Dana's Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim Hike

26 Miles. One Goal: A Cure for Ataxia.

Hello, friends! 🌟 Welcome to my blog.  I’m excited for you to join me on my journey of preparation and adventure as I gear up for the ultimate challenge: a 26-mile rim-to-rim hike in the majestic Grand Canyon! 🏞

This isn’t just any hike—it’s a test of endurance, strength, and determination, all for a noble cause: raising funds for Ataxia research. 🚶‍♂️💪

Here, you’ll find updates on my training progress, insights into the highs and lows, and a peek into the breathtaking beauty at the canyon on the day of the hike. From the North Rim to the South Rim, every step is a story, and I can’t wait to share it with you. 🌄

Countdown to the Grand Canyon Hike: October 18, 2025! ⏳

Whoa less than 2 weeks out!

This week I got myself back into the gym for some strength training and time on the StairMaster. It felt great to get back to ‘training’ after vacation. On Saturday, I completed my final long walk before the big hike in the Grand Canyon.  With that milestone behind me, I’m officially winding down.

But while the physical training is tapering off, the prep hasn’t stopped. I spent a good chunk of the week researching food! Trying to figure out what food I’ll be bringing with me for the hike along the South Kaibab Trail. It’s a one-day trek, expected to take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours, and I’ll need enough water and food to keep my energy up for the entire journey.

It sounds simple—pack food and go—but it’s actually a bit of a challenge. I need meals and snacks that are lightweight, nutrient-dense, and allergy-friendly (no fish, no nuts). If you’ve ever looked at protein bar ingredients, you know how tricky that can be. So I turned to Pinterest, YouTube, and Amazon to help me brainstorm recipes and find the right containers to carry everything in. I’ll be hauling five liters of water, so keeping my pack light is a priority.

After testing a few recipes, I think I’ve landed on a solid plan for both food and gear.

Looking ahead, this coming week will be much more relaxed—shorter walks, no more half-day Saturday treks. I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, but mostly I’m just ready. Ready to take on this challenge and see what I’m capable of.

Thanks for following along. I’ll check in next week as I make my way over to Phoenix! 😊

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