An invaluable resource. So so grateful for this podcast and the Facebook group. Brian and the community he has curated is such a welcoming place and wealth of information. I have no doubt they are preventing future tragedies and helping all of us planning trips have a much more enjoyable time by planning and training the right way. Should be required listening before going below the rim in 2025 given all the trail closures and impacts this will have

My sister and I are training for a one-day R2R and have been listening to this podcast religiously to prepare. I’m going back to listen to all of the episodes again because there’s just so much great material in there. It’s the perfect mix of inspiration plus realistic caution plus tips for success (everything from training to gear to time of year and logistics). So, so grateful I came across this - it has helped us make sure we’re taking things seriously and preparing vigorously to set ourselves up for success in what can be a deadly environment. Thank you for producing this, BAO!

Let's go!!!! Brian Zeena Arnie and the GC community is by far the ONLY way to ingest the Grand Canyon inspiration

This podcast is amazing. As I prep for my adventure I am continually learning. The physical, mental, hydration, fuel etc. aspect of a successful trip is all here. I am continually inspired by the guests and the vulnerability of everyone to share their story- so others can learn and make their own. My story has just begun with so much further to go before October. Thank you, Brian and everyone involved that makes this happen- it is truly a gift. Hope to see you on the trails!

This podcast is a must listen to anyone wanting to venture below the rim. Brian is a pro at what he does both in the canyon and with producing this podcast. Helped me immensely with my R2R preparation.

I’ve listened to every episode - some of them twice! This is a must listen podcast if you’re planning a R2R hike - informative, interesting, and so much fun!

Absolutely add this podcast to your Grand Canyon training plan! The interviews, experiences, suggestions, and descriptions of the canyon & trails were a huge part of my prep for R2R. Yes, you still need to train, plan your nutrition and water, and get your gear… this podcast will address all of that & more. Huge thanks to Brian for making this podcast! Personal tip: if you go in the crazy heat bring a Zpack umbrella. You will NOT regret it.

My husband and I listened to all of the episodes before we did our Rim to Rim! Some stories give great info about the park and surrounding areas. Some give logistical info. Some give training tips. Some are cautionary tales. Every episode gives something of value and really help you prepare! Thanks Brian Speciale for this podcast, it was invaluable!!

We are two weeks away from our first visit to the GC and we have been preparing for our R2R hike using the info this podcast provides. Thanks to Brian and his guests (we have listened to every episode and are listening to them a second time), we finally feel ready to let the canyon challenge us. We have learned and incorporated so many of the tips, tricks, hacks, and MUSTS to help us have a safe trip and enjoy the beauty of the GC.

I really appreciate this podcast. I’ve learned so much from the guests! Super helpful

I’m loving this podcast! I’m currently training for my first rim to rim hike, coming up in two months. I’ve been listening to this show while I do my training hikes. It’s motivational as well as entertaining and informative!!! Thank you Brian!

Helpful, practical, almost certainly lifesaving information for those thinking about hiking the Grand Canyon. The vast majority of the guests are examples of what NOT to do, so take heed.

Love this podcast and so thankful I’ve found it while I’m training for my first GC trip. Very informative, entertaining, and inspiring. It’s helping me stay motivated while I’m slogging up and down hills (as best I can find in central Florida). Thank you!!

A huge thanks to Brian and the team for this podcast! As a family of 4 experienced hikers with no Canyon trips under our belt, we benefited so much from the podcast’s guidance on South Kaibab, Bright Angel, and hiking in heat. Just finished a 3-day camping trip in Mather and used the Grand Canyon Shade Tracker to plan our evening hike on Bright Angel and our morning at South Kaibab. We absolutely can’t wait to return for a rim to rim when the kids are a bit older! Brian, your enthusiasm is contagious!

I am preparing for a r2r2r at the end of August and this has been the perfect resource for me. The podcast paints a complete picture of what to expect for your Grand Canyon hike. Everything from simple tips for success to first hand accounts of disastrous hikes there.

Visited the Grand Canyon in May and hiked a mile in just for fun and realized a bigger backpacking trip was in my future. Have two nights coming up at Bright Angel in late September 2024, and this podcast has been so helpful and informative! I listen to dozens of podcasts, and this is the first one where the info linked in the show notes has been wildly helpful! All the guests are unique and interesting and have such inspiring stories (or warnings!). Love the experience immersion episodes too, I listened to those while doing treadmill or stair work and felt like I was there with you! The enthusiasm is contagious (shout out to South Kaibab, which I finally know how to pronounce)! Excited to keep listening. Thanks for everything you do!

Thankful that Brian started this podcast. I’ve been hiking in the Canyon and bringing new ppl with me each year for 10 years and often search for podcasts about it. Brian and his guests give good advice and have fun stories. Worth a listen!

