Hiking the Grand Canyon down and back up in a single day turned into the toughest day of Dave's life. After finishing the Everest Base Camp trek, he figured it would be a piece of cake, but the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails, a 4 AM start, and two weeks of illness proved him wrong.
Overconfident After Everest
Fresh off the Everest Base Camp trek, Dave assumed a one day Grand Canyon hike to the bottom and back would be easy. The day started at 4 AM heading down the South Kaibab Trail, and all was well for about two hours. Then reality hit: he had been sick for two weeks leading up to the hike, with fatigue and a sore throat sapping his strength.
When the Body Pushes Back
About two hours in, Dave's toes started bothering him, followed by a hip flexor. By the time the group reached the bottom of the canyon, he was literally wondering how he was going to get back out. It is an honest account of how quickly a big hike can turn difficult when your body is not at full strength.
Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel
The group stopped at Phantom Ranch for a welcome rest at the bottom before starting the long climb back up on the Bright Angel Trail. Dave calls it a very tough day, and the video stands as both a cautionary tale and a practical preview for anyone considering the famous rim to river to rim challenge.
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