The Wildest Hike I've ever done - Deer Creek Thunder River Loop - Grand Canyon

The Wildest Hike I've ever done - Deer Creek Thunder River Loop - Grand Canyon

This trail has been on my list for way too many years.  The Deer Creek / Thunder River loop looks amazing.  Firstly, it's the Grand Canyon and it's tough to go wrong there.  Next, it's much lesser known than something like South Kaibab or Bright Angel;  Deer Creek / Thunder River is a true backcountry experience.  There are no water faucets, rest houses or bathrooms.  You also get to visit some amazing places;  

Thunder River Spring - It's literally a waterfall pouring out of the side of the Grand Canyon.  Thunder River Spring feeds Thunder River, which happens to be the steepest river in the USA.  

Deer Creek Narrows - I've wanted to rappel through the Deer Creek Narrows since I heard about them.  Unfortunately, I believe this is no longer allowed.  But you can still walk along the top of the narrows which is quite an experience in itself.  

Deer Creek Falls - Deer Creek Falls (pictured on the thumbnail) is a picturesque 180' tall waterfall, dropping down to the Colorado River.  

I feel like the video does a good job of showing what the trail looks like and highlighting the sights along the way.  What it doesn't do a good job of is showing just how rough this trail is.  Watching this back, I feel like I keep saying how hard the trail is while the video makes it look like a piece of cake.  And I don't care what Clint says, this trail is not cake.  

The descents are extremely steep.  So much so in spots that I was actually grateful when there were switchbacks.  There is no water until Thunder Spring, so if you aren't lucky enough to get a permit to camp in that area, you need to pack in your water.  This just adds to the pack weight and bulk.  Then there is the uneven terrain;  it's not Bright Angel or Kaibab.  Those trails are well maintained and traveled.  The Deer Creek / Thunder River Loop is not well maintained or traveled.  The trails are faint and riddled with rocks and uneven steps.  You have to be mindeful of EVERY step.  This makes it extremely slow going, risky and just harder on your body.  Then there are the sketchy parts.  I feel like it takes a lot to sketch me out, and this trail managed to do that in multiple locations.  There is big exposure on the trail from Thunder Spring to Lower Tapeats, from Lower Tapeats to the Deer Creek Narrows and in the Deer Creek Narrows themselves.  Clint actually slipped in the Deer Creek Narrows and I was certain he was going to fall into the narrows themselves.  The slip itself is caught on video and shows up on our way back after Deer Creek Falls (although it happened on the way to the falls).  I'm not sure if the video properly conveys how scary that actually was, but it honestly made my heart skip a few beats.  Luckily, he was OK, but it was terrifying for a moment.

And with all things related to the Grand Canyon, realize that weather and water are of primary concern.  Even moreso than falling off one of the many cliffs....although I recommend concentrating on not falling off the cliffs as well.

Anyway, if you are considering doing this hike, just know it is difficult.  I understand that difficulty is relative, but I feel like I do this type of thing a lot and this was without a doubt the most difficult backpacking trip I've ever done.  It's worth it, but just know what you're getting into.

Alright, enough rambling.  Hope you enjoy the video and if you still feel up to it after watching the video and reading this description, go for it.  It's an amazing trail.  Just make sure you take it seriously because it can be quite a beat down.  

Music by Epidemic Sound
- We Are Giants - Silver Maple

Music by Artlist
- Adelaide - Dear Gravity
- Solace - Liquid Memoirs
- Memento Mori - The Duke of Norfolk
- Currents - Ardie Son
- Animals - Ardie Son
- A Soaring Swan Sister - Ardie Son
- His Mercy - The David Roy Collective
- Row - Israel Wasserman
- Sleeper Valley - Ardie Son