How long does it take to complete a rim-to-rim (R2R) hike of the Grand Canyon?
In terms of distance, it’s only between 21-24 miles, depending on which route you take. So, with sufficient planning and training, this hike can certainly be done in a single day.
But not everyone wants to try to complete a R2R hike in the shortest time possible. Some hikers want to linger and explore the inside of the canyon, knowing this might be a “once in a lifetime” adventure. So why not savor it for a few days, if possible?
Others aspire to hike the Grand Canyon in both directions. And completing a nearly 50-mile rim-to-rim-to-rim (or R2R2R hike) may not be feasible in a single day.
So, what is the ideal amount of time you’ll need to hike across this vast natural wonder? When pondering this question, there’s quite a few things you’ll need to ask yourself:
- How well are you physically conditioned?
- Do you want to hike one direction (R2R) or both (R2R2R)?
- What do you want to see along the way?
- Do you feel more comfortable hiking during daylight? Or is night hiking acceptable too?
- How much gear/weight are you willing to carry?
- Do want to apply for a backcountry permit?
Setting a timeline
Your overall aerobic conditioning, strength, and endurance may be the most important factors when realistically deciding how long you’ll need to complete this hike.
A high percentage of people underestimate the physical stamina required to ascend out of the Grand Canyon. The tendency to compare a R2R hike to other physical feats, whether it’s running a marathon or climbing Pike’s Peak, can set hikers up for failure.
None of those other endeavors truly replicates the stress your body will endure during this hike. Consequently, all Grand Canyon hikers should take on a rigorous training plan to specifically designed to prepare you for the steep descents/ascents on this route.
Some sample training programs for a R2R hike are available HERE and HERE.
How long does it really take to hike across the Grand Canyon?
A faster hiker (someone who normally averages a pace of 3-4 mph on flatter terrain) should realistically expect this trip to take at least 8-9 hours.
Of course, many variables can increase your journey beyond this rough estimate. For example, you might plan to take extended rest breaks along the way. Or you might be tempted to stop to take pictures and videos to document this experience. And it you’re a more moderately-paced hiker, you’ll need to increase your projected completion time for this journey to 10-14 hours – or possibly more!
Training for your R2R hike and ensuring you maintain good hydration during your trek are paramount to success. Both of these details will significantly impact the total time it will take to get to your R2R destination in one piece.
It’s also important to carefully consider your age and overall health. We all like to believe we can still hike as fast and as far was we did at some prior age. Overconfidence won’t help you out of the Grand Canyon though.
Your energy levels and excitement are bound to be tremendously high as you begin. Take a deep breath, steady your nerves, and start your hike slowly. This will give your muscles time to warm up. It can also reduce the risk of twisted ankles, falling, and over-stressing your joints during the long, steep descent.
No matter what your hiking style though, you should plan for this journey to take much longer than other routes with similar distance and elevation change. So take a little extra time realistically assessing whether your Grand Canyon hike should be a limited to single-day or stretched out into a multi-day trip.
Planning a one-day hike
Completing your rim-to-rim hike in a single day has its definite pros and cons. Some aspects of the logistics will be easier simply because it’s a shorter trip. Here’s a general list of reasons you may want to consider doing your R2R hike in a day rather than stretching it into a longer journey.
Pros of a one-day hike:
- No permits required. A single-day hike inside the Grand Canyon is considered day use of the park. There’s no need to obtain a backcountry permit from the National Park Service for such day hikes – even if your traverse includes some nighttime hiking. Permits are only required if you plan to camp or sleep inside the canyon.
- Weather planning. If you’re planing a brief trip, you can more easily avoid bad patches of weather. Let’s suppose it’s going to rain one day, but it will be clear and sunny the next. If you’re only planning a single day trip, you’ll have more flexibility to align with a good weather forecast.
- Less weight. Hikers completing a quick crossing can easily accomplish it with a daypack full of supplies. There’s no need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, toiletries, several days’ worth of food, etc. This lighter load will not only increase your overall comfort, it will make the climb out of the canyon easier on your body.
