GRAND CANYON RIM TO RIM 2025
A VITAL ULTRA ENDURANCE HIKE: LEVEL 3
Join the VITAL Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Adventure
This isn’t just a hike—it’s a life-changing journey. In one full day, you’ll push your limits, hiking through rugged terrain and extreme conditions. Together, we’ll train, prepare, fuel, hydrate, and experience the awe of the Grand Canyon as a unified, supportive VITAL team.
The pride of completing this challenge will stay with you forever.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure.
Personalized Preparation
At VITAL, Level III events are for seasoned adventurers with a solid fitness base and some experience with long hikes and challenging trails. Participants must commit to a rigorous three-month VITAL training program focusing on cardio, strength, and nutrition to ensure readiness and team safety. This comprehensive preparation will ensure you can safely tackle the rugged terrain and extreme conditions, setting you up for success on this life-changing adventure.
Your Stay
Iconic Accommodations at the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Lodge: Nestled on the North Rim, the Grand Canyon Lodge offers rustic elegance in a stunning setting. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood and completed in 1928, the lodge blends native Kaibab limestone and timber, maintaining much of its original charm after being rebuilt in 1936. As the only lodging on the North Rim, it offers dining options, including a restaurant, deli, saloon, and coffee shop. A National Historic Landmark since 1987, the lodge provides a unique and immersive Grand Canyon experience.
El Tovar Hotel: Perched on the South Rim since 1905, El Tovar is a National Historic Landmark that has hosted legendary figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the hotel blends Swiss and Norwegian influences with local materials, offering guests a unique, historic stay. El Tovar remains the crown jewel of National Park Lodges. Experience elegance and history in one of the Grand Canyon’s most celebrated accommodations.
Grand Canyon Lodge + El Tovar Hotel
Join Us!
This VITAL Adventure is a life-changing journey includes three months of training, all leading to a single-day, 24-mile hike with over 8,000 feet of vertical change.
Together, we’ll train, prepare, and conquer one of the most awe-inspiring challenges imaginable. Join us and discover how VITAL prepares you for the adventure of a lifetime, ensuring you have the confidence, strength, stamina and skills to make the most of this epic experience!
The Vital Difference
Receive professional training, development & resources to empower peak performance, endurance and resilience.
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Receive a detailed day-by-day fitness progression plan, focusing on building strength and endurance over three months. Train five days a week, with two days dedicated to strength training and three days focused on cardio.
We also provide three expert-led VITAL Zoom sessions covering crucial topics such as endurance, performance, nutrition, longevity, and insights specific to the R2R unique environment.
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Engage in VITAL group training sessions (and hikes) to foster community and motivation as you work towards your goals.
We will also show you how to track your progress and connect with fellow participants through the VITAL Strava Club.
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Access a wealth of resources in the Member Hub, including the essential gear recommendations, endurance nutrition tips, and travel planning advice.
Plus get some kickass gear designed for VITAL, ensuring you’re fulling prepared.
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Content sessions designed to prepare you for your adventure featuring experts in endurance sports nutrition, performance, and the Grand Canyon trails.
Unparalleled Travel Experience
Enjoy stress-free travel with seamless transportation and reliable guidance that ensures a smooth and unforgettable Grand Canyon experience.
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Four night stay, the first two nights at the El Tovar Hotel at the South Rim, and the last two nights at the Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim.
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Shuttle service will be provided from Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport to El Tovar Hotel, South Rim Grand Canyon, with onsite shuttle during your stay and return service to the Las Vegas airport from Grand Canyon Lodge, North Rim.
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Eight meals are included in the itinerary. Lunches in Las Vegas, the South Rim, and the North Rim will be on your own, giving you the flexibility to explore local dining options.
VITAL will coordinate a local grocery run to stock up on shared trail snacks. Team members are responsible for bringing their personal performance gels, electrolytes, and supplements.
Who is this for?
This retreat is rated Level III, defined as:
Time on Trail & Distance
Hikers can expect to spend 12-15 hours on the trail, including scheduled breaks to rest, refuel, capture photos, and soak in the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon views. Participants will cover 24 miles, with a vertical elevation change of over 8,600 feet.
Terrain
A Level III through hike that takes you through awe-inspiring desert landscapes, pushing your endurance to the limit. Expect rugged trails with significant climbs and descents, rocky paths, and steep terrain requiring careful footing, strength, and balance. You may encounter unstable surfaces, natural obstacles, and extreme weather conditions (ranging from 48°F to 100°F), adding to the intensity of the experience.
Recommended For
This level is for seasoned adventurers with a solid fitness base and some experience hiking challenging trails. Participants must commit to a rigorous three-month VITAL training program focusing on cardio, strength, and nutrition to ensure readiness and team safety. The hike ranges from 23-24 miles per day, with steep inclines and declines, requiring stamina and mental resilience. You should be comfortable with heights and able to hike up to 8 miles at the onset of training, with the capacity to complete 20-25 miles on the adventure.
Itinerary Highlights
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DAY 1
LAS VEGAS ARRIVAL
Time: 12:00 PM Las Vegas Hotel Meetup.
Transport: Shuttle to South Rim, Grand Canyon (4 hr 15 min).
Check-in: El Tovar Hotel
Soak in the South Rim Sunset
Dinner: El Tovar Hotel
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DAY 2
SHAKE OUT HIKE
Distance: 3 miles. Elevation 1,257 ft.
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Breakfast: 8 AM
Hike: Embark on a 3-mile shakeout hike designed to familiarize yourself with the trail's terrain, temperature, and vertical challenge while soaking in breathtaking views by daylight.
Lunch: Open to explore South Rim options.
Trail Gear & Nutrition Prep: Review gear and prepare packs for R2R.
Dinner: El Tovar Dining Room
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DAY 3
THE RIM TO RIM
Distance: 24 miles. Elevation: 8700 feet.
Duration: ~12-15 hours.
Shuttle to Trail: 4:30 AM
Hike: South Kaibab to North Kaibab
Finish: Celebrate and passout!
Check in: Grand Canyon Lodge
Dinner: Grand Canyon Lodge
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DAY 4
REST & RECOVERY DAY
Breakfast 9:00 AM
Trail Gratitude: Revisit North Kaibab Trailhead in daylight and on fresh legs. Witness what was accomplished.
Lunch: Open to explore the North Rim options.
Open time: Relax, rest, journal and take in your accomplishment.
Dinner: Grand Canyon Lodge
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DAY 5
FAREWELLS
Shuttle: 6:00 AM Grand Canyon to Las Vegas Airport (4 hr 45 min)
Say goodbyes to the Grand Canyon sunrise and shuttle back to Harry Reid International Airport, reflecting on an unforgettable and audacious accomplishment.
Rim to Rim Adventure Package:
$4200 per person // double occupancy.
+ $1500 for optional single occupancy
Total Cost: $4,200 per person
Deposit: $1,000 (due upon reservation, applied to the trip balance)
Payment Schedule:
March 15, 2025: $1,600
May 15, 2025: Final payment of $1,600
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Reserve your spot today!
Testimonials