When the Canyon’s main arteries close, adventure doesn’t stop — it just shifts. In this episode, Brian teams up with Canyon veteran James Tenelshof for a day on the rugged Tanner Trail, one of the most rewarding and least-traveled routes on the South Rim. Together, they chase Escalante Peak, get cliffed out, dodge rain, and learn firsthand why off-corridor hiking demands equal parts respect, patience, and humility. Along the way, they discuss the growing push to reopen North Kaibab, the future of corridor maintenance, and what the Dragon Bravo Fire might mean for hikers in 2025.

It’s a raw, honest look at what happens when you step beyond the crowds — and discover that sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t go to plan.
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Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.
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Please join the hiKin Grand Canyon Facebook group—the official group of The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show—by clicking here. Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.

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Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. 

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To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

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Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [email protected].

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The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

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For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)