Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Day Hike

The September 23 Mountaineers meeting will feature a talk featuring Rim-to-Rim hiking in the Grand Canyon. In this presentation, hikers Ann Satsangi and Jan Velechovsky will share their experience tackling this iconic trek, offering practical insights into planning and preparation, as well as the physical and mental challenges involved.

Hiking the Grand Canyon crossing in one day is a challenging but rewarding way to experience the grandeur of one of the world’s iconic landscapes.  In 2023 and 2024 Ann led a group to tackle the Rim-to-Rim crossing. Jan took part in the 2024 adventure when a group of 10 Los Alamos hikers traveled to the Grand Canyon.  The group divided into two teams, each crossing the canyon in opposite directions, and swapping car keys to manage transportation. The first team left Grand Canyon Village around midnight in order to get an early start on the North Rim heading south. The second “Heat Tolerant” team started at Bright Angel trailhead early as well, hoping to avoid the afternoon heat of the south -acing slopes of the North Rim. This presentation will cover aspects of planning, preparation, and group coordination as well as share insights of the speakers’ experiences in the canyon around this iconic hike. Both groups covered well over 20 miles and climbed a vertical mile or more.

From logistics like route selection, gear, and timing to group dynamics and safety considerations, this talk will provide valuable guidance for anyone curious about long-distance hiking or considering their own Grand Canyon adventure. Alongside the practical information, Ann and Jan will share reflections, stories, and photos from the trail that highlight the beauty, intensity, and reward of experiencing the canyon on foot.

Ann Satsangi grew up in Minnesota where she did a lot of running, Nordic skiing, canoeing, and backpacking.  She came to Los Alamos in 2022 and found the LA Mountaineers a welcoming group to connect with people for all sort of adventures.  Jan Velechovsky, originally from the Czech Republic, moved to Los Alamos in 2015. He joined Los Alamos Mountaineers (LAM) after graduating from LAM Climbing School in 2017. Next to climbing, Jan enjoys backpacking, running and cycling local trails and forest roads.

We welcome all to this Mountaineers’ meeting, held on the usual fourth Tuesday of the month. The social hour, with cookies, begins at 6:45 PM and the program at 7:00 PM. The presentation will be in-person at Los Alamos Nature Center; the slides will be live-streamed on Zoom. Registration is required to Zoom and recommended for in-person – we would love to see your smiling face. Registration details are available at https://peecla.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/peecla/event.jsp?event=57349&.

Near the bottom of the Grand Canyon, with thousands of feet yet to climb.