Grand Canyon Backpacking Trips

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 23.5 miles (37.8 km). Elevation loss / gain: -5,761’ / +4,380’ (-1,756 m / +1,336 m)

This trip is only available from May through November. We can however do a Rim to Rim to Rim trip at those other times. Call us to customize a trip like that.

Day 1: North Rim to Cottonwood campground, via North Kaibab trail. 6.8 miles (10.9 km), -4,161’ (-1,268 m), Difficult. Backpackers begin their trip very early in Flagstaff, and travel to the North Kaibab trailhead on the North Rim of Grand Canyon. The steep hike on the upper section of the North Kaibab is highlighted by beautifully streaked Coconino Sandstone, a spectacular passage through the Redwall Limestone, and a view of Roaring Springs as it spills out of its caverns in the Muav Limestone. The fantastic views continue as backpackers follow the creek downhill to the first night's stay and an amazing dinner at Cottonwood campground. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Supai Tunnel and Pumphouse Residence. At camp: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available.

Day 2: Cottonwood campground to Bright Angel campground, via North Kaibab trail. 7.2 miles (11.6 km), -1,600’ (-488 m), Strenuous. After breakfast in camp, backpackers will pack up and continue toward Bright Angel campground, Phantom Ranch, and the Colorado River. Throughout the day, hikers enjoy a gentle downhill grade, and have the opportunity to rest along the way at the famous Ribbon Falls. The last portion of the day's hike is punctuated by a dramatic walk into the Inner Gorge, where 1.7 billion-year-old Vishnu Complex metamorphic rock towers above the trail on both sides. En route: water available in Bright Angel Creek, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available. At camp: potable tap water and restrooms available.

Day 3: Bright Angel campground to Havasupai Gardens campground, via River trail and Bright Angel trail. 4.7 miles (7.6 km), +1,320’ (+403 m), Strenuous. After another great breakfast, backpackers will again pack up and cross the River on one of the Park's two bridges, and then begin the day's uphill hike. The trail will lead over riverside sand dunes and up unique corkscrew switchbacks to a hanging valley oasis at Havasupai Gardens. This campground offers day hike opportunities, as well as simple, relaxing shade, picnic tables and lush greenery. Ask your guide for more information. En route: water available in Pipe Creek and Garden Creek below Havasupai Gardens, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; enclosed composting toilets available at River Resthouse. At camp: potable tap water and enclosed composting toilets available.

Day 4: Havasupai Gardens campground to Grand Canyon Village, via Bright Angel trail. 4.8 miles (7.7 km), +3,060’ (+933 m), Strenuous. On the last day, backpackers encounter a challenging steady uphill hike out to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. At the top, our backpacking groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Three Mile Resthouse and Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse.

Boulder Mail Trail is a great alternative if you missed the permit lottery deadline in the Grand Canyon or if you don't obtain a permit in the lottery. This trip is in Grand Staircase/Escalante Nation Monument!

This trip is highly customizable and available on short notice with no permit required. Please contact us and one of our awesome tour planners will help make this the trip of a lifetime and provide pricing based on how you make this trip especially yours!

Total distance with loaded backpack: 15 miles (24 km). Elevation at start/finish: 6,720’/5,960’ (2,048/1,817 m)

Day one: Travel to Escalante, UT from Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Las Vegas. It is a long journey to the remote historic town of Escalante — the gateway to most of the wonders of Grand Staircase/Escalante country. And we will show guests some of the introductory wonders along the way! The evening is spent at lodging in the town of Escalante (Canyon Country Lodge) or Boulder (Boulder Mountain Lodge) (included in the trip), so that we are fresh for an early start the next day.

Day two: Boulder (airstrip) trailhead to Death Hollow. 5.8 miles (9.3 km). Elevation at start/finish: 6,720’/5,760’ (2,048/1,756 m). Moderate. After a short, beautiful drive in the morning to the trailhead, guests will begin the backpacking trip with their gear loaded and their guide accompanying. The hike begins with some miles across slickrock badlands and sagebrush benches, punctuated with a traverse across Sand Creek (a respectable sandstone canyon in its own right, where there may be time to do a short exploration downstream), and then a dramatic descent into Death Hollow. Here you will spend your first night in the desert backcountry, with an exceptional campsite and delicious meal.

