THIS TRIP IS FABULOUS FOR YOUR FIRST

GRAND CANYON BACKPACKING ADVENTURE

This is the hike that most people start off with for a Grand Canyon Backpack. Desert oases and spectacular vistas await your arrival on the south rim. Geologic history and cultural history will be encountered on this well-maintained hike; this trail was used by copper miners in the late nineteenth century and was also used by horse thieves to move their loot across the canyon.  This classic hike includes optional visits to the Bright Angel Cantina at the bottom for beers and snacks. As with all Grand Canyon hiking, expect on-trail hiking over steep terrain.

View All Our Grand Canyon Trip Options on the Grand Canyon Backpacking Page

NEW in 2008:  October 10 - 12.  South Rim 3 Day with just daypacks.  Fantastic for families, people with limited time, and for a broad range of ages and abilities, our Mule-Assisted Grand Canyon Classic Tour is an opportunity to experience the fullness of the Canyon with the maximum amount of comfort. You get to fully soak in the beauty as you hike with just a small, top-of-the-line daypack we provide, while mules carry your gear down and back up. Just a few of the tour highlights include starting at the popular South Rim, hiking classic trails with quintessential views, visiting historic Phantom Ranch, camping at breathtaking Bright Angel Campground, spending time at the Colorado River, and hiking to ancient Indian Gardens. You can just relax and enjoy yourself, as we provide all the gear, gourmet meals, and a professional guide. This hike is an all-around taste of the Grand Canyon in a relatively short amount of time - don’t miss it!

Standard 4 Day South Rim Loop Itinerary

Day 1: Our hike begins on the South Kaibab Trail, a deservedly popular route that offers spectacular views both up and down the Canyon. It’s seven miles of well-maintained trail to the Bright Angel Campground, our destination and camp for the first two nights.  This campground is one of the most charming in the Park, as it is situated at the bottom of the Canyon near the Colorado River and adjacent to Bright Angel Creek.  Campsites are shaded by tall, spreading cottonwoods, piped drinking water is available, and nearby Phantom Ranch offers a snack bar, cold beer, the best lemonade in the Canyon, and ranger-led evening interpretive programs.

Day 2: This is a great basecamp for a layover day and a chance to relax and absorb the magic of the Canyon. Remember your swimsuit for a soak in the cool waters of Bright Angel Creek, catch up on that book you’ve been wanting to read, spend quality time with your family exploring the area, or join your guide for day hikes up the North Kaibab or Clear Creek Trails - the choice is yours.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast we’ll pack up and make an early departure to take advantage of the cool hiking hours of the morning. Following the Bright Angel Trail along the Colorado we’ll arrive at Garden Creek.  From here we follow Garden Creek upstream past its junction with Pipe Creek to Indian Garden a spring site that watered seasonal Havasupai garden plots for centuries. From here it’s a short distance to our camp for the night - Indian Garden Campground, another appreciated camp with shade and water.

Day 4: A casual morning and delicious breakfast will precede a beautiful hike out as we continue our ascent to the rim via Garden Creek and the Bright Angel Trail.  It’s 4-½ miles from camp to the parking lot and a beautiful drive back to Flagstaff for an anxiously anticipated shower, dinner, and bed.

What’s Included?

Every trip includes a professional, medically trained, friendly wilderness guide.
All meals are included from trail food (lunch) and dinner the first day through breakfast and trail food the last day.
All associated park entrance fees are included.
All Your Gear is included - backpack, sleeping bag, pad, trekking poles and all group gear including tents.

Where do we Meet?
We meet at the South Rim the day before the trip begins.

Check our calendar for upcoming trip dates.

How do I register?
All Grand Canyon Backpacking trips require a phone call to our office to begin the registration process.  Please contact us at (520) 275-4759.