Grand Canyon Backpacking Adventure
On this six-day adventure explore the Grand Canyon: a majestic natural wonder carved by time, revealing the earth’s mesmerizing history in its layered cliffs.
TRIP DATES:
May 2-7, 2024 -SOLD OUT
Trip Length
6-8 Hours
$1950
Embark on a thrilling backpacking adventure through the Grand Canyon! You’ll traverse the rugged trails that wind along the South Rim, offering breathtaking vistas of ancient geological formations and the mighty Colorado River! Each day presents a new challenge and a chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, culminating in a deeply rewarding and unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes and unparalleled vistas.
Activities
- Backpacking and Interpretive Tours
- Backcountry Tent Camping & Hotel
Included
- Medically-trained, naturalist guides
- Round-trip transportation from Phoenix
- Camping & Hotel Reservations – Single supplement only available for hotel, double occupancy tent camping
- Group camping equipment, sleeping pad, and tent
- All meals
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Flights
- Gratuity for your guide
- Sleeping bag (available to rent)
- Personal camping gear (see pack list)
* Grand Canyon National Park has implemented a shuttle system, expect to ride this with your guide to access certain hikes/ trails.
WEather
The best times of year to hike in the deserts of Arizona are during early spring from late February to May, and the fall months of September through to early November. The summer months can be oppressively hot and not ideal for hiking. Daytime temperatures in spring and fall are usually from 60° to 80°F (16°-27°C) and nights are cool. In the early fall you should be prepared for the odd afternoon thunderstorm.
Intensity- Moderate to Intense
Prepare to engage in 6-8 hours of invigorating hiking each day, navigating varied terrain and notable elevation changes, particularly in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon, all while carrying essential backpacks filled with water and sustenance. This adventure is well-suited for moderately experienced individuals in good physical condition, with the final day demanding a significant elevation gain and covering substantial mileage, adding an exhilarating challenge to this remarkable journey.
Accommodations
- Single occupancy hotel
- Double occupancy tent camping
Flights
Your guide will meet you at Phoenix International Airport between 10:30am – 11:00 am on Day 1, so please book a flight that arrives by 10 am. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation in Phoenix at 10:00 am if you are already in town, located within 10-15 minutes of the airport.
Your trip ends back at Phoenix International Airport at around 1:00 PM on day 6. Please book a flight that leaves after 3:00PM to ensure you have enough time to check-in. Alternatively you can be dropped at your accommodation in Phoenix if you are staying on.
Photography
We’re thrilled to announce that a photographer will be accompanying us on this trip to capture the incredible moments and memories we’ll be making together!
These photos will be featured on our website to showcase the amazing experiences our travelers enjoy.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at hello@goodtripadventures.com.
Curious about our photographer and how her values align with Good Trip’s? Check out her portfolio.
At Good Trip Adventures, we believe every adventurer deserves to see themselves reflected in the experiences we offer. To uphold this commitment, we are offering two complimentary spots on this trip to individuals from historically underrepresented communities.
If you are interested in this offer, please reach out via email at hello@goodtripadventures.com. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable adventure!
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s a day of discovery and connection with the soul of the Grand Canyon. Book your private tour with Good Trip Adventures today and craft memories that will last a lifetime!
Day One
Your adventure begins today! Upon your arrival to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, your guide will pick you up for a private transfer to Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll meet your fellow travelers and get to know one another via a lunch in town! After a 3-hour transfer to the south rim, enjoy a welcome dinner before the few adventurous days ahead!
Meals: L, D
Day Two
Today, you’ll get an early start as we begin our descent into the Grand Canyon via the Bright Angel Trail. We’ll make a stop under the towering cottonwood trees of Havasupai Garden and enjoy a picnic lunch next to the cool water of Garden Creek.
Afterwards, we’ll continue our trek to our creek-side campsite where we’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner as the evening glow plays along the towering sandstone cliffs as you settle into your first night of backcountry camping. (~8.8 miles, 3,060f.)
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
We’ll start our day with a filling breakfast before an early start along the Tonto Trail. This trail remains relatively level, gaining less than 500 ft of elevation between our next campsite for the evening. This stretch of trail offers several expansive views of the inner gorge of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.
After a short day of hiking, we’ll arrive at camp with an opportunity to enjoy a few hours of free time before another wonderfully prepared dinner is served. (4.8 miles, 500ft)
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
Another mild day of hiking begins as we continue our way along the relatively flat Tonto Trail to our next destination, Monument Creek. This campsite is situated beneath the towering cliffs of the Redwall Limestone and next to a towering pillar of rock for which the campsite gets its name. Be on the lookout for bighorn sheep, as they’re commonly spotted in this area.
Once at camp, we’ll enjoy an optional trek down to the Colorado River through an intricate canyon of layered sandstone. (3.4 miles, 300ft of gain) (Optional + 1.5 miles, 1000ft of gain).
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
Today, we’ll get an early start for our challenging exit hike up to the canyon rim. We’ll depart the Tonto Trail and begin ascending the Hermits Trail as it switchbacks along a series of rock shelves. Be on the lookout for 250-million-year-old fossilized footprints preserved in one of the sandstone layers along our ascent.
With the full day we will take our time, making as many stops as needed to take on this large day of elevation gain! Once we have reached the rim, we’ll take the park shuttle back to the Grand Canyon Village before a celebratory shower, bed, and farewell dinner! (9.5 miles, 3500ft)
Meals: B, L, D
Day Six
The time has come for you to say “until next time.” Take the morning to enjoy a farewell breakfast with your fellow travelers. In the late morning, you’ll take a ride back to Phoenix where you will say your goodbyes feeling rewarded.
Meals: B, L, D
* Route may be reversed
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Backpacking pack (60 liters recommended)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent), rated to 15 degrees
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles
- Wag Bags
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Meals may be prepared by guides, picked up as boxed lunches, or enjoyed in restaurants. We prioritize seasonal, fresh ingredients and local suppliers in all regions. We can cater to most dietary requests and allergies with advanced notice. Be sure to include this information in our client intake form when registering for your trip!
Can we adjust the start time or trip length?
Start times are totally customizable to your group’s needs! Trips can easily be shortened to accommodate your needs. If you’d like to lengthen your trip, email hello@goodtripadventures.com as additional rates may apply.
Do you offer payment plans?
We are here to help! We offer flexible payment plans tailored to your needs. Reach out to us for more information on how we can assist you with payment options. Regardless of the payment plan implemented, full payment must be received by 30 days in advance of the trip start.
Are there age requirements?
They say age is just a number and we (mostly) agree! However, due to legal restrictions and group dynamic considerations, we do have a minimum age of 18 on our public group departures. But there’s no maximum!
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!