Day three: This day is reserved for a little bit of leisure and alot of exploration! Head west to explore nearby Mamie Creek, or stay within the confines of Death Hollow itself. Death Hollow is a fascinating place; a jagged fracture in the Earth, but with smooth water-polished features, massive sandstone walls, and hidden twists and turns. Upstream and downstream from camp, there is challenging hiking and creek-wading, springs, dramatic narrows, swimming holes, and scenery enough to keep visitors busy for days, so expect to feel a strong urge to stay longer! Wonderful meals prepared by your guide throughout the day.

Day four: Death Hollow to Escalante River trailhead. 9.0 miles (14.5 km). Elevation at start/finish: 5,760’/5,960’ (1,756/1,817 m). Difficult. After another great breakfast, guests and guide will begin the long exit from this incredible wilderness. The hike will take you down into one more sinuous drainage at Mamie Creek, and up and over the Antone Flat highlands. Although it’s a long way, you will be encouraged and continually refreshed by long views of some of the most exceptional Navajo sandstone slickrock landscapes to be found anywhere. At the end, celebratory refreshments at the trailhead, and a return to lodging in Escalante or Boulder.

Day five: Return to Flagstaff/Phoenix/Las Vegas.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 9.6 miles (15.4 km). Elevation loss / gain: -4,380’ / +4,380’ (-1,336 m / +1,336 m).

Day 1: Grand Canyon Village to Havasupai Gardens campground, via Bright Angel trail. 4.8 miles (7.7 km), -3,060’ (-933 m), Strenuous. Backpackers begin their trip with a drive into Grand Canyon Village to the trailhead. The Bright Angel Trail engages hikers immediately with ancient pictographs, stunning geology, and outstanding views. Lunch can be enjoyed along the trail, or at Havasupai Gardens campground after the day's hike is complete. From Havasupai Gardens, there are several options for day hiking, including a sunset dinner option at Plateau Point, overlooking the Colorado River. Ask your guide for more information. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three Mile Resthouse. At camp: potable tap water and enclosed composting toilets available.

Day 2: Havasupai Gardens to Colorado River, via Bright Angel trail. One way: 3.2 miles (5.2 km), -1,320’ (-403 m), Strenuous. Following breakfast, ambitious hikers can head down the trail to the Colorado River, and possibly to Phantom Ranch (an additional 1.6 miles / 2.6km), known for its cold lemonade and shady cottonwood trees. This hike follows breathtaking sections of Garden Creek, Pipe Creek, and the Inner Gorge of Grand Canyon. After lunch and relaxation, hikers retrace their steps back up to Havasupai Gardens, where dinner can be enjoyed again at Plateau Point or in camp. En route: water available in Garden Creek and Pipe Creek below Havasupai Gardens, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; potable tap water available at Phantom Ranch; enclosed composting toilets available at River Resthouse and restrooms available at Phantom Ranch.

Day 3: Havasupai Gardens campground to Grand Canyon Village, via Bright Angel trail. 4.8 miles (7.7 km), +3,060’ (+933 m), Strenuous. On the exit day, backpackers enjoy another hearty breakfast and a steady uphill hike out to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. At the top, our groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Three Mile Resthouse and Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 9.6 miles (15.4 km). Elevation loss / gain: -3,060’ / +3,060’ (-933 m / +933 m).

Day 1: Grand Canyon Village to Havasupai Gardens campground, via Bright Angel trail. 4.8 miles (7.7 km), -3,060’ (-933 m), Strenuous. Backpackers begin their trip with a drive into Grand Canyon Village to the trailhead. The Bright Angel trail engages hikers immediately with ancient pictographs, stunning geology, and outstanding views. Lunch can be enjoyed along the trail, or at Havasupai Gardens campground after the day's hike is complete. From Havasupai Gardens, there are several options for day hiking, including a sunset dinner option at Plateau Point, overlooking the Colorado River. Ask your guide for more information. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three Mile Resthouse. At camp: potable tap water and enclosed composting toilets available.

