464 Robert Bendetti ~ How to Hike the Grand Canyon Rim2Rim2Rim Trail

·49 min·4 clips

Robert Bendetti lost 65 pounds before hiking 50 miles across the Grand Canyon in 110-degree heat.

The episode begins with host Holly Worton introducing the podcast's focus on personal growth through outdoor adventures. She introduces guest Robert Bendetti, a CFO and ultra-runner who hiked the Grand Canyon's rim-to-rim-to-rim trail. Bendetti explains the route: 50 miles with 22,000 feet of elevation change, which he completed solo in 23 hours in 110-degree heat. He shares his background, having lost 65 pounds before taking up hiking. Bendetti describes training in flat South Carolina using treadmills and stairmasters to simulate elevation. He emphasizes the trail's dangers, noting daily rescue calls and occasional fatalities. A key story involves a failed attempt with a friend who got heat exhaustion due to inadequate food and water, teaching Bendetti to verify all team members' gear. He discusses packing light but carrying extra supplies to help others, using an ultra-running vest with water bottles and calorically dense, easy-to-chew foods like gels and Nutella. Bendetti recommends working up to the hike gradually, consulting a doctor, and using a personal locator beacon. He details trail specifics: water stations every few hours, the phantom ranch with lemonade and postcards, and best times to go (May or September, avoiding August). The trail includes technical descents, sandy flats, and steep ascents, with temperatures 40 degrees hotter at the bottom. Bendetti doesn't use hiking poles and shares his next adventures: a backyard ultra-run and a 100-mile race. The episode concludes with practical tips and resources in the show notes.

As heard by us

Gear checks and shuttle timing keep this Grand Canyon hiking discussion grounded.

Holly Wharton and Robert Vendetti keep the episode grounded in the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim route, and the practical advice gives it shape.

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Why you'd press play

For when your Grand Canyon plan needs a reality check about gear, timing, and backup plans.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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