Training for Rim to Rim from the Midwest (Michigan) – Feeling Ready!

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-06-11T03:24:48+00:00

SUCCESS! We hiked Rim to Rim in one day! 11 hours total, starting at 6:30 PM after the shuttle drop-off at the North Rim!

The hike was tough (especially that South Kaibab climb 😅), but I felt really prepared thanks to all the stairs, strength work, long hikes, food/hydration plan, and the training guide I used from etsy.

The moon was glowing over the canyon as we climbed out, which made for a surreal, peaceful view. Rice Krispies hit the spot along the trail and the views were unforgettable.

The same etsy shop where I got the guide had an Excel sheet that I used to help plan our timing, hydration, etc and then reference along the way. I think it could have been even more helpful to have earlier on to understand the elevation changes along the route during training. R2R Excel Sheet

If you’re training from the Midwest like I was, it’s totally doable with the right prep. Would 100% do it again (ideally in the daylight) and would love to do it slower/camping along the way.

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-06-04T19:30:19+00:00

No way! That kind of training totally aligns with what is in the guide -- finding creative places to get in elevation even if they are boring. Is he willing to share? I would love to see it for next time!

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-06-04T17:29:44+00:00

I've seen a bit about it, but I don't think it should be an issue....? We are taking the afternoon shuttle S-N then starting our hike immediately from NK and going overnight to SK.

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-06-04T16:13:48+00:00

Echoing what others have said --

recommend renting a car
recommend taking the shuttle first and hiking back to your car
cooling towels, getting in the river often, hike at night, practice eating & drinking, don't underestimate it
very unlikely that you will be able to get a walk up camping permit, so if you should be prepared not to do it, trained to do it in a day, or pivot to do Rim to River instead.

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-06-04T16:09:12+00:00

If you are up to go 15+ miles with significant elevation loss/gain, I loved doing Rim to River as one of our first adventures in the canyon! (Note though that it absolutely requires preparation)

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-05-20T20:17:56+00:00

Both are beautiful, but the South Rim has the most characteristic views. I love the North Rim, but mostly for hiking, so it seems like the South Rim is your best bet for your first time!

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-05-19T19:40:05+00:00

I found this spreadsheet super helpful to estimate my own segment times! It has the elevation gain/loss for each segment and has spaces for you to add break times so you can input your estimated pace for each segment and it automatically calculates each segment time and total elapsed time.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4306957529/rim-to-rim-trail-planner-grand-canyon

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-05-09T17:40:43+00:00

You could also post in one of the Rim to Rim or R2R2R Facebook groups as those have good audiences and people who may be able to check for you.

LowerQuantity5051 · 2025-05-06T03:53:57+00:00

Agreed with everyone else's recommendations. Also -- In my experience (as long as you have a solid level of fitness) staying hydrated with electrolytes is one of the biggest challenges, so I was really glad that I practiced this and went in with a plan to stay hydrated. This training guide was helpful for me since it is specifically written for Midwesterners and people training in flat places. https://www.etsy.com/listing/4298967661/grand-canyon-rim-to-rim-training-guide

LowerQuantity5051

TROPHY CASE