By: Elena Luo

One of the hardest and most well-known hikes in America is the Rim to Rim. This climb is among the hardest 10 paths in America, with an average of 10 deaths annually.

This trail passes through extended stretches of hot, dry weather while offering spectacular thrills. The six-mile stretch of dry land known as “The Box” passes between towering canyon walls and offers a stunning view of the stream that flows a few meters below. Every now and then, you encounter a bridge suspended above the rolling waters. These give you access to the stream, where you can then drench your clothes to keep cool or filter water to keep in your bladder. There are valid reasons why people are paranoid about this leg of the journey, however. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the sun shines directly above the canyon walls, like a laser burning into to your skin. From time to time, you might catch long patches of shade and cool, but for long stretches it will be HOT. Some people wet their clothes completely to cool down. At the end of this suffering the gem of the canyon awaits.

Phantom Ranch, located just 14 miles from the North Rim, is every avid adventurer’s dream. You’ll find cool refreshments at Phantom Ranch to help you recover from the heat and dry weather. The most well-known, lemonade, costs only $6 a cup and is a great treat for people of all ages. In addition to offering their well-liked frozen refreshments, you may send letters to far away friends and family. Aside from the shipping charges, the beautifully designed cards, which were delivered by mule, only cost two dollars each. The Phantom Ranch also offers tables and shade for your comfort and you can purchase items from their pharmacy as well as buy medical items.

This joyful surprise will be followed by the final and most taxing miles of the climb: Devil’s Screw. The name alone says it all. If you take the Bright Angel Trail, you can hike to the Devil’s Screw, which is three miles from the Grand Canyon. You will ascend 4,000 feet, putting you in an ever-thinner atmosphere with each step. However, the final stretch leads to the trailhead for Angel’s Landing, the location that has been anticipated by all. Every step feels like a stair, making you a little higher and higher until you reach the end —it feels like an eternity.

Hiking is for joy, and joy is for hiking. The Grand Canyon is the Arkenstone of Arizona. Rim to rim though, it is one of the most famous trails. Exactly the one any avid hiker should dream about. 6/3/2024, that dream came true for me.