Grand Canyon R2R2R Bucket List 2025

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R) Adventure - May 16-17, 2025

Sunset on route to Grand Canyon . L-R David Marlor, me, Markus Pirker, Andrew Barclay and Lisa Fehr.

The original group for this long-awaited adventure included myself, David Marlor, Andrew Barclay, and Markus Pirker. We had planned to hike Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R) on April 4, 2020. We all know what happened that year. Five years later, David and Andrew coordinated a plan to finally make this bucket list adventure a reality. Lisa Fehr joined the group, and with David and Andrew leading the planning, we booked flights and hotels. Andrew, having completed R2R2R in the past, suggested our hike itinerary.

The plan: Markus Pirker and I would run/hike the 80 km R2R2R route. David, Andrew, and Lisa would tackle the still-epic Rim to Ribbon Falls to Rim, a 55 km journey.

I’d never been to the Grand Canyon before. In preparation, I watched several YouTube videos and consulted with local groups who had completed the hike, especially on heat acclimation. It gets hot in the lower canyon, or "the Box," so timing is key—being there during the cooler part of the day is ideal. The Box also features some of the oldest rock on Earth, dated at 1.8 billion years.

My training included trail and road running, two to three strength sessions per week at Victoria Fit Collective (I'm a huge advocate of resistance training as we age), a few hot HIIT classes at Oxygen Yoga, yoga at Ma Yoga & Wellness for mobility and relaxation, one to two swim sessions with Mercury Rising, some post-swim sauna time, and road cycling. I commute everywhere by bike—I don’t own a car. It's a great way to get around town.

“At some point, it comes down to who can handle the boredom of training every day, doing the same lifts over and over and over.” — Atomic Habits, James Clear

May 15, 2025

We flew from Victoria to Vancouver, then connected to Phoenix. Smooth travels and no issues at the border, thankfully. We checked one bag with our hiking poles since they're not allowed in carry-ons in the U.S. Flying over the Grand Canyon, we caught a glimpse of its vast, colorful rock formations, winding Colorado River, and dramatic cliffs—bathed in sunlight and shadows, it’s one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.

After arriving in Phoenix, we rented a van (with Texas plates!) and made the 224-mile drive to the Grand Canyon. Dinner at In-N-Out Burger, followed by a grocery stop at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods (aka "Whole Paycheck"). Groceries were not much cheaper than in Canada—and the exchange rate was brutal at 1.40!

We arrived at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon Village, within walking distance of the rim. It felt like Christmas Eve; I was excited to see the canyon in daylight. Five people in one room was cozy, but it kept costs down.

Friday, May 16 — Day 1

After a good night’s sleep, we grabbed buffet breakfast ($20 USD, a better deal than a la carte). Honestly, the village food overall was underwhelming, but we had a big day ahead and needed fuel.

We played tourist and took the shuttle tour along the rim from Bright Angel to Hermit’s Point. It's a fantastic way to take in the views, especially for those with mobility limitations. Wanting to keep our legs fresh, we took it easy, checked out a few souvenir shops, and then I returned to our room to prep my trail running bag and try to nap before the evening start. Too excited and anxious to sleep, I made sure all my gear was ready.

Friday, May 16 — 6:30 PM

We caught a ride to the South Kaibab Trailhead. After saying our goodbyes to David, Lisa, and Andrew, Markus and I began our descent. Andrew got emotional—"You guys better get going or I’m going to start crying." I felt emotional too. The trail began with steep switchbacks and stunning views at every step. The steps were awkward for running, making it tough to find rhythm. The canyon’s layered contours and the distant Colorado River below were awe-inspiring. I quickly overheated in my Smartwool merino vest.

Markus led the way—he’s quicker on descents. We passed countless hikers wrapping up their day. As the sun set, we continued into the canyon, heading for the North Rim.

Night fell, and the trail was lit by my waist light. I prefer it over a headlamp for its lower beam and clearer path visibility. Bats swooped through the light—at first, I thought they were birds. It was mesmerizing, not scary. The canyon comes alive at night.

Markus starting the decent into the Canyon .

