R2R - #2

Pretty sure we're crazy. Four weeks ago we embarked on our first R2R hike with a break for two nights at Phantom Ranch. This week, we go back and do it again but this time straight through without stopping.

July is not the time to hike the Canyon with the extreme heat. However, we've taken the advice of several people, including Rangers, and are planning to hike R2R overnight. Although we won't get the views of the Canyon, we will have the opportunity to see nocturnal animals and take advantage of the cooler overnight temperatures.

Here's the plan. We found that time milestones help in keeping us motivated so we're hoping that's true this time as well. This is aggressive for us since we're "Sunday afternoon hikers" and not real fast. The record for R2R is just over 3 hours...seriously! Most references indicate that 10-14 hours is more reasonable. We're hoping for about 12.5 hours.

6:15p - North Kaibab Trailhead - Elevation: 8,241ft.          
7:00p - Supai Tunnel (1.7 mi)
8:15p - Roaring Sorings (5 mi) - Elevation: 4,800 ft.
9:00p - Cottonwood Campground (6.9)          
9:45p - Ribbon Falls Junc (8.5 mi)
11:30p - Clear Creek Junc (13.1 mi)
11:45p - Phantom Ranch (13.6 mi) - Elevation: 2,480 ft.
12:30a - S Kaibab Bridge (14 mi) - Elevation: 2,600 ft.
2:30a - The Tipoff (16.1 mi) - Elevation: 3,870 ft.
2:45a - Tonto Trl Jc (16.3 mi) - Elevation: 4,010 ft.
4:15a - Skeleton Pt (17.7 mi) - Elevation: 5,200 ft.
5:15a - Cedar Ridge (19.2 mi) - Elevation: 6,060 ft.
6:30a - Trailhead (20.7 mi) - Elevation: 7,260 ft.

 Big week ahead, especially after Nana was sick most of last week and training went on hold. Lots to get accomplished before we leave this week!