On Saturday 10/24, two friends and myself trekked to Ribbon Falls at the Grand Canyon.  When I first planned this trip there were about 5 more people who had committed to going.  Over the past few weeks one by one they all decided to drop out for various reasons so it left just the 3 of us.  Originally the goal was hiking only (no running) but with just the 3 of us and I knew very well the other 2 and their running ability.  We ended up running most of the downs (around  10 miles), primarily at the beginning because it was near 35 degrees and I was cold.  

Total miles 29
Total elevation change: 13,743

While I have day hiked numerous times in the GC I had never been to Ribbon Falls as it about a mile off of the North Kaibab trail around 5 miles north of Phantom Ranch.  Twenty nine miles is certainly no walk in the park especially with the elevation change at the GC and both of my friends had never gone further than the marathon distance (flat road marathons).  I still felt confident with a relatively easy pace they could accomplish it.  They ended up doing very well and we all stayed together until the hike out at 3 mile rest house (3 miles from the top).  I waited for them (they were about 100 years behind me) and both came up to the rest house and sat down.  There was no way I was sitting at this point and both of them looked like burnt toast in the face.  I said, "See you on the flip side" and took off.  I really wanted to make sure I hit the trailhead before dark as I really didn't want to pull my light back out.  I finished at 5:45 PM, one friend at 6:00 and the other at 6:15.

For the ultra person who has done the distances but maybe isn't up for the complete Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim this is a good alternative.  Still a lot of miles and elevation change but it cuts out about 15 miles and 8,000 feet of elevation change  Ribbon Falls is simply amazing.  

Thanks for sharing!  Interesting read and great photos.  Only have flown over the grand canyon, but hope to get out there in the next few years.

Thanks for posting. Did you go down and back BA, or did you use SK down and BA on the way back?  Agree, it's dangerous to sit, especially those last three miles up. Anyone use poles?

Looks like someone is doing a Benedict Dugger jumping picture. 

Ribbon Falls is a spectacular side trip. We were so hot in April that we diverted to the falls to cool off.

Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

What were the temps like in the canyon?

Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

 

What were the temps like in the canyon?

Perfect

Cold to start at the south rim, 35 degrees and a little windy.

Inner canyon had a high in the mid 70s but lots of shade going to Ribbon Falls due to lower sun trajectory.

It would have been a perfect day for R2R2R and I did see a handful of those.

That is an amazing place. I may start doing more things like that. Some of my best memories regarding running are not races at all. They are adventures I set out on with no real goal in mind beyond exploring an area on foot and getting from one place to another as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Great 'run report' and photos, thanks for sharing.  I'd like to do a R2R2R someday.

Sweet run...a nice in between the standard rim to river to rim and the undertaking that is R2R2R.  I'll keep this one in mind for spring.