at Petrified Forest National…

  • Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park

    My husband, Doug, has never camped in a national park. We bought a rooftop camper and set off the 5 hour drive to the Grand Canyon and spent 24 hours hiking, biking, eating and sleeping at the Park and he loved it! Good thing I bought an America the Beautiful…

  • Greetings from Grand Canyon National Park

    The first park we ever visited together was Grand Canyon National Park. We had only been dating a few months, but it was always at the top of my bucket list so Roberto surprised me with a trip. Not only did we fall in love with GCNP, but we fell…

Donate

Preserve Our Parks

Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.

Donate Now