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Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim

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Run Across the Grand Canyon...Twice

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you tackle the Grand Canyon's iconic Rim to Rim to Rim route (R2R2R). This trail run spans approximately 42+ miles and takes you from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the North Rim and back, all with a goal of doing it in one day. It's not just a run; it's a journey through one of the world's natural wonders and a bucket list trail run for many.This guide aims to make your journey as smooth as possible, so you can focus on the run, the views, and the experience.🏃Who Is This Guide For?
This guide is tailored for experienced runners looking to plan a successful R2R2R run. If you're aiming to set speed records, this is likely not your best resource. Have fun, challenge yourself, and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery. This guide focuses on enjoying the run and making the most of this epic adventure with friends.🤔 Why Write This?
After organizing this run for two years in a row for a couple groups, I couldn't find any excellent resources that were comprehensive or turnkey for our groups. I'm simply a passionate trail runner who created some resources I thought would be helpful for others. I hope to share this epic experience with as many people as possible and make it easier to plan the adventure of a lifetime.This is a work in progress. I welcome feedback and input on how I could make this better.Disclaimer & Warning
This guide is for informational use and does not constitute advice or an endorsement. Undertaking this challenging, self-supported activity involves significant risk. You bear sole responsibility for your safety and decisions.

Share your Adventure

Share your feedback

I would love to hear from you! Do you have a great story about R2R2R? Do you have feedback? Let me know how we can make this a better resource for folks by sending me a note via the contact form.

Disclaimer

Proceed at your own RISK

Participating in a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R) run in the Grand Canyon is a self-organized, self-supported endeavor. This is not a professionally organized event; there are no aid stations, crew support, or designated medical facilities along the route. The only access for medical and rescue services is at the canyon rims or by helicopter. This significantly increases the risk compared to organized ultramarathon events which have frequent aid stations and medical support.The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only, based on personal experiences and publicly available information. It is not intended as exhaustive guidance nor should it be construed as professional advice.The National Park Service does not support this run and there are many signs warning about the dangers of descending to the river and back in one day. In fact, the NPS recommends a trip of 3-4 days for R2R2R.By choosing to run R2R2R, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your decisions, preparation, and actions before, during, and after the run. It is imperative that you evaluate your physical condition, prepare adequately, and consider consulting a healthcare provider before embarking on this challenge. Respect for the park’s regulations, the natural environment, and commitment to leaving no trace should guide your preparations and actions.Everyone who starts this run is making their own decisions and understands they need to be self supported and have adequately prepared for the run. Down is optional. Up is mandatory.If you're ready for this challenge and have prepared accordingly, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Proceed with respect for nature, your fellow trail users, and yourself.

Overview

Run Overview

Rim2Rim2Rim is an iconic and epic trail run. You will depart from the South Rim, descend to the Colorado river, pass through Phantom Ranch, ascend to the North Rim, and then return to the South Rim in the same day. The run is roughly 45 miles and has over 10,000 ft of total elevation gain, with long sustained climbs.Unless you're are trying to set the FKT...it's very important to remember this is NOT a race. There is no podium. No rankings. No belt buckle. No merch. No prize money. Enjoy your time. Run smart. Be safe! Avoid red lining: Focus on high, sustained torque…not top speed.🗓️ When to Run
Weather conditions and temperature variations between the canyon rim and the inner canyon, especially in "the box," play a critical role in planning your run. To avoid extreme conditions, it's best to aim for early spring or late fall. Summer runs are discouraged due to potentially hazardous temperatures exceeding 100°F. Winter poses its own challenges with possible ice, snow, and limited water availability.We have run both times the first weekend in November and had great luck with the weather. The first year, there was snow on both the North & South Rims, it was short lived and in many ways the cold on the climb up to the North Rim was welcomed and refreshing. The second year there was no snow on either rim and it was warmer, especially on the more exposed, midday return through the box. This also allowed our group to train through hot weather and carry some heat adaptation into the run (vs a spring run where you would train through the winter time).When planning your run, consult historical weather both at the rim and inside the canyon to get a better idea of historical, average conditions for the time you're planning on running. NPS Weather Resource & NPS Backcountry Guide are both good resources when selecting your window.🧭 Route Options
The official FKT route is an out and back that starts and ends at the South Kaibab Trailhead. However, many, like us, will opt to start at either South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trailhead and end on the other trailhead you didn't start from. This route forms a sort of Y when viewed from above. Both times we went, we departed from South Kaibab and returned to Bright Angel. Running this route allows you to experience both of the major trails leading down from the South Rim and has the added benefit of being slightly less elevation on your return trip .🏃 Breaking Down The Run
R2R2R is not your typical trail run, as it starts with a huge descent and ends with a massive climb…it’s essentially an upside down trail run. The route has potable water available during certain times of the year, though it’s absolutely critical to check the NPS’ water availability guide before starting your adventure. On your return, you will (hopefully) have the opportunity to stop for a rest, lemonade, tea, snack, etc at Phantom Ranch’s Canteen’s "side window". Enjoy the respite, as you’re about to head back up the final climb.During the run, you will be self supported, carrying all of your own nutrition, first aid, clothing, lighting, poles, etc. Outside of a possible stop at Phantom Ranch’s Cantina for lemonade and other snacks, you’re going to carry all your own food. There are no aid tables out here, folks!

