Dive off the Grand Canyon's South Rim and explore a waterfall-rich grotto and the canyon's largest natural rock bridge on this classic, 34-mile trek captured in vivid 3-D detail.
The opposite side of narrow ledge is the easiest route. It doesn't appear so to someone who has never been shown, but it is. Just read the beta from GCNP backcountry office. Plus why you traveling counter-clockwise? That's not advised. Even with the correct knowledge, its a demanding hike.
Grabrock
May 16, 2011
Actually both comments have merit. The Royal Arch loop has long been considered the toughest of the established South Rim routes. I agree that if you have not paid your dues in the canyon, gradually working up to the harder routes, then you really should not attempt Royal Arch. The person writing that you must negotiate a narrow shelf, is partly wrong. There is a much safer way to get down on the right side. He went left. Also what time of year makes a huge difference. October is optimum. Little water flow etc. I recommend speaking with Lon in the backcountry office before attempting this the first time. Even if your an accomplished canyon hiker, you know this route is far from a walk in the park. No pun intended.
FoolHardyHiker
Jan 03, 2011
Sounds like the hiker above wasn't quite ready for the Grand Canyon.. ;-)
David
Oct 31, 2010
This video was soooooo unrealistic. Doesn't mention anything about what to do if the rope isn't in place at the rappel and you're stranded at the 20 mile point with nowhere to go but straight back. Doesnt address the 45 degree water temperature in the pools you will be FORCED to wade through in the pinched gorge of Royal Arch Creek drainage. Doesn't address the 4" wide, 10' long vertical ledge over a 100' cliff that you MUST traverse to keep going, or the dozens of other times you can get lost route finding. This video should be taken down before somebody dies.
READERS COMMENTS
The opposite side of narrow ledge is the easiest route. It doesn't appear so to someone who has never been shown, but it is. Just read the beta from GCNP backcountry office. Plus why you traveling counter-clockwise? That's not advised. Even with the correct knowledge, its a demanding hike.
Actually both comments have merit. The Royal Arch loop has long been considered the toughest of the established South Rim routes. I agree that if you have not paid your dues in the canyon, gradually working up to the harder routes, then you really should not attempt Royal Arch. The person writing that you must negotiate a narrow shelf, is partly wrong. There is a much safer way to get down on the right side. He went left. Also what time of year makes a huge difference. October is optimum. Little water flow etc. I recommend speaking with Lon in the backcountry office before attempting this the first time. Even if your an accomplished canyon hiker, you know this route is far from a walk in the park. No pun intended.
Sounds like the hiker above wasn't quite ready for the Grand Canyon.. ;-)
This video was soooooo unrealistic. Doesn't mention anything about what to do if the rope isn't in place at the rappel and you're stranded at the 20 mile point with nowhere to go but straight back. Doesnt address the 45 degree water temperature in the pools you will be FORCED to wade through in the pinched gorge of Royal Arch Creek drainage. Doesn't address the 4" wide, 10' long vertical ledge over a 100' cliff that you MUST traverse to keep going, or the dozens of other times you can get lost route finding. This video should be taken down before somebody dies.
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