Synopsis

I did the recommended loop route, starting on the South Rim’s South Kaibab trailhead and dropping nearly 5,000 feet in seven miles to the Colorado River. It took me 5 hours. 

My night on the Canyon floor was at the Bright Angel campground where there was surprising amenities for the backcountry. Flush toilets, sinks with running water, food-storage lockers, and picnic tables.

 My return route was longer: 9 hours to cover the 9.6 miles, 4,380 foot climb in elevation which is the equivalent of 405 stories. But there was water, and shade.