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Itinerary
Day One- Meet your guides at the host hotel for an early start on your adventure. Start time 7 a.m. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TzEhCwZh5zGcUn9eA?g_st=am
The Journey : The sun-drenched valley of Phoenix to the towering cliffs of the Grand Canyon isn’t just a drive—it’s a breathtaking ascent through four distinct climate zones. In just under four hours, you’ll witness a lifetime’s worth of landscapes.
Vertical Magic: You’ll climb over 6,000 feet in elevation. Watch as the giant Saguaros of the Sonoran Desert give way to the sprawling grasslands of the Cordes Junction, finally surrendering to the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in the world.
Flagstaff’s Alpine Cool: Take a breather in a mountain town where the air is thin, the coffee is strong, and the San Francisco Peaks—Arizona’s highest points—stand guard on the horizon. Lunch at the historic Cameron Trading Post with views of the Little Colorado River gorge.
The Final Stretch: The approach to the South Rim is a masterclass in anticipation. The ground feels flat, the trees are thick, and then—without warning—the earth simply opens up. We will enter through the East gate of the GC and explore Desert Watchtower and hike the iconic Rim Trail (3.2 miles) before heading to the campground and setting up base camp! We will enjoy dinner in camp, a campfire to take the chill off and an opportunity to get to know your adventure team.
Day Two- Hike the famous and challenging Bright Angel Trail. Start time 7 a.m
We will start the day with a delicious hot breakfast and Cowboy Coffee. Then it’s time to lace up those boots and check your water levels. We aren't just hiking a trail today; We’re walking down a vertical timeline of Earth’s history. The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon’s premier backcountry trail—a masterpiece of stone staircases and switchbacks that leads directly into the heart of the abyss.
After a beautiful hike down to 3 Mile House (2300 ft elevation loss) we will have a nutritious and delicious lunch on the trail, catered by your guides. At this point we will determine if we want to continue into the canyon or turn around and start the climb back out of this magnificent landscape.
Then time to explore the South Rim attractions, including the Hopi House and the historic Kolb Studio before heading back to Basecamp for showers, dinner and down time.
Day Three-The iconic South Kaibab Trail is on the menu for today. Start time 7 a.m.
The day starts with a sunrise breakfast at camp. We will shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead. We drop over the rim. The first half-mile, known as "The Chimney," consists of steep, shaded switchbacks. We'll pause briefly to admire the pustule dome—a unique geologic formation where softer rock has pushed through the limestone layers. Pictures at Ooh -Aah Point (.9 miles) and onward into the canyon. A chance to refuel at Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles) and on to our final destination, Skeleton Point (3 miles). Here we will have lunch and get ready for the hike back up to the rim. Remember: The climb out takes roughly twice as long as the hike down. We’ll maintain a "Grand Canyon Pace"—slow, steady steps with frequent "breathing breaks" to admire the changing light on the canyon walls. Once on top, we will shuttle to the Visitor Center where we can peruse the GC Conservancy for gifts and souvenirs of our accomplishment. One more shuttle to camp where we will toast our success and enjoy one last camp-made dinner!
Day Four- Break camp, hike and depart for Phoenix Start time 7 a.m.
The final morning in the Canyon is always the most bittersweet. After three days of hiking below the rim, your legs are heavy, but your pack is lighter, and the scale of the world feels fundamentally different. Today, we transition from the rugged depths of the backcountry back to the civilized beauty of the Rim Trail. We will break camp while enjoying a light breakfast. Once packed, we will make our way to the Rim for one last hike on the Rim Trail. We will head west towards Hermits Rest and enjoy a casual pace while soaking in a part of the canyon that we haven't seen. One our drive home, we will stop for a celebratory lunch at the famous Grand Canyon Brewery in historic Williams AZ. And finally, drop-off at the host hotel between 4 and 6p.m.
