The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show

They met below the rim, at the start of their separate bucket-list adventures. One was out for a day hike, the other a long backpacking trip. Today, Jerry Crank and Scott DeBergh reunite and reminisce—about what the Canyon taught them, what they wish they'd done differently in their training and preparation, and ultimately the lasting impact of their once-in-a-lifetime experiences. ***** Please jo...

It wasn't until about six months ago that Jerry Crank even thought of taking on the Grand Canyon. But, inspired by our group and fueled by a fitness kick that's changed his entire life, Jerry became a man on a mission. Today, we join him for every step of his transformational journey and find out exactly what he's done to get himself Canyon Strong at 77 years old. ***** Please join the Hike Tribe...

John Haley is a Canyon regular and a believer in giving yourself rewards when finishing your grand adventure. Today, a conversation from the top of Black Mountain on root beer floats and lessons learned below the rim. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it'...

With the last-minute closure of the River Trail—and loss of all access to Bright Angel Trail for Rim2Rim hikers through Sept. 30, 2025—you might be wondering what your options are. In this special bonus episode, we lay out the pros and cons of the not-so-great alternatives you now have.  ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Our group is a j...

As her quest for 200 Canyon hikes nears its climax, 74-year-old Ms. Mary fittingly stars in Episode 74 of the show, and shares her hard-earned wisdom—and her opinions on why it's never too late to hike the Grand Canyon. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—i...

The National Park Service announced today that Bright Angel Trail will remain inaccessible for Rim2Rim hikers through September 30, a move that significantly alters plans for those planning their adventures and puts them in potentially dangerous situations with the only possible detours. Canyon vet Buffy Park joins the show to discuss what it all means and how you can make the best—and safest—deci...

Last year, we released Rim-To-Rim: A Beginner's Guide as an eBook, hoping it would be a starting point for those considering taking on the Grand Canyon's most iconic hike. Now? The audiobook version, presented without commercial interruption, courtesy of Bright Angel Outfitters. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Our group is a judgment-f...

He traded in the electricity of Hollywood for an off-the-grid lifestyle at the Grand Canyon. Today, tales from the trail and beyond with Krocky Meshkin—including a new shuttle service that you need to know about. ***** Krocky's shuttle service can be booked by texting him at (928) 707-3375. South Rim trips start at $100; Krocky can accommodate up to four guests per trip. ***** Please join the Gran...

They're four best friends from Iowa, forever bonded by a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim adventure none of them will ever forget. Today, the ins and outs of their experience, and how their preparation led them to Canyon success. ***** See Keaton's inspiring video recap of the trip on his YouTube channel (Backcountry Blisters) or by clicking here . ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Fac...

Imagine going through 56 surgeries and still being able to hike the Grand Canyon. That's just one of the epic challenges Becca Schumer faced on her way to an unforgettable Rim-to-Rim. Today, Becca shares her story, and also some advice—as a sports physical therapist—on training for your own adventure. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Ou...

Did you see it? Not long ago, I put out a Facebook post asking for someone—anyone—to join me for an impromptu interview. Within minutes, I was recording this episode with Howie Schomer of Minnesota—even though I had no idea how it would turn out. Today, Howie's story of almost 20 Grand Canyon adventures, including the time he wasn't sure his friend was going to make it out, and how he trains for t...

Hiking in a group of two or more? You might not know it, but your group's experience is in your hands—no matter who you are. Veteran Canyon hiker Syndie McNaughton joins the show to talk about all the do's and don'ts for both group members and group leaders. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Our group is a judgment-free zone full of inte...

Davy Crockett—yes, that's his real name—is a prominent figure in the world of ultra marathoning. Along the way, he fell in love with the Grand Canyon—so much so that he decided to write a book on the history of its trails and its iconic hikes like Rim2Rim. Today, Davy and I dive into the Canyon's past, and we learn why Davy thinks it's so important for all of us to have perspective on the iconic t...

