What started as a joyful Grand Canyon crossing for Jackie Kunkel and her crew—“The Crazies”—turned somber in the final stretch when they encountered the season’s first hiking fatality just 0.3 miles from the top of North Kaibab. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, the group reflects on the shock of witnessing a life lost on the trail—and the deep reminder that it could happen to any of us.

But this episode is more than grief. It’s also packed with some of the most practical Rim2Rim training, fueling, and group prep insights ever shared on the show:

• How they trained with weighted packs and box jumps to prep for canyon steps

• How they gamified their performance using spreadsheets and past data

• What they ate (and when) to avoid bonking and bloating

• How they used stretching, salt, and smart pacing to avoid the infamous Canyon Shuffle

• And why “never hike alone” became their unshakable trail mantra

Whether you're planning your first crossing or your fifth, this episode will move you, educate you, and remind you that hiking the Canyon is never just about the miles—it’s about how you show up.

*****

Please join the Hike Tribe 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.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now Hike Tribe, a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. Let's go get it!

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 Hike Tribe aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

Thinking about hiking Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in a single day? Hold up.

In this episode, Brian lays down a no-nonsense warning for anyone dreaming of the Grand Canyon’s vaunted “double crossing.” Even ultra-fit hikers have been humbled—or worse—by the brutal demands of this 42+ mile trek with 20,000 feet of elevation change. It’s not just long. It’s relentless. It’s dangerous. And it will expose every weakness you didn’t know you had.

This isn’t fear-mongering. It’s reality. And if you're serious about attempting R3, you owe it to yourself to hear this.

*****

Please join the Hike Tribe 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.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now Hike Tribe, a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. Let's go get it!

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 Hike Tribe aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

They met below the rim, at the start of their separate bucket-list adventures. One was out for a day hike, the other a long backpacking trip. Today, Jerry Crank and Scott DeBergh reunite and reminisce—about what the Canyon taught them, what they wish they'd done differently in their training and preparation, and ultimately the lasting impact of their once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

*****

Please join the Hike Tribe 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.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now Hike Tribe, a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. Let's go get it!

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 Hike Tribe aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

It wasn't until about six months ago that Jerry Crank even thought of taking on the Grand Canyon. But, inspired by our group and fueled by a fitness kick that's changed his entire life, Jerry became a man on a mission. Today, we join him for every step of his transformational journey and find out exactly what he's done to get himself Canyon Strong at 77 years old.

*****

Please join the Hike Tribe 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.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now Hike Tribe, a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. Let's go get it!

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 Hike Tribe aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

John Haley is a Canyon regular and a believer in giving yourself rewards when finishing your grand adventure. Today, a conversation from the top of Black Mountain on root beer floats and lessons learned below the rim.

*****

Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group 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.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

With the last-minute closure of the River Trail—and loss of all access to Bright Angel Trail for Rim2Rim hikers through Sept. 30, 2025—you might be wondering what your options are. In this special bonus episode, we lay out the pros and cons of the not-so-great alternatives you now have. 

*****

Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group 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.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

As her quest for 200 Canyon hikes nears its climax, 74-year-old Ms. Mary fittingly stars in Episode 74 of the show, and shares her hard-earned wisdom—and her opinions on why it's never too late to hike the Grand Canyon.

*****

Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group 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.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

The National Park Service announced today that Bright Angel Trail will remain inaccessible for Rim2Rim hikers through September 30, a move that significantly alters plans for those planning their adventures and puts them in potentially dangerous situations with the only possible detours. Canyon vet Buffy Park joins the show to discuss what it all means and how you can make the best—and safest—decisions for your own hike.

*****

Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group 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.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

Last year, we released Rim-To-Rim: A Beginner's Guide as an eBook, hoping it would be a starting point for those considering taking on the Grand Canyon's most iconic hike. Now? The audiobook version, presented without commercial interruption, courtesy of Bright Angel Outfitters.

*****

Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group 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.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)

He traded in the electricity of Hollywood for an off-the-grid lifestyle at the Grand Canyon. Today, tales from the trail and beyond with Krocky Meshkin—including a new shuttle service that you need to know about.

*****

Krocky's shuttle service can be booked by texting him at (928) 707-3375. South Rim trips start at $100; Krocky can accommodate up to four guests per trip.

*****

Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group 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.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

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

*****

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

*****

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 brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

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)