A Grand Adventure: From Oklahoma City to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon

A grand adventure, indeed. The logistics of this trip were almost as complicated as the training required for the 28-mile hike itself. There were shuttles to coordinate, lodging at different locations, trailheads to reach, layers to pack for temperatures ranging from 40 to 110 degrees, food and water to plan, and plenty of details to figure out along the way. Getting everyone—and everything—to the right place at the right time was an adventure in itself!

But after all the planning, preparation, and training, it was finally time to go.

My grand adventure began in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with Arizona as our destination and the Grand Canyon calling my name.

I made my way to the South Rim and settled in at Maswik Lodge, excited for what the next few days would bring. But there was little time to rest because the following morning brought an early start—and a four-hour shuttle ride to the North Rim.

Of course, no road trip is complete without a good snack stop. A mandatory stop at Jacob Lake Inn gave me a chance to stretch my legs, use the restrooms, and, most importantly, grab some of their famous freshly baked cookies. Priorities, right?

Eventually, I arrived at the North Rim Lodge, where I spent the night. There was plenty to explore, and the views were simply unbelievable. Watching the sun set over the canyon was one of those moments when you can’t help but stop, take it all in, and realize just how incredible God’s creation truly is.

5:00 A.M. and Into the Canyon

The next morning came early—very early.

I was up in time to catch the 5:00 a.m. shuttle to the trailhead. The temperature was around 40 degrees as I prepared to descend into the canyon. I layered up, knowing the temperatures would change dramatically as I made my way down.

Before stepping onto the trail, I said a quick prayer and then began the journey.

As I descended deeper into the Grand Canyon, the sheer size of it was humbling. You feel incredibly small standing among those massive walls of rock. Yet at the same time, the canyon seemed to reveal the creativity, power, and grandeur of God in a way that is difficult to put into words.

The canyon had another lesson, too: dress in layers!

As the temperature climbed, I peeled off those layers one by one. What started as a chilly 40-degree morning was about to become a completely different experience.

110 Degrees at the Bottom

By the time I reached Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, the temperature had climbed to around 110 degrees.

I was HOT.

Fortunately, Phantom Ranch provided the perfect place to stop, cool down, refuel, and regroup.

I enjoyed the famous lemonade, iced down the water in my pack—and even my knees—and took some much-needed time to rest and eat lunch.

And don't forget the souvenirs!

I picked up hats and shirts that can only be purchased at the Phantom Ranch Cantina. I also stamped and mailed postcards from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to loved ones back home. There was something pretty special about sending a postcard that had traveled all the way from the canyon floor.

But eventually, I had to face the reality that what goes down must come back up.

The Climb Back Up

I began my ascent on the Bright Angel Trail.

There were plenty of rest stops along the way, and I took advantage of every opportunity to pause, breathe, and soak in the surroundings. Literally, in some cases.

Whenever I came across a creek, I took every opportunity I could to cool down and revive my tired muscles.

And then there was the Nature Valley granola bar.

I am not exaggerating when I say that granola bar may have saved my life.

Step by step, rest stop by rest stop, I kept climbing.

Finally, 17 hours after I had descended into the canyon, I reached the Bright Angel Trailhead.

I was beyond exhausted.

This was not a feat for the weary.

It was challenging, humbling, beautiful, and unforgettable. There were moments when my body wanted to stop, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other.

And when I finally made it out, the feeling of accomplishment was incredible.

One Last Night—and One Last Surprise

For my final night, I stayed at the Grand Canyon Hotel.

After 17 hours of hiking, I was ready for one thing:

FOOD.

But there was a problem. The hike had taken longer than I had anticipated.

There were no restaurants open.

No Postmates.

No fast food.

Nothing.

After everything I had just been through, discovering that I couldn't easily find dinner may have been one of the hardest parts of the entire adventure!

Still, somehow, I survived.

And looking back, that little inconvenience is now just another funny part of the story.

More Than a Hike

This trip was so much more than checking the Grand Canyon off a bucket list.

It was an adventure filled with breathtaking views, sore muscles, early mornings, extreme temperatures, laughter, prayer, and a few very important granola bars.

But more than anything, it was a reminder of how small we are in this enormous world—and how magnificent God's creation is.

From the rim to the canyon floor and back again, every step gave me something new to see and appreciate.

The Grand Canyon didn't just take my breath away.

It gave me memories I'll carry for a lifetime.

Until the next adventure…

Tiffany Newman

Disney Travel Agent OKC

I'm Tiffany Newman, your trusted travel advisor.I'm a Christian, a wife and a mom, and family is at the heart of everything I do. Over 10 years ago, a family vacation to Cabo San Lucas sparked my love for travel-and I've been exploring the world ever since.I'm passionate about experiencing new cultures, connecting with local communities, and finding those meaningful moments that make travel unforg... Read More >>>