Key Resources

Planning Spreadsheet

I have created a spreadsheet to help plan your run. The spreadsheet has 3 tabs. Please don't hesitate to contact me using the form at the bottom of the page to suggest improvements or let me know of any errors.This has been a KEY resource in preparing for the run and I hope it will be a good resource as you plan your own adventures.1. Route & Run Planning - This sheet gives an overview for the route starting at South Kaibab -> North Rim Trailhead -> Bright Angel Trailhead. Use this spreadsheet and tool to help plan your route, look at pacing, timing, milestones. This has some rudimentary formulas to estimate pace changes on grade based on the base pace you input. This should give you and idea of grade impact, but certainly is not a highly scientific GAP calculation.
2. Gear Consideration List - This is a list of gear that may help you be prepared and successful in this run. Use it as a starting point to build out a loadout that works well for you.
3. Nutrition & Calorie Helper - Use this tool to dial in your nutrition plan, calculate the energy density of your nutirition plan. I have included a number of food options for consideration, but of course you should input the food items you're planning on taking with you.🗺️ R2R2R Run Planning - R2R2R.Guide Public Version - Please read the instructions on the first tab.Please provide me with feedback if I can make improvements!

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Dive Deeper

Key Resources

Below is a currated list of links and resources to prepare and learn more.

Maps & Apps

Logistics

Travel
Travel & logistics are also a major consideration for many traveling to the Grand Canyon for this run. Our group traveled from the East coast. Of course, you'll need to adjust based on your location, preferences, timing constraints, and situation.This sample itinerary gives you plenty of time. You can certainly do it with less time on either side of your run.A cautionary travel tale: our first time doing R2R2R, one of our group members was set to arrive the evening before the run, but with flight delays getting into PHX and a long drive, they didn't get checked into their room until 11pm. Given we were waking up at 3am, this didn't give much time to get in, familiarized, packed, and get some rest before the run. We got it done, but this was a clear "area of improvement" for our second run.On The Trail
Make a plan with your group BEFORE you begin your run. Will you be sticking together no matter what? Will you stop at set points along the trail to regroup with everyone? Is everyone going to run at their own pace? There is no right way to do this, but you should have discussed this and agreed ahead of the run.It's crucial to minimize our impact on the natural environment of the Grand Canyon. Public trash cans are only located at the North and South Rim trailheads, with limited disposal available at Phantom Ranch for items purchased there. Please carry out all your trash, respect the pristine nature of the canyon, and ensure nothing you bring in is left behind. Remember, we're guests in this epic landscape—let's keep it clean and beautiful for everyone.Most of the route does not have cell phone service. You'll likely get some service at the North Rim Trailhead / parking lot (a "proof-of-life" selfie is a solid idea at this point). You'll also start to get signal on and off as you climb up the South Rim.I highly recommend everyone take a GPS tracking & messaging device. They can provide a great deal of peace of mind to folks back home who aren't running as well as enabling you to communicate with other folks you are running with. We've had good success with Garmin inReach Minis and Zoleo's. These require a monthly plan, but it can be purchased month-to-month. They are also avaialble through many outdoor gear rental services. Some newer cell phones also offer SOS service for contacting emergency services when out of cell service range.Pressing The SOS Button
A personal friend had a member of their group run too fast, hydrate too little, and eat too little. They ended up getting heat stroke about 2 miles away from Phantom Ranch on their return from the North Rim and essentially passing out on the side of the trail. Luckily, my friend arrived and had a Garmin inReach and decided to press his SOS button.This initiatied a sequence of events that likely saved his group member's life:

I share this story for a few reasons. It's illustrative about how vital these GPS communicators can be if an emergency occurs. Err on the side of caution and use the SOS button if you or someone in your group is having an emergency on the trail. It's also a story that shows the risk of someone going too hard, too fast, being under prepared, and not hydrating and eating properly. This run is not the same as other trail runs where there may be fire roads, aid stations, and ways to "bail-out" if things go south.Respect the run. Pace yourself. Hydrate. Eat. Take breaks in the shade. Remember, the R2R2R is a serious undertaking. Your safety and the safety of those around you should always be your top priority. Prepare well, stay alert, and don't hesitate to call for help if you need it.

Detailed Sample Itinerary

Wednesady - Travel & Arrival

Thursday - Acclimate & Familiarize

Friday - RIM2RIM2RIM

Saturday - Recovery & Travel Day

A couple thoughts for the day after your run.You may opt to wake up, grab breakfast, and head to the airport to get home. We had half our group do this without issue!You can also choose to take a little more time after your run. Some ideas might include:- Revisit the trailhead where you finished to look back over what you accomplished.
- Book a helicopter tour to get flown through the Grand Canyon
- Grab lunch with your group back in Flagstaff
- Have a celebratory dinner with your group before leaving