We reached Phantom Ranch before 9 PM. I was surprised it was still open, so we stopped for the famous lemonade. It was Minute Maid fountain lemonade—tart, cold, and refreshing ($6 USD for a large cup). I stored the rest in a soft flask. We refilled our water and added Tailwind nutrition. I had already consumed 1.5 liters in the first 2.5 hours.

We continued through the Box, alongside Bright Angel Creek. The soothing sound of water accompanied us. We met a thru-hiker heading north, 45 days into his journey. He must have been in his 60s—so impressive!

Approaching the North Rim, I took out my poles. The terrain was uneven and challenging in the dark. The moon, nearly full, cast a soft glow. Sleepiness crept in—it was around 1 AM. Other groups were on the trail, providing a comforting sense of community.

Early morning in the Canyon . Photo credit Lisa Fehr

At the top, the temperature dropped. We layered up—I put on my Arc’teryx shell. It was windy and cold. I didn’t take a photo at the North Rim sign, a regret in hindsight. Trader Joe’s turkey slices gave me a protein boost for the descent. Markus led the way again; he’s faster downhill. I stayed as close as I could, using poles for stability.

My left knee started aching—likely my IT band. I told myself: "Suck it up, whiny baby." There’s only one way out—on your own two feet. This happens on long adventures, and I knew it wasn’t an injury.

We reached Manzanita for a quick water refill and continued to Phantom Ranch. The sunrise in the Box was breathtaking—like a living painting. Shades of pink, orange, and gold colored the sky. Birds sang, and deer rustled through the bushes. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a reminder of nature’s power and beauty.

Back at Phantom Ranch, I hoped for more lemonade. Sadly, it wouldn’t be available until 8 AM. We were too early. As we left, we met David, Andrew, and Lisa, who had started at 4 AM and were heading to Ribbon Falls—an extra 4 km we hadn’t included.

The crew in the Canyon at Phantom Ranch .

Andrew had been taping his foot and considered backtracking to meet us at the Tip-Off (start of the Tonto Trail west). We also passed a mule train bringing supplies into Phantom Ranch.

At the Tip-Off, Markus and I waited 15 minutes for Andrew, but he had likely continued on. With no InReach message, we assumed he stayed with David and Lisa.

The Tonto Trail leads to the Bright Angel Trail and the final ascent. It’s a more gradual climb than South Kaibab. Midday heat kicked in. Markus and I took turns leading and resting in the shade. The switchbacks felt endless. Day hikers, fresh and clean, passed us, but we held our pace. When they learned where we had been, they cheered us on.

As I neared the top, I was in my own world—suffering silently but smiling inside. I soaked my buff in a stream to cool down and sipped water steadily. I craved an ice-cold Coke.

The final meters brought a cool breeze. Bittersweet—happy to be done, sad it was over. Legs sore, I stumbled over to the Bright Angel sign for a photo. We did it—mission accomplished! 77.33 km , 3, 596 meters elevation gain 17hours 53 min total time.

View from the top of Bright Angel Trail .

Markus and I went straight to the cafeteria. I ordered a Prickly Pear cider and a tofu power bowl ($30 USD). Not the tastiest, but it did the job. After a hot shower and some time with the massage gun, I napped for two hours.

Lisa made it back before David and Andrew. She hit her goal—50 km for her 50th birthday—despite past injuries. Her determination was inspiring.

Later, Markus and I took a cab to retrieve the van. By the time we returned, David and Andrew had also completed their route. They looked exhausted but triumphant. We picked up grapes, whiskey, and Epsom salts at the general store—everyone had their recovery priorities!

Sunday and the Journey Home

We enjoyed a final breakfast, shared stories, and then drove to Sedona for a scenic stop before returning to Phoenix. We had dinner and gelato to celebrate, then caught our flight home Monday.

I always feel grateful after these epic adventures. Five years post-pandemic, we finally made it to the Grand Canyon. We were safe, the weather was perfect, and the memories priceless.

Big thanks to Coach Matt Cecil for his guidance and new Glide and Seek anti chafing product thanks to Jed Greive, Andie Pask (Victoria Movement Collective), Peak Endurance Coaching for Wednesday workouts, and Ma Yoga & Wellness for keeping me mobile.

David holding a python named David Bowie,

I highly recommend putting the Grand Canyon on your bucket list—whether you hike it or not. Thanks for reading. Happy trails!