Day 2: Havasupai Gardens to Grand Canyon Village, via Bright Angel trail. 4.8 miles (7.7 km), +3,060’ (+933 m), Strenuous. On the exit day, backpackers enjoy breakfast at camp, and then retrace their steps for a steady uphill hike out to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. At the top, our backpacking groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Three Mile Resthouse and Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 16.5 miles (26.6 km). Elevation loss / gain: -4,780’ / +4,380’ (-1,457 m / +1,336 m)

Day 1: South Rim to Bright Angel campground, via South Kaibab trail. 7.0 miles (11.3 km), -4,780’ (-1,457 m), Difficult. Backpackers begin their trip with a drive from Flagstaff to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab trail is unique in terms of its intensive construction, ridge-top views, and passage through rare Grand Canyon Supergroup rock layers. Lunch will be enjoyed along the trail. After the demanding hike to the bottom of the Canyon, guests can soak in Bright Angel Creek, visit the banks of the Colorado River, or enjoy a cold drink at the famous Phantom Ranch. En route: no water available; enclosed composting toilets available at Cedar Ridge and the Tipoff. At camp: potable tap water and restrooms available.

Day 2: Bright Angel campground to Havasupai Gardens campground, via River trail and Bright Angel trail. 4.7 miles (7.6 km), +1,320’ (+403 m), Strenuous. After a great breakfast, backpackers will pack up and re-cross the River, then begin the day's hike. Backpackers will travel along riverside sand dunes and up unique corkscrew switchbacks to a hanging valley oasis at Havasupai Gardens. This campground offers day hike opportunities, as well as simple, relaxing shade, picnic tables and lush greenery. Ask your guide for more information. En route: water available in Pipe Creek and Garden Creek below Havasupai Gardens, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; enclosed composting toilets available at River Resthouse. At camp: potable tap water and enclosed composting toilets available.

Day 3: Havasupai Gardens campground to Grand Canyon Village, via Bright Angel trail. 4.8 miles (7.7 km), +3,060’ (+933 m), Strenuous. On the last day, backpackers encounter a challenging steady uphill hike out to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. This upper section of the Bright Angel trail treats hikers to outstanding geological vistas and ancient pictographs. At the top, our backpacking groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Three Mile Resthouse and Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 6.2 miles (10.0 km). Elevation loss / gain: -2,500’ / +2,500’ (-762 m / +762 m).

Day 1: Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa, via Grandview trail. 3.1 miles (5.0 km), -2,500’ (-762 m), Difficult. Backpackers begin their trip with a drive from Flagstaff to Grandview Point on the South Rim. The Grandview trail is a rugged yet intimate historic trail that is instantly fascinating with its steepness and exposure. The hike to Horseshoe Mesa is filled with scenic traverses, punctuated by interesting passages through the Toroweap and Coconino layers. Lunch can be enjoyed along the trail, or after the backpacking group reaches the campsite. From Horseshoe Mesa camp, there are opportunities to explore remnants of the Last Chance Mine, the Cave of the Domes, or the east or west arms of the Mesa itself. In the evening, expect an amazing dinner, brilliant sunset and an unobstructed dome of stars. En route: no water or toilets available. At camp: no water immediately available, composting toilets available.

Day 2: Horseshoe Mesa to Grandview Point, via Grandview trail. 3.1 miles (5.0 km), +2,500’ (+762 m), Difficult. On this exit day, backpackers enjoy breakfast at camp and the possibility of one more side excursion (dependent upon the season) before retracing their steps back to Grandview Point. Although Horseshoe Mesa is a dry camp, guides will see that there is plenty of drinking water available at camp and on the hike out. At the top, our backpacking groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: no water or toilets available.

Mileages

• Grandview Point to Cottonwood Creek: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
• Cottonwood Creek to Grapevine Creek: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
• Grapevine Creek to Lone Tree Canyon: 8.7 miles (14 km)
• Lone Tree Canyon to Cremation Creek: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
• Cremation Creek to South Kaibab Trailhead: 6.5 (10.4 km)
• Grandview Point to Kaibab Trailhead: 28.7 miles (46 km)

Day 1: Backpackers begin their tour with a drive to Grandview Point on the South Rim. The 4.5 mile (7.2km) hike includes the historic and rugged Grandview Trail. The immediate steepness and exposure of this trail is a good introduction for this remote multi-day hike. The day's hike to Cottonwood Creek is filled with scenic traverses, broad views, and interesting passages through the Coconino and Redwall layers. Lunch can be enjoyed along the trail, at Horseshoe Mesa, or after the group reaches the camp area. From Cottonwood camp, guests can enjoy a stroll downstream, or simply relax and enjoy the trickling creek, the quiet of the Canyon, and an amazing dinner. Note: There are restrooms located at the trailhead and at Horseshoe Mesa only.

