Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim hike opinions/information needed

Here are two threads that document a R2R2R trip that a group of bplers did about a year ago. While we did it in a single day, there may be some useful information. Beautiful trip.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=56272

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=55804&skip_to_post=474055

That's actually a pretty standard GRCA hike, doing it the way the rangers want you to do it- slow, with obvious water sources. Most advice would depend upon WHEN you want to do it- April is different than July. And sometimes all of that downhill on the first day can kill your knees. But since you've already done that other GRCA hike I see absolutely no reason you can't do this one. North Kaibab trail is longer but less steep that the two South Rim corridor trails.

Another question: is it possible in November to camp beyond Cottonwood so as to make the day-hike to the North Rim more manageable? That is, hike from Bright Angel to (say) near Roaring Springs and stay there, thus shortening the next day's hike to the North Rim to under 10 miles round-trip and less elevation gain/loss. I'm thinking of my old knees and ankles.

In that travel zone you can only camp in designated areas, not At Large, and there is nothing else between Cottonwood and the North Rim campground.

Yes- the areas all around the Corridor trails are designated-site camping only. IIRC that means only Indian Garden, Bright Angel, and Cottonwood. There is some GREAT at-large camping to be had in the canyon but not around the Corridor trail system. There is also a single designated campground on Horseshoe Mesa, so you can't camp at-large on the mesa, though you can at-large camp in the use areas all around it, except high in Hance Canyon IIRC. (I have to brag- I have a permit in March for a hike down Tanner trail, then taking the Escalante Route and Tonto trail past Horseshoe Mesa and on to South Kaibab trail and out. It's going to be EPIC!) For great at-large camping without actual bushwhacking I'm a fan of Nankoweap trail, with camping at Marion Point or Tilted Mesa and at Nankoweap Creek. Some day I will do the Horsethief Trail, too, but that's REAL Grand Canyon back-country with very sketchy water sources.

Check the distance and elevation change from Bright Angel camp to Cottonwood camp, that may feel like a layover day between the other travel days.

In late November, the first wet, winter storm usually occurs, often during the Thanksgiving holidays.

Hello Elliot,
This post might not be too much help to you, but I think it is awesome that you are going to do this hike. In 2010 I started at the S. Rim and stayed 2 nights at Bright Angel. On the day off I hiked to both Upper and Lower Ribbon Falls. After that trip it was my dream to go R2R2R. Last May I had the permit for 3 nights/4 days staying at Cottonwood x 2 and then Indian Garden. This itinerary did not make the Backcountry office happy, but I can cover some miles and I'm in excellent shape.

Anyways, the Air Force decided to send me to Japan instead of California, so I had to cancel that trip. Fingers crossed, I'm flying from Japan next Friday and will drive to Arizone the following Monday. This permit is a little less agressive with me staying at Bright Angel, Cottonwood x2, and then Indian Garden.

The Backcountry Office is weary of people trying to over extend because they likley have to rescue/help many people a year. I think the mileage comes down to what make you comfortable, but also what you will enjoy. The 3 night itinerary would have been very structured for me and after I got the permit I realized I might not enjoy the hike too much. Now with a 4 night permit I will get to lounge and explore at Bright Angel and also be able to drop my stuff off at Cottonwood then head back to Ribbon Falls. If you want any info from my hike, let me know. James.