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Map of Hiking in the Grand Canyon including United States Of America

Grand by name, grand by nature

Discover the Grand Canyon in all its glory on a 6-day walking adventure brimming with epic views and unforgettable moments. From the glitzy and glaring Las Vegas, jump into Arizona and get acquainted with one of the wonders of the natural world. Explore the trails of the little-visited but massively beautiful North Rim accompanied by the wild animals that call this place home, then head down to the South Rim for big views and big stories. With two local leaders by your side, you’ll unearth millions of years of history.

Start
Las Vegas, United States
Finish
Las Vegas, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SKXC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 14

Why you'll love this trip

  • Explore the lesser visited but hugely beautiful North Rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, tackling the North Kaibab Trail and taking in cinematic views at the Coconino Overlook.

  • Cross the historic Old Navajo bridge and head to the popular South Rim of the canyon where you’ll undertake the spectacular Grandview Trail and Hermit Trail.

  • With two local leaders along for the ride, you’ll gain unmatched knowledge of the landscape and its history, plus have the chance to split up into two groups for hikes if your interests differ.

  • You won’t just be joined by local leaders and fellow travellers on this adventure – prepare to share your hiking trail with all manner of wild animals, including condors, deer and buffalos.

  • With all meals included along the way, you’ll spend less time worrying about where to get your next meal from and more time relishing in magnificent views.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip; a good fitness level will help you enjoying all included walks and activities.

  • On our final day we will reach Las Vegas between 5 pm and 6 pm. This night’s accommodation is not included so please plan your departure accordingly, or pre-book a post-tour night.

  • There is some driving included in this trip, up to 4 hours.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Man at North Rim of Grand Canyon, standing on overlook viewpoint, Arizona, USA
Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Baby boomers couple having fun in Grand Canyon, North Rim, Arizona, USA
South Kaibab Trail, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Old Navajo Bridge over Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Hiking in the Valley of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Itinerary
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Welcome to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm at your hotel, where you’ll meet up with your leaders and the other travellers joining you on your adventure. If you arrive with time to spare, you may like to check out some of Vegas’s extravagant attractions. Aside from its famous casinos, the city boasts an interesting mix of cultural anomalies, including the National Atomic Testing Museum, Neon Museum, Mob Museum and Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. After your meeting, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group and leaders, then rest up for your first day of hiking tomorrow (or hit the town, we won’t tell!).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Leave Las Vegas behind, trading skyscrapers and neon lights for the desert landscapes of Arizona. Travel to the North Rim of the magnificent Grand Canyon – this may be one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but the North Rim of the canyon receives just 10% of the visitors as the South Rim, meaning you’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself. With an altitude of 8000 ft, the North Rim also enjoys a cooler climate that’s ideal for hiking. On arrival, check into your lodge then head into the Grand Canyon National Park. Fuel up over lunch, then hit the spectacular North Kaibab Trail. This challenging but rewarding hike will lead you through a diverse range of ecosystems – your leaders will point out fascinating plant life along the way. The trail leads to the Coconino Overlook, where you’ll come upon a truly remarkable view of the canyon. Return to your lodge post-hike to freshen up and enjoy the evening as you please.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • North Rim - North Kaibab to Coconino Overlook Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's hike is approximately 1.5-4 miles/2-6km with 600-1441 ft elevation loss/gain.

Are you ready for a wild day? Today’s hike weaves through forests of pine and aspen high up on the North Rim, and you may be sharing the trail with deer, coyotes, foxes, elk, mountain lions and half-breed wild buffalo. Pass ancient fossil beds as you venture towards the edge of the canyon – the plant life you walk through today is green and lush, in stark comparison to the desert ecosystems you’ll be exploring on the rest of your journey. Reach the edge of the canyon and make your way to an awe-inspiring viewpoint where the group will stop for lunch and take it all in. Make the most of this epic location and continue further along the rim before returning on the same trail. You’re in for a real treat for dinner this evening – your leaders will cook up a tasty meal which you’ll enjoy at an incredible viewpoint so you can chow down while you look around.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • North Rim - Traverse Hike
  • North Rim - Point Imperial Outdoor Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's hike is approximately 1-6 miles/2-9km with 1200-2500 ft elevation loss/gain.

