Backpacking Journey - North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Live Out Your Dreams series of journeys - Come live out a dream of backpacking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in one of the most remarkable locations within the canyon!

This trip is truly a journey into the wonder and magic of the Grand Canyon. It s probably the most memorable and rewarding hikes in the Canyon, and features excellent streamside camps, thundering waterfalls, an enormous landslide, an enchanting slickrock narrows section, and a layover day to relax and absorb the magic of the place.

The route beautifully illustrates some of the most distinctive and scenic characteristics of the western Grand Canyon, and continues to be one of our all-time favorites.

Day 1: We embark off the North Rim and descend to a broad slickrock terrace known as the Esplanade. We spend our first night at the edge of the Esplanade where we have expansive views into the Canyon.

Day 2: This day begins with a descent to Surprise Valley. Here we turn east and hike to the spectacular and aptly named Thunder Springs, a waterfall that erupts from large fissures at the Muav Limestone, Bright Angel Shale contact. Shortly thereafter, we ll make camp at a site known as Upper Tapeats. This is a beautiful spot located in a cottonwood riparian zone adjacent to Tapeats Creek. Time allowing, we may then dayhike back to Thunder Springs or explore the magnificent Upper Tapeats drainage.

Day 3: We ll get up and start working our way downstream to the Colorado River. Potential stream crossings and some exposure make for exciting hiking as the trail alternates between flat, sandy stretches next to the creek and short, steep climbs over the Hakatai Shale. Eventually we ll reach the Colorado River at Tapeats Rapid, and follow it for a few miles on our way to Deer Creek, where we ll make camp for the evening.

Day 4: This is a layover day at one of the most beautiful spots in the Canyon - Deer Creek. We ll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting Deer Creek narrows and hike to Deer Creek Falls, where the creek flows out of a narrow Tapeats Sandstone canyon and forms a large waterfall next to the Colorado. We can swim, read, explore, or do nothing at all - this is your day to relax and absorb the magic of this place!

Day 5: Today s hike will take us upstream along Deer Creek to its source. From here it s a steep, steady climb across debris from an enormous landslide that changed the course of the Colorado River. Eventually we ll arrive at Surprise Valley, and then head up through the Redwall to our Esplanade camp. Having just experienced four magic days below, you may feel a bit nostalgic, and you ll certainly have a different perspective on this place than you did on night one.

Day 6: On our final day we ll retrace our route from day one, which means crossing the Esplanade and climbing through the Canyon s uppermost rock formations to gain the trailhead and civilization once again.

How to sign up: This is a small group backpacking experience.  All Grand Canyon backpacking trips require a call into the office to begin the registration process.

Logistics: 6 Days/5 Nights - 28 Mile Journey

What’s Included: Professional and friendly guide, priceless lifetime opportunity to challenge yourself and live out a dream and all of your food including snacks. All group gear is included plus backpack, sleeping pad, tent, trekking poles. You bring your clothes, personal items and boots, we bring the rest.

Trip Dates:
Check our calendar for upcoming departure dates.

Trip Start: The start location is at the North rim of the Grand Canyon.