Being afraid of heights is a very real issue many deal with on Grand Canyon hikes. For Aussie Sharlene Hackles, that fear can be almost debilitating. Today, Sharlene shares the story of how she overcame those fears and had a Rim2Rim that was ultimately successful—but not without other challenges that popped up along the way. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook gro...

If he can struggle, anybody can. Today, my winter Rim2Rim2Rim alongside two of the strongest hikers I know—Buffy Park and Coach Arnie. This is our tale from the trail, including a brutal finish that proves Grand Canyon hiking must ALWAYS be taken very, very seriously—no matter how experienced you are. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . Ou...

Imagine crossing the Grand Canyon four times in one go. It's a challenge that's hard to comprehend, but one Coach Arnie took on recently in his quest to become the first known 65-year-old to hike Rim to Rim to Rim to Rim to Rim. Today, what we can all learn from Coach's adventure, plus five things you can be doing right now to get yourself ready for Rim2Rim, or whatever Canyon adventure you're pre...

If you're going to hike Rim2Rim in the Grand Canyon, preparation is the #1 indicator of success. How you train and how you plan can truly make all the difference. Today, we speak with Jackie Kunkel, a 59-year-old who recently took on this bucket list adventure with two other ladies—and learn how they finished with smiles on their faces. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private...

Logistics can be just as challenging as the hike—especially when you're talking about multi-day trips on the corridor trails. Today, we speak with Canyon vet John Sterrett, an experienced multi-day Rim-to-Rimmer with vast knowledge on what it takes to plan and train for more complex itineraries, and why he thinks those are the best way to experience the Grand Canyon. Plus a training tip from Coach...

Sandrelle Aguirre lost her marriage and her best friend in a span of months. But instead of retreating into the darkness, she used her personal tragedies as a turning point toward the life she'd always wanted—one of taking action and conquering physical challenges that once seemed impossible. Today, Sandrelle shares how the Grand Canyon played such a crucial role in her transformation, and gives a...

Dr. Tom Myers—The Canyon Doc—is the medical director for Grand Canyon National Park, and has been practicing at Grand Canyon Clinic for 34 years. Dr. Myers is also an accomplished author, with his most famous work being Over The Edge: Death In Grand Canyon , which he co-authored with Michael Ghiglieri. Today, Dr. Myers shares life-saving tips from his latest work,  How Not To Die In Grand Canyon ,...

Taking on the Canyon is an impressive feat at any age. But at 70? That takes even more grit and determination. Today, Phil Neely shares his experience as a first-timer, which includes plenty of valuable information that can help us all in our Grand Canyon adventures. ***** The Rim2Rim Pack from Bright Angel Outfitters is now available! Check out our Canyon-inspired day pack by clicking here . ****...

How to train, what to pack, how to handle food and water intake and so much more—Jessica Varvus did all the research she could in preparation for her May Rim2Rim. Today, she shares what worked, what didn't, and what she wishes she'd have known before taking on the mighty Grand Canyon. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . ***** The Rim2Rim P...

Al Pickering and his wife had a dream: the iconic Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon. But when Al invited his younger brother along—and feared his brother hadn't put in the proper preparation—things quickly turned in a dangerous direction. ***** Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here . ***** The Rim2Rim Pack from Bright Angel Outfitters is now avail...

Training for your Canyon adventure doesn't have to be complicated, and Brad Gill will prove it. Today, the veteran marathoner and triathlete shares his smart and simple training regiment, along with the compelling story of the long Grand Canyon adventure it was built for.  ***** Want to check out Brad's training program and packing list?  Click here to download the spreadsheet.  (Thanks to Brad fo...

Mary Banik is 73 years old, and has hiked the Grand Canyon 175 hard-earned times...and counting. Today, Ms. Mary shares her triumphs, her near-tragedy, and the trail lessons she's learned that can help us all have our best hikes. ***** The all-new Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is LIVE!! This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—e...