Grand Canyon Rim to River notes: not what we expected
Mar 26-26, 20261 person1 min read
B
Booker Ashdown
1 reports
4.0
Difficulty
5
Scenery
5
Trail Conditions
3
Went minimal on Grand Canyon Rim to River. Here is what made the cut.
We went South Kaibab descent with one night at Bright Angel area starting at 4:45 AM. Rim started cold and the canyon floor warmed up by late morning. Stone steps were dry by mid-morning but still rough on knees.
Gear that worked: Headlamp, Sun hoodie, Puffy.
Traction and poles were useful for the first shaded switchbacks.
Ratings: 4 overall, 5 difficulty, 5 scenery.
Some trips stay with you.
Conditions at Time of Trip
Mar 2026Weather
Rim started cold and the canyon floor warmed up by late morning.
Trail
Stone steps were dry by mid-morning but still rough on knees.
Water
We treated every water stop as optional and stayed over-prepared.
Crowds
Crowded
💡Tips from the Trip
💡
General
- •Keep music in your ears only.
- •Move over for faster hikers.
- •Mark key waypoints.
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