The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show

In Part 1 of the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike, we made it from the South Kaibab trailhead to the North Kaibab trailhead in just over nine hours—a hike done completely in the darkness.

With the sun finally coming up, I have nothing but questions as I wonder how my body will react having already hiked 21.5 miles with 11,000 feet of elevation change. Now, we do it all over again—21.5 more miles to the finish at South Kaibab. Only then will the double crossing—the one-day Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike—be complete.

Whether your goal is Rim-to-Rim, Rim-to-River, or any of the Canyon's iconic hikes, you'll no doubt find some useful information in this first-hand, from-the-trail account of my attempt at my first Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. Primarily the domain of trail and ultra runners—which I am not—I knew I wanted to do R3 as a hike. 

In the second part of this adventure, my struggles will be evident as I try to complete the #1 hike on my bucket list.

This is part two of what the one-day Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike—43.9 miles with more than 22,000 feet of elevation change—is really like.

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The all-new Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is LIVE!! This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

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For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

For the best and most helpful Facebook groups dedicated to hiking the Grand Canyon, search for:

  • Grand Canyon Hikers
  • Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
  • Grand Canyon R2R2R Run!
  • Grand Canyon R2R+ Training
  • Grand Canyon Hikers and Backpackers

What is The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show?

Welcome to THE home of Grand Canyon hiking. If it happens below the rim—from short day hikes to Rim2Rims and beyond—you'll learn all the tips and tricks to have your safest and most memorable Grand Canyon experience.

Host Brian Speciale brings you stories of triumph, tragedy, and trail-won wisdom—told by first-timers, seasoned vets, and Canyon insiders alike.

But don't just take our word for it; here's what our listeners say:
“I am continually inspired by the guests and the vulnerability of everyone to share their story—so others can learn and make their own.”
Whether you're planning Rim2Rim or just dreaming of hiking the Grand Canyon, this is the podcast that prepares you—mind, body, and spirit.
“An invaluable resource.”
"Brian and the community he has curated is such a welcoming place and wealth of information."
“It’s the perfect mix of inspiration, realistic caution, and tips for success.”

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