Unlike normal hilly hikes, this one goes down into the Grand Canyon first then you return the same way. This may seem not to make a difference. However, walking down can be strenuous, especially when the path is steep. This meant that ascending was more difficult than if you’d climbed first and descended second.
You don’t get to the bottom of the canyon but are fairly low. After descending, you trace a relatively flat horseshoe, after which you return back up the way you came.
There were steep sections which sapped me. I just had to stop sometimes to recover. Occasionally, I’d talk to people who were descending.
I was immersed in the Grand Canyon for six hours. It was, in every way, a breathtaking experience!