The 4-month duration ensures a safe, gradual progression in fitness, strength, and endurance, while allowing time to adapt to the physical demands of the Rim to Rim hike. It also provides ample opportunity for team-building, skill-building, recovery, and fostering mental toughness, ensuring you’re fully prepared to tackle the challenge by April 2026.

No prior hiking experience is necessary. This program is designed for all fitness levels, with a structured training plan that gradually builds your endurance, strength, and confidence. That being said, if you have any pre-existing conditions, illnesses or limitations, consult your physician to ensure your safety.

The Rim to River trail we'll be following is the South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail, which typically takes 9 to 12 hours to complete in a single day, depending on fitness level, pace, and breaks.

Key factors affecting the time include:

Elevation Changes: Over 9,000 feet of total elevation change (a steep descent into the canyon and a challenging climb out).

Distance: The trail spans approximately ~ 16 miles.

Weather: Temperatures can vary widely, with cooler conditions on the rims and warmer temperatures at the canyon floor.

Totally normal. The Rim-to-River trail is wide, well-maintained, and non-technical — no ledge-hugging or scrambling. We’ve guided men who were nervous about heights, and they had no issues completing the hike safely. You’ll have support the entire way and can move at whatever pace feels comfortable.

Your ground transportation during the trip, AirBnB lodging Tuesday–Friday, and meals Tuesday–Friday morning are included.

Once you’re with us Tuesday morning, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

Most major expenses are covered. The main items you’re responsible for are:

• Flights to and from Arizona

  • We recommend flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)

  • Las Vegas (LAS) is an optional alternate arrival city

• Monday night lodging in Phoenix

  • We suggest booking an airport hotel

  • Tommy and Craig will be staying nearby for easy rendezvous Tuesday morning

• Any meals outside the Tuesday–Friday itinerary

Everything else — lodging during the event, most meals, ground transportation, coaching, group calls, and training program — is included.

Training will typically require 4–6 hours per week (less in the early stages and more as we get closer to the hike), depending on the phase of the program. This includes a mix of strength training, endurance workouts, and active recovery sessions to gradually build your fitness and endurance. The most important session each week will be your long hike (scheduled for weekends).

We’ll stay in a private eight-bedroom retreat house in Flagstaff, about 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon.

The home is designed for corporate retreats — spacious common areas, multiple bathrooms, and plenty of personal space.

Most rooms are double occupancy, but you won’t feel cramped. There’s ample room to spread out, relax, and decompress between activities.

Prefer your own space? A single-room upgrade is available.

Hiking Gear:

High-quality hiking/running trail shoes.

Backpack (10 to 15L recommended).

Trekking poles.

Clothing Layers: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, hats, gloves, and waterproof gear.

Hydration Systems: Water bladders, bottles, and water filtration systems.

Headlamp: Essential for pre-dawn starts.

Trail Food and Snacks: Energy bars, electrolyte drinks, and meals for the hike.

Grand Canyon Entrance Fee: $35 USD per vehicle or a valid National Park Pass (divided amongst all participants).

We understand that unexpected events happen. Please contact us as soon as possible, and we’ll work with you on a case-by-case basis regarding refunds or other options. In saying that, this is a team effort. We ask that you genuinely commit to all aspects of this program before registering. 

Life happens, and we’re here to support you. Our group coaching calls and community support system will help you stay motivated and adapt your training plan as needed.  The program is also designed to account for various lapses in training. We have  months to get this right!

You’ll need comfortable trail running/hiking shoes, a hydration system (water bladder), proper clothing layers, trekking poles, and a backpack. We’ll provide a detailed gear list and guidance on selecting the right equipment.

We'll be hiking in late April where temperatures can vary widely, from cool mornings on the rim (32-40°F) to warmer conditions in the canyon (85-110°F). The program includes preparation for handling these weather changes.

You will hike in small groups for safety and camaraderie. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded adventurers who’ve been part of the program with you. However, this hike offers a connection to nature and self reflection, so if you want some solitude while on the hike, that can be arranged.