- Speed. For some people, crossing the Grand Canyon in the fastest time possible is a major goal. Ultrarunners aspire to see how quickly they can run the trails. Many long distance hikers also may want to push themselves to complete the route within a certain time. So, planning a one-day crossing can be a major challenge of this adventure.
Cons of a one-day hike:
- Limited daylight. Hikers could find themselves racing the sun to complete their journey during daylight hours. Depending on the time of year, R2R hikers will have between 10 and 14 hours between sunrise and sunset. Taking longer breaks, hiking slower than expected, or experiencing an injury can easily lead to hiking in the dark with a headlamp. And if you’re a R2R2R hiker attempting a single-day traverse, you’ll definitely have to do some of your hiking at night.
- Shuttle hours.There are limited shuttle services for one-way hikers wanting to return their starting point. These shuttles depart each rim once in the early morning (between 7-8 a.m.) and once in the early afternoon (between 1:30-2 p.m.) So, there’s a strong possibility you’ll need to make advance arrangements to sleep overnight at hotel/campground at the end of your hike. And remember, if you plan to finish at the North Rim, there’s only one hotel and one campground to pick from!!
Planning a multi-day hike
There are plenty of R2R hikers who aspire to hike in the fastest time possible. But, there are also those who want to draw out the experience and enjoy it over a period of several days. Here’s a few of the reasons why this lengthier option might be more appealing to you.
Pros of a multi-day hike:
- Good for all hiking abilities. Some R2R hikers want to share the adventure with friends or family members. And many of these companions won’t have the endurance to hike across the Grand Canyon in a single day. Splitting your rim-to-rim hike into multiple days allows stronger hikers to experience with a friend, a parent, or even a child.
- Camping. Few people can boast that they slept under the stars as majestic a setting as the Grand Canyon. With only a few small backcountry campgrounds, demand is high for these coveted campsites. Planning a multi-day trip allows you to savor your surroundings.
- Varied views. Hikers who take multiple days to cross the Grand Canyon experience it with more variety. You may have the opportunity to watch the sunrise or sunset beside the Colorado River and watch how the canyon changes through the day.
- Physically easier. Breaking the trip into multiple days allows hikers to listen to their bodies more. There is no need to attack the uphill climb to the rim on tired legs. You can slow down and take your time. This more leisurely pace will also minimize the risk of injuries and shorten your recovery time when you return home.
- No night hiking. Go ahead. Tell your friends that you spent part of your epic Grand Canyon trip trekking up or down a trail in the dark. Trust me, most of them will look at you in disbelief. Why would you want to miss any of the magnificent views? Breaking your hike into smaller chunks allows you to appreciate the finer details of this marvel.
- R2R2R logistics. Hiking 48 miles in a single day with 20,000 feet of elevation change is more than many hikers want to bite off. So, splitting your round-trip R2R2R hike into two distinct R2R treks can be more manageable mentally and physically. R2R2R hikers who opt for an overnight break at one rim can also bring less gear, refuel more easily, and rest comfortably before the return leg of their trip.
Cons of a multi-day hike:
- Permits/reservations. Multi-day hikers planning to camp in the canyon overnight will need a backcountry permit from the National Park Service. This process can be time consuming and frustrating due to the high demand for permits. However, being flexible with the days you want and which direction you’re willing to hike increases your chances of success. For more details, visit the Grand Canyon’s backcountry permit webpage HERE.
- Heavier Gear. A multi-day hike means you’ll need to carry more supplies than the average R2R day hiker. This additional gear means you will have to ascend out of the canyon with a greater load on your back than R2R day hikers. You can minimize this burden by trying ultralight backpacking gear and/or camping during a warmer season where fewer warm layers are necessary.
Final Thoughts
No matter whether you decide to hike across the Grand Canyon in one day, two days, or more, it’s certain to be a memorable experience. There is nothing quite like this journey to make you appreciate the diversity of terrain in North America. And there’s no right or wrong way to experience this epic adventure.
Interested in learning more about hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim?
Check out my posts on:
The material provided in this blog is informational only. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is an inherently risky activity. Every hiker is responsible for their own health and safety, and should plan for their rim-to-rim hike with those risks in mind. Outdoor Pilgrim is in no way responsible for the use or misuse of this information. Please hike responsibly!