How Hiking R2R2R Looks Like

My uncle invited me to hike R2R2R with him on the Grand Canyon and our plans were never possible because he tragically and unexpectedly passed away months later after extending the invitation. He was known in our family to be very athletic, running 6-12 miles a day for his entire adult like was just something he did. I heard stories of him hiking R2R2R in a day of the Grand Canyon so receiving an invitation to do it from him felt very special. After his death I decided that I was going to complete his invitation and hike it in his memory. I invited my friend Austin to come along with me and we hiked it in October. While the weather was great, the trail that day was crowded with people. I thought hiking 42 miles with 11,000 feet of elevation gain was not going to be that hard, but I was wrong. I wished I had brought more food and I bonked for the last 12 miles. It was tough going but I am really glad that I did it. I had my uncle in my thoughts the entire hike. He was a good man, and a great example to me. He was the favorite uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. Thanks for watching.

[annmatthews]

Dan congratulations on your R2R2R hike. I hope you can find a t-shirt to commemorate your accomplishment! Thank you so much for doing this video - the videography was awesome - and for dedicating your hike to Kyle. He would be so proud of you but he would not be at all surprised as he knows all your hiking accomplishments. You're amazing.

[GeorgeLoch]

What a beautiful tribute to someone who inspired you. So impressed by the accomplishment!

[michellenoakes]

Those are some stunning views! And what a great trip in memory of your uncle. Good work!

[rgwhittaker]

great job Dan and Austin! "normal" people take up to 24 hours to do ONE R2R. It took you all of 19 hours to do TWO of them! It's also kind of not surprising, knowing your hiking and mountain climbing resume'. thanks for sharing the video.

[dirksteiger]

Amazing Job, Dan. Congratulations on doing that. Planning a r2r2r this year. So did you guys "just" hike/walk or did you have any running sections? I love hiking, running is not my favourite disciplin and I am just thinking about the best way to do it. Best from Germany, Dirk