HDT Day 48: Out to the South Rim & Finish

Daily Miles: 17.8, Total Miles: 656.6

I woke up at 3am and was unable to get back to sleep. Had a rare second cup of coffee. With an early start, I may get to the South Rim today.

As it turned out, I was hiking along the same contour almost all the way to the South Kaibab Trail. Relatively flat, except dipping into and out of drainages. Got my last good views of the Colorado River far below and my last water at trickling Lonetree Creek.

I met the South Kaibab Trail at the Tipoff, had lunch and started up the last four miles to the South Rim. I’ve gone down this trail several times but this was the first time going up. I had forgotten how steep and how full of mule poop and piss it is. As expected, traffic was pretty heavy all the way to the top.

I hit the finish line at 4pm, took the obligatory pics and hopped on a shuttle to the Visitors Center. I asked a ranger if there was a central reservations number for accommodations and he directed me to a speed dial hotline. My lucky day, I got the last room available at the Grand Canyon! Hopped back on the shuttle to the general store for a few celebratory beers and dinner. Then on to the hotel to treat this tired, filthy, hobbled body to a long, hot shower.

So I have finished my HDT hike, at least for now, and what an adventure it was! I’ll post some further thoughts and reflections after I compose myself and get home. Thanks for following along!