Grand Canyon
September 20-24, 2023
Enrollment is still Open
THE GRAND CANYON RIM TO RIM HIKE WILL TEST YOUR ENDURANCE.
Time to scratch this wonder of the world off your bucket list. While this might not be a traditional mountaineering experience, the traverse through the Grand Canyon is a mental and physically challenge in and of itself. This 26 mile rim to rim hike has over 4,400 feet in elevation gain and will take your breath away.
Expedition Dates
Sept 20 - 24, 2023
Level
Beginner. Not a technical climb but excellent conditioning is required.
FunDraIsning Minimum
$2,800
The Climb
On this epic Grand Canyon hike, we’ll start from the South Rim and descend into the Canyon at dark and head down 3,500’ via the Bright Angel Trail. After crossing the Colorado River and having lunch at Fantom Ranch, we’ll test our personal limits and complete the 23 mile hike by ascending 4,000’ feet to the North Rim.
A hot dinner and set-up tents will meet us at camp. We’ll get some sleep before heading back in the other direction. We’ll descend from the North Rim via the North Kaibab Trail and 14.3 miles and 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon before connecting with the Bright Angel Trail and climbing 4,500 feet and 9.6 miles back out again to the South Rim.
REQUIREMENTS
This climb is open to all physically fit enthusiastic novices, beginners or advanced beginners. Volunteers will carry light packs with snacks and light layers in the canyon. Cold-weather gear will be left in the van for the meet-up at camp on the north rim.
Two Options are available: Rim-to-Rim (26 miles) or Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (return for a double-crossing, 50 miles)
All group camping equipment, like tents and cookware, breakfasts and dinners will be provided by the expedition crew. Hotels on both travel days are included. Cost of airfare to Phoenix not included.
Climbers provide their own personal nutrition and gear, however, let us know if you need assistance.
TRAINING
Whether you’re committed to 26 or 50 miles, hiking or running - you have to prepare for this life-changing trail. The Grand Canyon temperature changes, long hours in the sun and never-ending views require physical and mental capabilities from volunteers. We provide 9-week training plans for both R2R and R3 as well as a supporting team-building community on social media.
FUNDRAISING
Each climber is expected to raise $2,800 towards Climb For Hope’s mission of funding breast cancer and MS research and providing life-changing experiences for those affected by cancer.
When you sign up, we will provide a personal fundraising page and links for you to solicit or make donations. We are more than happy to help you with fundraising ideas, email templates, and marketing support, especially if you don’t have a lot of fundraising experience.
THE GUIDES
Our longtime partners, the experienced and professional guides at Rare Earth Adventures, handle all the nitty-gritty details of our adventure, so that we can focus on the landscape and our own personal experiences. Not only are they also highly trained to keep us safe and respond to emergencies, but they’re pretty good mountain cooks too!
TEAM LEAD
This expedition will be lead by Andrew Buerger, founder of Climb for Hope. Having both his sister and wife inflicted by disease, Andrew has committed to finding cures for breast cancer and MS.
Take advantage of this climb to understand mountaineering and garner 1-on-1 inspiration from our nonprofit’s founder.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Tuesday, September 19, 2023 - Travel Day
Fly to Phoenix, please arrive by noon. Drive to the South Rim together in expedition van (6 hrs).
Camp at Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon Village
Evening gear check, group introductions, team motivations and prepare for hike.
DAY 2 - Wednesday, September 20, 2023
R3 Group 6:00 a.m. wake up and start down the Bright Angel Trailhead. Hike from the Bright Angel Trailhead to the North Kaibab Trailhead which is called the Rim-to-Rim Traverse. The total distance is approximately 26 miles. The hike will most likely take 10-15 hours to complete for most of our crew.
R2 Group has a relaxed morning exploring South Rim, drive 4 hours to North Rim, assists in setting up camp at North Rim Campground and await arrival of R3 folks. Dinner provided!
DAY 3 - Thursday, September 21, 2023
All team members wake early to cross the North to South rim. Camp again at Mather Campground.
DAY 4 - Friday, September 22, 2023
Wake up at your leisure, the team will enjoy a big breakfast to recover, sharing stories of what we just endured. Tour more of the South Rim if you would like.
Depart the South Rim for Phoenix, AZ around 2 pm (4.5 drive). Folks could arrange for Red-eye flights on this day, otherwise, check into hotels and consider extending your stay to tour the national park.
DAY 5 - Saturday, September 23, 2023 - Travel Day
Depart for home.