Day 2: After breakfast, this backpacking trip continues along the Tonto Trail for 5.5 miles (8.8km) to Grapevine Creek. This traverse is a remote, scenic, mostly flat hike atop the Tonto Platform, which rises 1000 feet above the Colorado River. It is also a stretch of trail that does not offer much shade for summertime hikers. Lunch can be enjoyed along the trail, and there is an optional side hike to the Colorado River. This side hike is an adventurous 1.5 mile (2.4km) descent through 1,200 vertical feet of Vishnu Complex metamorphic rock to the south bank of the river. From Grapevine camp, hikers can again enjoy the interesting canyon features downstream, or relax in Canyon solitude in anticipation of another amazing night sky. Note: There are no designated restrooms available on this day.

Day 3: Backpackers will pack up and continue along the Tonto Trail into deeper desert solitude en route to Lonetree Canyon. The 8.7 mile (14km) hike is highlighted by several expansive views up and down the Grand Canyon, and overlooking the Colorado River. Again, this section of Tonto Trail offers very little shade for summertime hikers. At Lonetree camp, your guide will serve you another outstanding dinner, and dig to ensure a camp water supply. Note: There are no designated restrooms available on this day.

Day 4: On this last day, hikers enjoy another hearty breakfast and a 10 mile (16km) hike out to the South Rim. After the first 5.6 miles on the Tonto Trail, hikers rejoin civilization at the Tipoff, where the Tonto Trail meets the frequently traveled South Kaibab Trail. From that point, it is a steady uphill 4.4 mile (7.1km) hike to the trailhead, passing well-known waypoints such as Cedar Ridge and Skeleton Point. At the top, our groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. you'll then have the opportunity to visit the historic El Tovar for a refreshment before heading back to Flagstaff. Note: There are restrooms located at the Tipoff and Cedar Ridge.

Note: To ease the trip you may request an additional person to help carry the weight at an additional cost of $300.00 per day.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 18.6 miles (30 km). Elevation loss / gain: -4,310’ / +4,310’ (-1,314 m / +1,314 m)

Day 1: Hermit’s Rest to Monument Creek campsite, via Hermit and Tonto trails. 9.3 miles (15 km), -3,645’ (-1,111 m), Very Difficult. Backpackers begin their trip with a drive from Flagstaff to Hermit's Rest on the South Rim. The first 7 miles (11.3km) of the hike down the Hermit Trail are full of steep descents, rugged traverses, and ever-expanding views on the way to the Tonto trail junction. From here, backpackers turn east and travel an additional 2.3 miles (3.7km) into Monument Creek, past the towering stone spire from which the drainage gets its name. Lunch will be served along the trail. Arriving at Monument camp, hikers can enjoy a well-deserved rest, an excellent dinner, and incredible night skies. En route: water available in Santa Maria Spring, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available. At camp: water available in Monument Creek, but must be filtered or treated before drinking, composting toilets available.

Day 2: Monument Creek campsite to Granite Rapid, Colorado River, via Monument route. One way: 1.6 miles (2.6 km), -665’ (-203 m), Moderate. After a leisurely breakfast, guests will want to explore the beautiful sculpted metamorphic stone downstream from camp, and continue on the hike to the mighty Colorado River. Once at the River, there is plenty of time to relax on the beach, enjoy lunch, and watch the surging and swirling whitewater of Granite Rapid. Back at camp for the evening, expect another amazing dinner and more starry skies. En route: water available in Monument Creek, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available.

Day 3: Monument Creek campsite to Hermit’s Rest, via Tonto and Hermit trails. 9.3 miles (15 km), +3,645’ (+1,111 m), Very Difficult. After an early breakfast, backpackers retrace the 2.3 miles (3.7km) back to the Hermit Trail. From this point, it is a steady, uphill hike back to the trailhead, passing the already-familiar Cathedral Stairs, Supai traverse, and Coconino switchbacks. At the top, our groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: water available at Santa Maria Spring, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 17.9 miles (28.8 km). Elevation loss / gain: -4,422’ / +4,840’ (-1,349 m / +1,475 m)

Day 1: South Rim to Hance Rapid, Colorado River, via New Hance trail. 6.5 miles (10.5 km), -4,422’ (-1,349 m), Very Difficult. Backpackers will start their day in Flagstaff and travel to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. After a short, calm meander through the forest, the New Hance abruptly plunges off the Rim. The infamous steepness and ruggedness rarely relents throughout the 6.5 mile (10.5km) descent to the Colorado River. However, this trail treats hikers to rare views, ancient fossils, and phenomenal geology in lower Red Canyon. Lunch will be served along the trail. Arriving at camp, backpackers can enjoy a well-deserved rest, the rumble of the Colorado River, and incredible night skies. En route: water available in Red Canyon (intermittent), but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available. At camp: water available in the Colorado River, but must be filtered or treated before drinking, no toilets available.

