Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim (R2R) was an incredible experience! From the moment we stepped onto the North Rim in the dark I was blown away. The dancing headlamps that filled the canyon, the colors, the towering cliffs, the endless horizon—pictures don’t do it justice.
But beyond the views, it was the camaraderie and the challenge that made it so special. Descending into the canyon, you really feel the scale of the place. Every step brought a mix of awe, exhaustion, and excitement. It wasn’t just about pushing through physically (though trust me, the legs were burning!), but about soaking in every moment—the sun rising over the canyon, the sound of the river as we got closer, and hiking with an amazing group of people.
There were moments when it felt like the canyon was testing us—whether it was the heat of the inner canyon or those relentless uphill climbs. But that just made reaching the South Rim feel even more incredible. That sense of accomplishment, of seeing where we started miles and hours ago, and knowing we crossed the entire canyon on foot—it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.
Although you must experience it for yourself, I’d like to share a few learnings I took away from the time spent in the Canyon. Over the next few weeks, I’ll take you through my journey as a hiker and as a learner. I hope you will find them helpful whether you are completing R2R or in your daily journey of life.
Lesson 1 – Embracing the role of follower
When most people think about challenging feats like hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, they often imagine it as a test of independence, blazing your own trail and in some cases leadership. But as I completed the R2R journey, one of the most surprising and valuable lessons I learned was the power and wisdom in being a follower.
In a world that places a high value on leadership, we often overlook the strengths that come with following. On this hike, I found that being a follower—whether that meant trusting the expertise of others, bringing up the rear in our hiker conga line, or gracefully going along with decisions —had significant benefits that helped me successfully complete the trek.
Here are some key insights into why being a follower on the R2R hike proved to be not just beneficial, but transformative.
1. Learning from Experience: Trusting the Trailblazers
Before embarking on the hike, my peer hikers and I did our homework and learned from numerous people who had already completed the Rim-to-Rim journey. Some had done it multiple times, and their experiences were invaluable to me as a first timer. I quickly realized that there was no need to reinvent the wheel—these seasoned hikers had already learned the hard lessons, and I could benefit from their wisdom if I was willing to follow their advice.
Whether it was understanding how to pace myself, knowing when to rest, or learning the best strategies for hydration, listening to those who had already completed the hike made a world of difference. Their insights helped me avoid common mistakes and approach the hike with more confidence.
Being a follower in this context didn’t mean giving up my autonomy or blindly following every suggestion. Instead, it meant having the humility to recognize that others’ experience could help guide me through unfamiliar terrain. By trusting their knowledge, I was able to make more informed decisions and navigate the trail more smoothly.
2. Finding Safety in Numbers: The Power of Community
One of the greatest benefits of being a follower is the sense of safety that comes with being part of a group. All six of my peers were skilled and knowledgeable about different aspects of this journey, and as I fell in step with them, I began to appreciate the value of following their lead.
The Grand Canyon can be unpredictable. Temperatures soar in the inner canyon, the terrain is rugged, and you are far from help in case of an emergency. Knowing that others were nearby, and following the pace set by them, gave me a sense of security. If I had been on my own, I might have pushed too hard or underestimated the difficulty of certain sections of the trail. But by sticking with others, I found myself pacing appropriately, taking breaks when necessary, and benefiting from the collective knowledge of the group.
There were moments when I felt like I could have moved faster, but I realized that following the group pace wasn’t just about staying safe—it was also about building relationships and enjoying the journey together. Being part of a group reminded me that some adventures are better shared.
3. Humility and Patience: Letting Go of the Need to Lead
As someone who likes to be in control of my own experiences, there were moments during the hike when I felt the urge to lead, set the pace, and make my own way. But hiking the Grand Canyon is a lesson in humility. The sheer size and power of the landscape put things into perspective. I had to accept that there were many things I didn’t know, and that sometimes, the best thing to do was to follow the lead of others who were more experienced or better prepared.
There’s a certain humility that comes with stepping back and allowing someone else to lead the way. It requires patience and the ability to let go of ego. But what I found was that this humility allowed me to focus more on the journey itself. By following others, I didn’t have to constantly worry about navigating or making the “right” choices. I could trust that the leaders of the group knew the trail, and I could conserve my mental and physical energy for the hike itself.
This mindset shift was freeing. It allowed me to soak in the beauty of the canyon, enjoy conversations with fellow hikers, and appreciate the trail without the added pressure of leading. It reminded me that leadership isn’t always about being in front; sometimes, it’s about supporting others, learning from them, and knowing when to follow.
4. Following the Trail: Learning to Trust the Process
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike follows a well-established trail. The paths are marked, the water stops are planned, and many people before me had successfully completed the hike by following these guidelines. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of trusting the trail itself—of following the process and not trying to create my own path.
In life, we often want to forge new ways or find shortcuts, but the Rim-to-Rim hike reinforced that sometimes the best option is to trust what’s already been laid out for you. The trail has been designed to lead hikers safely through the canyon, and while it might seem tempting to take a shortcut or stray from the beaten path, sticking to the trail ensures safety and success.
There were moments when I thought I could take a faster route or felt tempted to push ahead, but I learned to trust the signs, the markers, and the advice of those who maintain the trail. By following the established route, I was able to avoid unnecessary risks and stay on course, which ultimately led to a successful and rewarding completion of the hike.
5. Knowing When to Lead and When to Follow
One of the greatest insights from the Rim-to-Rim hike was the realization that life is a balance between leading and following. There were moments when I did need to take charge—whether that meant deciding when to take a break, managing my hydration, or choosing when to push myself a little harder. But for the most part, being a follower allowed me to rely on the experience and knowledge of others, making the journey smoother and less stressful.
The lesson here is that knowing when to lead and when to follow is a skill in itself. Sometimes, following allows you to learn, to rest, and to trust in something bigger than yourself. It also opens the door to deeper connections with others who share the journey. There is wisdom in recognizing that you don’t always have to be in control, and that being a follower can be just as empowering as being a leader.
Conclusion: The Power of Following on Life’s Journey
The Rim-to-Rim hike through the Grand Canyon taught me that being a follower is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom. By following others—whether seasoned hikers, the collective pace of the group, or the established trail itself—I was able to conserve energy, avoid unnecessary risks, and fully appreciate the journey.
This hike reinforced that life’s greatest challenges aren’t always about leading the way. Sometimes, the best course of action is to follow, to learn from those who’ve gone before you, and to embrace the journey with humility and trust.
Ultimately, knowing when to follow is just as important as knowing when to lead. Whether in hiking or in life, there is great value in being a follower—allowing you to grow, learn, and find strength in the collective wisdom of others.
If you ever get the chance to do this hike, take it! It’s more than just a trek; it’s a journey that challenges you, humbles you, and leaves you in awe of nature’s raw beauty. An unforgettable adventure, for sure.
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