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Route: Grand Canyon Crossings (AZ)

Location
Arizona, US
Distance
22.1 mi
Description

The Rim-to-Rim (R2R), R2R2R, and R2R2R2R2R (! aka 2xR2R2R) have been huge classics for many years. A speed record here really counts as a world-class performance, as many of the best mountain runners have tested their mettle in the Canyon. The fastest times are typically set by running the North and South Kaibab Trails.

Note that the R2R is typically run N to S, since the North Rim is about 1000' higher than the south.  However, some FKTs have been set as part of the R2R2R, and therefore in the other direction.  The R2R2R has basically always been run starting and finishing on the South Rim (Yaki Point).  This is because the North Rim is usually closed (inaccessible to vehicles) during times of the year when the weather is favorable (cool enough) to do this.

Davy Crockett has an excellent, detailed historical look at the history of Grand Canyon crossings on the Kaibab and Bright Angel trails, complete with many cool photos.

The R2R2R via the South & North Bass trails has its own Route Page here:  R2R2R-alt

 

*** Belt Buckle Route! ***
Rickey Gates and partner Elizabeth Thorp have created a series of custom belt buckles commemorating some of the most iconic and hotly contested FKT routes! The R2R2R certainly qualifies. Each buckle is awarded to the FKT holder, and passed on when that FKT is superseded. Currently this buckle is held by Jim Walmsley for the men and Cat Bradley for the women.

GPS Track
Rim_to_Rim_FKT_3_19_23_with_Ida_Nilson_Kristi_Knecht_3_19_3_20_3_21_.gpx659.83 KB

FKTs

Images
Related Routes
Grand Canyon R2R2R-alt (AZ)
This route on the old FKT site
http://fastestknowntime.proboards.com/thread/13/grand-canyon-az

Comments

pbakwin
Mon, 11/19/2018 - 01:13pm

Honorable mention:  Just 2 days after Ida Nilsson's excellent R2R2R FKT, Sandi Nypaver ran within less than 4 minutes of that time (and 19min under Cat Bradley's previous FKT)!

https://www.strava.com/activities/1973697316

"7:33:05, happily taking second to Ida Nilsson's 7:29:16", she said.

Here's Sandi's excellent & detailed report:  https://www.runinrabbit.com/blogs/rabbit-chatter/sandi-nypaver-fkt-grand-canyon-rim-to-rim-to-rim

champshire
Wed, 08/26/2020 - 04:36pm

I will be attempting a quadruple double-crossing, or R2R2R2R2R2R2R2R2R, of the Grand Canyon on October 2nd. You can view more or track me on elcuatrorun.com

 

burroslocos
Wed, 09/02/2020 - 08:41pm

As I posted on Instagram @burroslocos on January 10, 2019. I will be attempting to set new FKT times for x2,x3,x4 and x5 R2R2R during the week of September 26 - October 3rd. 2020. You can follow along at :

 https://maps.findmespot.com/s/VMTN

 

Aaron Fleisher
Sun, 11/01/2020 - 09:44pm

On Wednesday November 4th Peter Daw and myself will start an unsupported sextuple crossing of the grand canyon, or 3XR2R2R. We will each be carrying all of our own food and gear the entire time, and won't be accessing our vehicle at any time, accepting any assistance from anyone, or caching anything. We will each follow the style and standard set by Ras during his OKT/FKT,  including accessing any park water taps along the trail, and carrying out our trash.   

Aaron Fleisher
Thu, 11/19/2020 - 12:30am

Only 1 double crossing completed as that's the risk of team fkt. I'm starting a solo self supported attempt on Nov 19th. 

Lars Arneson
Thu, 11/19/2020 - 09:48am

Starting an unsupported r2r2r attempt from South Kaibab the morning of Nov 20th. Should be fun!

adamcondit
Wed, 04/14/2021 - 02:45pm

Does this site (or elsewhere) track any masters records on some of the more popular routes? I've looked with no luck. No problem if not, thanks for your time and efforts in all of this. It's great!

Hey Adam - No age group times/records are recorded against any route on this site. I don't know of any other site that does. Hope that helps you.

All the best

Jase

Fastest Known Time
Region Editor - AUS/NZ/JAPAN

Insta - jasetrim

Strava - Jase Trimmer

Paul Hooge
Mon, 05/17/2021 - 06:17am

I will be attempting multiple crossings up to ten (5 r2r2r), or until I’ve had enough. I plan to start early May 20th from the North Rim.  I will be doing this without human support, but using my vehicle and campsite on the North Rim to restock and rest. 

I can be tracked at:

https://share.garmin.com/findhooge?fbclid=IwAR37UrfDPkYRzKAWKPTqqfhUCyN…

 

 

Paul Hooge
Tue, 05/25/2021 - 12:35pm

I completed 5 R2R2R (10 Crossings) in 4 days 16 hours 23 minutes. I’ll submit my data and a recap to the moderators soon.Â