Day 2: Hance Rapid campsite to Hance Creek campsite, via Tonto trail. 6.5 miles (10.5 km), +1,140’ (+348 m), Difficult. After breakfast, backpackers will begin the day’s hike, a gradual westward climb on this easternmost section of the lengthy Tonto trail. This remote, sometimes exciting ascending traverse offers the rare opportunity to witness the transition from Grand Canyon Supergroup into much younger Tonto Group formations. Once on top of the Tonto Platform, backpackers enjoy wide views as they turn southward into the Hance Creek drainage. En route: no water or toilets available. At camp: water available in Hance Creek, but must be filtered or treated before drinking, no toilets available.

Day 3: Hance Creek campsite to Grandview Point, via Tonto, Grandview extension and Grandview trails. 5.0 miles (8.1 km), +3,700’ (+1,127 m), Very Difficult. On this exit day, backpackers enjoy breakfast at camp, and then a steep 1.9 mile (3.1km) climb up to Horseshoe Mesa. From the Mesa, backpackers will travel on the Grandview trail proper for the final 3.1 miles (5.0km) to Grandview Point and the end of the journey. At the top, our groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: water available at Page Spring, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; composting toilets available at Horseshoe Mesa.

Total Distance with loaded backpack: 24.8 miles (39.9 km). Elevation loss / gain: -4,530’ / +4,310’ (-1,382 m / +1,314 m)

Day 1: Grand Canyon Village to Horn Creek campsite, via Bright Angel and Tonto trails. 7.3 miles (11.7 km), -3,310’ (-1,009 m), Strenuous. Backpackers begin their trip with a drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village and the trailhead. The Bright Angel trail engages hikers immediately with ancient pictographs, stunning geology, and outstanding views. Lunch can be enjoyed at Havasupai Gardens after the first 4.8 miles (7.7km) are complete. From Havasupai Gardens, backpackers will head west on the Tonto trail for another 2.5 miles (4.0km) to the very quiet Horn Creek. In the evening, expect an amazing dinner and a mesmerizing night sky. En route: potable tap water (seasonal) and enclosed composting toilets available at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three Mile Resthouse; year-round potable tap water and enclosed composting toilets available at Havasupai Gardens. At camp: no water available; composting toilet available.

Day 2: Horn Creek campsite to Monument Creek campsite, via Tonto trail. 8.2 miles (13.2 km), -555’ (-169 m), Difficult. After breakfast in camp, backpackers will pack up and continue west. This section of Tonto trail is a phenomenal hike on the Tonto Platform with overwhelming inner Canyon views throughout. En route: water available at Salt Creek (intermittent) and Cedar Spring (intermittent), but must be filtered or treated before drinking; composting toilet available at Salt Creek. At camp: water available in Monument Creek, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; composting toilets available.

Day 3: Monument Creek campsite to Granite Rapid, Colorado River, via Monument route. One way: 1.6 miles (2.6 km), -665’ (-203 m), Moderate. After a leisurely breakfast, guests will want to explore the beautiful sculpted metamorphic stone downstream from camp, and continue on the short hike to the mighty Colorado River. Once at the River, there is plenty of time to relax on the beach, enjoy lunch, and watch the surging and swirling whitewater of Granite Rapid. Back at camp for the evening, expect another delicious dinner and more starry skies. En route: water available in Monument Creek, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available.

Day 4: Monument Creek campsite to Hermit’s Rest, via Tonto and Hermit trails. 9.3 miles (15 km), +3,645’ (+1,111 m), Very Difficult. After an early breakfast, backpackers start with the 2.3 miles (3.7km) of Tonto to the Hermit Trail junction. From this point, it is a steady, uphill hike to Hermit’s Rest on the South Rim, passing the Cathedral Stairs, Supai traverse, and Coconino switchbacks. At the top, our backpacking groups relax near the trailhead and savor their accomplishments over a sandwich and cold refreshment. En route: water available at Santa Maria Spring, but must be filtered or treated before drinking; no toilets available.