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Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit

Back from Grand Canyon Rim to River: pacing mattered

Feb 10-11, 20262 people1 min read
C

Charles O’Sullivan

1 reports

4.0
Difficulty
4
Scenery
5
Trail Conditions
5
Done Grand Canyon Rim to River a few times now. Here is the latest. We went North Kaibab to inner canyon camp w/ a next-day climb out starting at 5:35 AM. Wind on exposed ridges eased after sunrise and made pacing simple. Upper switchbacks held some icy patches before sun hit them. Ratings: 4 overall, 4 difficulty, 5 scenery. The kind of day that resets perspective.

Conditions at Time of Trip

Feb 2026

Weather

Wind on exposed ridges eased after sunrise and made pacing simple.

Trail

Upper switchbacks held some icy patches before sun hit them.

Water

We treated every water stop as optional and stayed over-prepared.

Crowds

Crowded

💡Tips from the Trip

💡

General

  • Break in boots at home.
  • Test new gear before the trip.
  • Turnaround time is not negotiable.
  • Bring the rain layer even if clear.
  • Sunglasses are not optional.
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