Are you ready to have an amazing adventure and make an incredible difference in the lives of children?
You can do both as you join us on a climb through the deepest valley of the Grand Canyon this October 4-8, 2023!
Experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon by hiking Rim-to-Rim (R2R)—down the North Kaibab Trail to the gorge of the mighty Colorado River, then up the Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim. Your endurance will be tested as together, with other CMF partners, you hike 25.5 miles in 10-15 hours.
Imagine the rush of adrenaline, the majestic views, your sense of accomplishment and the memories you’ll make on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
This trip is more than just an opportunity to cross something off your bucket list though. By climbing R2R with CMF you’ll be engaging with a bigger purpose. Your efforts can inspire others to support a growing sports ministry through CMF’s partnership with Mission of Hope International (MOHI) in Kenya.
For almost 20 years, CMF and MOHI have partnered in bringing hope and healing to children and their families living in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Kenya. Now providing quality, Christ-centered education to over 22,000 children living in poverty, every MOHI program seeks to educate, empower, restore and redeem the lives of vulnerable children and their families. To learn more about the history and growth of MOHI, click here.
Our challenge for you
Our ultimate challenge to you is to use your R2R experience as an opportunity to transform the lives and communities served by MOHI.
Each climber commits to raise/give at least $5,000 to support MOHI Sports Ministry, with a collective team fund raising goal of $100,000. The funds, due by October 1, will be used to help develop sports programming, purchase essential equipment, and build multipurpose sports fields that serve MOHI schools and their surrounding communities in and around Nairobi, Kenya.
MOHI Sports Ministry provides a safe place for children from some of the poorest communities in Kenya to develop leadership and problem-solving skills while also inspiring good character, self-esteem and confidence through playing sports. Trained coaches will not only teach soccer skills, but—more importantly—disciple each child to develop his or her identify in Jesus Christ.
Trip Registration Deadline
To reserve your spot for this life-changing adventure, please submit your $250 deposit by May 31, 2023. Only 16 spots available, so claim your spot below by registering today! After all 16 spots are filled, registration will close and names be placed on a waiting list.
Note: Deposits are non-refundable and go toward your total trip costs. All trip costs are due to CMF September 1, 2023. A suggested trip payment schedule will be provided.
R2R Climber Commitment
- Raise/give at least $5,000 (due by Oct. 1) to support MOHI Sports Ministry in addition to trip and airfare costs
- Physically train for the trip (see Medical Considerations)
CMF and your R2R trip leaders will provide tools, ideas and an online giving account/link to help you reach your fundraising goal. We encourage you to ask your friends, work associates, relatives and church groups to support you both financially and in prayer.
October 4 – Arrive in Phoenix
October 5 – 8:30 a.m. departure for transportation to the North Rim.
October 6 – Wake at 3 a.m. for breakfast and packing up and will depart at 4 a.m. for the trailhead. The hike will begin at 5 a.m.
October 7 – Participants can spend the day at the south rim hiking or relaxing in their rooms.
October 8 – Following breakfast, team members will be returned to Scottsdale around 2:00 p.m. for flights home.
If you plan to say YES to this adventure, you need to be in great physical shape—fit, fast, and well-prepared.
The R2R hike across the canyon is 25.5 miles with an elevation change and gain of 8,000 ft. This is a non-stop one-day hike, typically taking 10-15 hours to cross the canyon with proper water/food/rest stops. You should be able to walk 15 miles while wearing a backpack with little difficulty. You need to be prepared for lots of elevation changes and potential temperatures reaching over 100 degrees.
High altitude can affect each climber differently. Potential symptoms of climbing at higher altitudes may include:
- Shortness of breath or fatigue
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Excess gassiness (belching or flatus)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Confusion/hallucinations
- Staggering gait
- Coughing up blood or gurgling breath
To stay well-hydrated and minimize the risks of heavy exertion at high altitude or dehydration, climbers should DRINK WATER FREQUENTLY AND IN ABUNDANCE (2-3 liters while hiking and 1 liter with each meal). It is also recommended to cut toenails very short a few days before starting the climb, as the descent will place excess pressure on the tips of toes.
All participants will be asked to complete a liability release form prior to the trip.
Check out this training plan to help you best prepare for your Grand Canyon hike.
Trip Costs are $1,450/person + airfare. These costs are in addition to each climber’s commitment to raise/give $5,000 toward MOHI Sports Ministry.
Cost per person includes the following:
- National park gate fees and daily use fees
- Certified Wilderness First Responders and experienced trip leaders
- Welcome and Celebration Team Dinners (Other meals are NOT included.)
- Team shirt
- Hotel accommodations on the north side at Jacob Lake Inn and south side at Yavapai Lodge
- Van transportation from Jacob Lake Inn to the trailhead on the north side.
- Luggage transport from north to south side
- Van transportation from the end of the hike to Yavapai Lodge on the south side
- Transportation from K2 Adventure Travel Scottsdale AZ to Grand Canyon
- Van transportation from the Grand Canyon to K2 Adventure Travel Scottsdale AZ
NOT included:
- Meals, water and snacks (with the exception of Welcome Dinner and Celebration Dinner)
- Lodging in Phoenix. Note: Preferred overnight stay at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Scottsdale North.
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
- Personal gear
- Air transportation
CMFI has created an easy, user-friendly fundraising tool to help you raise the $5,000 commitment support for this trip. We look forward to sharing this resource with you upon registration.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact adventure@cmfi.org."
Want to know what to bring for your trip? Check out this packing list for all your adventure needs.