The Subway

Green Mountain Fast

Columbia - Harvard Traverse

Rim-to-River-to-Rim, Nankoweap Version

Trihutca Ski Tour

I've been wanting to give Nankoweap a hard effort for a while now from the tippy top (Upper Saddle Mountain Trailhead) to the bottom and back.  The Nankoweap Trail has the biggest drop from trailhead to river in the Grand Canyon (8,840 feet at the trailhead and 2,760 feet at the river for a total drop of 6,080 feet, plus some significant climbs/drops along the way).  Plus, it's super rugged, exposed, and rocky.

Since we are in the area, I thought I'd give the round trip to the river and back a shot (I've been on sabbatical this fall and we are spending some time in Arizona).  The conditions today were perfect for me - cold (mid 20s at the top) with a forecasted high temperature of 67 degrees at the river and slight breeze all day.  I sweat a lot in the Grand Canyon, so these are ideal numbers for me.

I reached the river in just over three hours.  I was following a gpx file that was posted on the FKT website, and near the river the route was all messed up.  I think someone just drew in a line on the gpx file to get to the river, but when I followed it I got all tangled up in some mesquite before I decided to head over to Nankoweap Creek and follow it down to the river, which makes for a pretty natural turnaround point.

I started to fall apart on the climb out from Nankoweap Creek, but kept a positive attitude and higher up I finally recovered and was able to push hard back to the trailhead.

I stashed water at a few spots on the way down so I'd have them on the climb back out.  Treated water at Nankoweap Creek with Aquamira at a few spots.  Drank a total of 256 oz (2 gallons!!) and didn't pee all day until the drive out from the north rim at Jacob Lake. 

I didn't see a single person all day!  Quite the contrast to the North and South Kaibab trails.

Oh, and I snagged a new FKT on the route ( Buzz Burrell had the previous FKT at 9:10 from way back in 2008).  I went as fast as I could but I'm not in very good running shape these days.  I definitely think that there are many people who could shave some time off of this.  But man, it's technical!!  The trail is not really oriented towards running, lots of tripping hazards and cliffs, etc.

But overall, I'm proud of my effort!

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Charlie N

Rim-to-River-to-Rim, Nankoweap Version

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The Subway

Green Mountain Fast

Columbia - Harvard Traverse

Rim-to-River-to-Rim, Nankoweap Version

Trihutca Ski Tour

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