Secured our lottery late September for four night backpacking trip below the rim. This podcast has became a daily routine for me as I train. Would love to hear an episode about multi-day journey across the canyon. Thanks again for the wealth of information!

A must listen for anyone thinking of doing a Grand Canyon hike. My husband and I had been planning a Rim 2 Rim for months and still did not feel fully prepared. My husband found this podcast and we both binged all the episodes. By the time we arrived at the Grand Canyon, we felt confident and was able to enjoy the most epic hike of our life. We are already talking about our next Rim 2 Rim! Thank you, Grand Canyon Hiker Dude!!

Love this podcast! He really puts you on the trails of the GC through your headphones. Just discovered this less than a week ago and binged all episodes. Now I’m sad there’s not more. A must listen for anyone interested in dropping below the rim. I’m attempting a r2r next week and have found invaluable advice from listening. Thanks Brian!!

Really enjoy all the great guests and information. Would like to hear an episode with Jared Taylor (Live True With JT)

This has quickly become my favorite podcast. Every episode is filled with helpful tips and interesting stories focused on the Grand Canyon. If you are planning any trip to GC, subscribe to this podcast and listening to every episode! You will learn so much, even if you think you are already an expert.

Thank you, Brian, for this phenomenal podcast. The advice you’ve provided here - and through our email interactions - have helped me see how much I need to prepare for hiking in the Canyon, but also given me the confidence that, with the proper training, I can definitely do it. Keep up the great work!

Thank you so much for your excellent podcast. I only discovered it last week, and I’ve listened to ALL of the episodes. My husband and I had reservations for two nights at Phantom Ranch in March, and were planning to hike down South Kaibab and up Bright Angel, when we learned Bright Angel was going to be closed due to the water pipeline construction. Consequently, we made the extremely painful decision to cancel our reservations at Phantom Ranch. We did have a fabulous week in March at the Grand Canyon, and hiked down to Cedar Ridge and back up, and now I’m obsessed with wanting to try to resurrect our original plans. I so appreciate all of your educational, informative podcasts. And I love that you encourage people to hike their own hike. We are 63 and 64 years old, and although we are experienced hikers, this would be our first attempt of this magnitude. I’m all about enjoying the trail in the canyon and not racing to get down and up. Again, thank you for what you’re doing. P. S. I’m eager to check out the new day pack!

As I’m training for R2R I’m loving the podcast. Lots of good information that’s helping me research what I need to do to be safe and enjoy this amazing upcoming adventure! Thanks for doing it!

I religiously listened to every episode. Every week. in preparation for our R2R2R hike. (I needed to mentally prepare lol) Very informative and I loved the variety of topics. Keep up the great show!!!

Brian’s podcast is both informative and engaging. It’s a treat to listen and learn from someone who knows the content from extensive experience and can deliver it so professionally.

Loving the information, ideas, and inspiration. Great resource!

I am really enjoying this podcast! I listen, almost as soon as each episode is released. The information has been informative, and somewhat reassuring, as the Canyon has become a part of my life over the past 5 to 6 years. Glad to hear I’m not the only one that has to hike those inner trails at least twice a year! Did the backwards walk up to the Black Mountain Trail head this morning, what a great suggestion. Thank you for putting this out there and can’t wait to hear more! Would like some input on the debate between elevation or distance, when it comes to training.I think that’s probably a little bit of both or maybe a lot of both! See you on the trails, Syndie.

Brian is creating something very special. He’s bringing to life all the questions and some of the answers in many of the Grand Canyon groups. So proud to help make his show as Big as the Grand Canyon ❤️

Brian’s passion for The Canyon is contagious. His easy to listen to voice combined with his ability to bring out stories from his guests make this not only a fun podcast to listen to, but a fantastic resource! I’ve learned something from each episode. Thank you, Brian!

I found this podcast referenced on the Grand Canyon Hike Facebook and found it tremendously helpful! I just finished a Double Black Mountain Hike in Cave Creek, based on Brian’s (& Coach Arnie) recommendation. It was a challenge, but not impossible. I’m sitting in a hot tub relaxing those muscles now. I’d recommend it for anyone planning a hike in the Grand Canyon.

Awesome, entertaining overview of canyon hiking. Excellent resource wether your a seasoned canyon hiker or looking to get into it. Thanks for gathering this info and sharing in a fun way!!

Stumbled upon this podcast in one of the Grand Canyon Facebook groups and ended up binging the episodes, some more than once. Thank you so much for taking the initiative and creating this great resource for folks, who like me, have an affinity for the Canyon and dream about experiencing it in whatever way we can get. Podcasts are a labor of love, and yours shines through in the high quality of content and presentation. Thank you again for putting these resources into the world. Much appreciated and please keep it coming!

Fun to discover this podcast. If you love the Grand Canyon as much as I do, you’ll love listening to this.