The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show

Latest Episodes:

Ep84: The Blueprint: How Two Sisters Mastered Rim2Rim On Their First Try Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Anne and Alexis Keyworth didn’t just survive their Rim2Rim—they thrived. Two sisters, a Canyon adventure, and a perfectly executed plan that turned one of America’s toughest hikes into a joyful, pain-free experience. In this episode, they walk us through the smart training, strategic timing, heat mitigation, and mindset that made it all possible. If you want to know what “doing it right” really looks like, this is your blueprint.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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 brian@hikin.club.

*****

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.

*****

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)

Tales From Below (Ep3): No Such Thing As "Just" Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Lori Anne wasn’t out to break any records. In her mid-60s, recovering from health setbacks, she set a goal that felt both “crazy” and deeply necessary: to move, to grow, to see if she belonged below the rim. What followed was a full-day South Kaibab–Tonto–Bright Angel hike taken with intention and joy. This story is a reminder that not every Grand Canyon hike has to be a race—and there’s no such thing as just a Rim2River or just to Ooh Aah. Every Canyon journey matters.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, 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 gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

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 Grand Canyon aimed at making your 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)

Ep83: The Boss Below The Rim: Ranger Lisa Hendy On Rescue, Respect, & Responsibility Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

She’s the boss of everything below the rim—and one of the most respected rangers in the National Park Service. In this raw, revealing conversation, Grand Canyon District Ranger Lisa Hendy takes us inside the mechanics of a rescue, explains how heat and hubris turn hikes into helicopter rides, and shares her thoughts on the controversial River Trail closure. Plus: the growing abuse rangers are facing and why that uniform deserves your respect.

*****

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.

*****

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 brian@hikin.club.

*****

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)

Tales From Below (Ep2): The Brotherhood Trek Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

When Scott DeBergh reunited with three college friends for their first-ever trek below the rim together, they expected a challenge—but nothing could’ve prepared them for what the Canyon had in store. From dehydration and a bonk in The Box to redemption at Ribbon Falls, this five-day journey tested limits, strengthened bonds, and reminded them why the Grand Canyon is a spiritual pilgrimage and an athletic crucible. Whether you’ve hiked Rim2Rim or are just dreaming about it, this one is filled with takeaways for anyone willing to lace up and go deep.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, 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 brian@hikin.club.

*****

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 Grand Canyon aimed at making your 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)

Ep82: When It's OK To Quit: Caleb Metzger's Rim2Rim Wakeup Call Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Caleb Metzger has hiked Rim2Rim multiple times, including one-day crossings with his teenage son. But this spring, on a planned two-day Rim2Rim2Rim, everything felt... off. Despite being well-trained and well-prepared, the Canyon delivered something he didn’t expect—forcing a decision most hikers try to avoid. In this episode, Caleb opens up about letting go of the plan, communicating better on the trail, and how sometimes the strongest thing you can do… is turn around.

*****

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.

*****

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 brian@hikin.club.

*****

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)

Tales From Below (Ep1): The Secret Rim-To-Rim May 31, 2025

Show notes

In the premiere episode of our new series Tales From Below, Gordo Barcomb crosses the Grand Canyon with a team of six—four unforgettable days from South Rim to North. But what no one knew, not even his wife or daughter, was that he had one more hike planned. This is the true story of a secret solo Rim-to-Rim, years in the making, decided quietly, and carried out with heart. It's a tale about setting goals, keeping them close, and choosing the right moment to chase something just for yourself.

*****

Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, 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 gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

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 Grand Canyon aimed at making your 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)

Ep81: Going Down: Punishment And Payoff On North Kaibab May 27, 2025

Show notes

Every Rim2Rim hike begins with a drop—and North Kaibab's can be a rude awakening to your legs.

In this episode, Brian takes you step-by-step through the 14-mile descent from the North Rim to Phantom Ranch and the Colorado River. You'll hear what to expect, what to look for, and what mistakes to avoid. This is your unofficial audio trail guide for one of the most punishing—and rewarding—stretches of the Canyon.

Plus: Coach Arnie returns with a sharp reminder about heat prep, pacing, and why underestimating the Canyon is still the #1 cause of search and rescue.

*****

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 gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

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)

Ep80: Jackie & The Crazies: A Rim2Rim Masterpiece Marred By Sudden Tragedy May 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

*****

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 gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

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)

Ep79 – The R3 Reality Check: Why Rim2Rim2Rim Isn’t Just Another Hike May 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

*****

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 gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

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)

Ep78: Day Hiker Vs. Backpacker With Jerry Crank And Scott DeBergh May 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

*****

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 gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

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)