It wasn't until about six months ago that Jerry Crank even thought of taking on the Grand Canyon. But, inspired by our group and fueled by a fitness kick that's changed his entire life, Jerry became a man on a mission. Today, we join him for every step of his transformational journey and find out exactly what he's done to get himself Canyon Strong at 77 years old.

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Please join the Hike Tribe Grand Canyon Facebook group—the official group of The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show—by clicking here. Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.

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Bright Angel Outfitters is now Hike Tribe, a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. Let's go get it!

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To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

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Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

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The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from Hike Tribe aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

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For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

John Haley is a Canyon regular and a believer in giving yourself rewards when finishing your grand adventure. Today, a conversation from the top of Black Mountain on root beer floats and lessons learned below the rim.

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Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here. Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.

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You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

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To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

*****

Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

With the last-minute closure of the River Trail—and loss of all access to Bright Angel Trail for Rim2Rim hikers through Sept. 30, 2025—you might be wondering what your options are. In this special bonus episode, we lay out the pros and cons of the not-so-great alternatives you now have.

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Please join the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show's private Facebook group by clicking here. Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.

*****

You can help support the show by considering Rim2Rim or Canyon-centric gear and apparel from Bright Angel Outfitters, the brand founded by Brian & Zeena that exists to help you hike your best hike. Check it out at BrightAngelOutfitters.com.

*****

To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

*****

Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at gchikerdude@brightangeloutfitters.com.

*****

The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at brightangeloutfitters.com. Another free resource from Bright Angel Outfitters aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)