There’s still so much of the Grand Canyon to explore, so say goodbye to the North Rim and drive on to the South Rim (approximately 4 hours). This beautiful drive crosses the Little Colorado River and the Colorado River near Lee’s ferry, where you can see the Old Navajo Bridge hanging 467 ft above the water. You’ll have the chance to cross the bridge on foot and take some pictures of this scenic spot which marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. If you’re lucky, you may spot some California Condors hanging out on the rafters beneath the bridge. Jump back in the vehicle and enter Grand Canyon National Park on the east side, stopping off at the famous Desert View Watchtower, built to resemble the Native American tower that once stood in its place centuries ago. The Desert View Drive then provides some jaw-dropping scenes as you make your way to the jumping off point for today’s hike along the Grandview Trail. The trail didn’t get its name by accident – on a clear day you can see for more than 100 miles from the top. First carved out by the native peoples of the Grand Canyon, the trail was expanded upon by miners in the 1890s, and relics of the mining days can still be seen today. Once today’s walk is done and dusted, take some time to put your feet up at your hotel, then head out to dinner at a historic restaurant perched along the canyon’s South Rim.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • South Rim - Grandview Trail Hike
  • Grand Canyon NP - Old Navajo Bridge Visit
  • Grand Canyon NP- Desert View Watchtower Stop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's hike is approximately 3-6 miles/4-9km with 1200-2500 ft elevation loss/gain.

Begin the day by tackling the Hermit Trail, built by the Santa Fe Railroad to access Hermit Camp. Your leaders will point out prehistoric fossil beds within limestone and sandstone formations as you make your way to the striking Waldron Basin. Continue from this high desert valley to the top of the Red Wall, taking in unfathomable views of the canyon which seems to stretch down for miles below. What makes this trail particularly special is the 260-million-year-old reptile prints embossed in sandstone beside the path, complete with a swish of the creature’s tail. Reach your turnaround point at Dripping Springs, a water source that serves as a refuge among the arid landscape. Finish up with a short walk along the rim, then enjoy a downtime in your hotel this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • South Rim - Hermit Trailhead Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's hike is approximately 6 miles/9km with 2040 ft elevation loss/gain.

Rise bright and early for your final day exploring the Grand Canyon, checking out of your accommodation before travelling to the beginning of the South Kaibab Trail. Descend along the spine of the spectacular Cedar Ridge and come upon sweeping panoramic views of the Grand Canyon – perhaps the best in the whole park. Be sure to look up as well as down as California Condors are often spotted around these parts. After your hike, it’s time to return to where it all began, Las Vegas (approximately 4 hours). You can expect to arrive at around 6pm, at which point your adventure will come to an end. They say a little bit of Las Vegas goes a long way, but if you’d like to extend your stay here, just get in touch ahead of time and we can arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Included Activities
  • South Rim - South Kaibab Trail Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today's hike is approximately 6 miles/9km with 1700 ft elevation loss/gain.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • North Rim - North Kaibab to Coconino Overlook Hike
  • North Rim - Traverse Hike
  • North Rim - Point Imperial Outdoor Dinner
  • South Rim - Grandview Trail Hike
  • Grand Canyon NP - Old Navajo Bridge Visit
  • Grand Canyon NP- Desert View Watchtower Stop
  • South Rim - Hermit Trailhead Hike
  • South Rim - South Kaibab Trail Hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking in the Grand Canyon trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. A completed registration form is required to join these trips. You will not be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. We may ask for a medical release signed by your physician for medical conditions or circumstances which could possibly compromise your safety or the safety of others on this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
2. Travellers on this particular trip are not required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
3. A signed disclaimer (Acknowledgement of Risks Form) is required at the time of booking for this trip – please speak to your agent for further details.
4. To help ensure this trip is right for you, this trip is subject to additional ‘Essential Eligibility Requirements’ – see the ‘Itinerary Disclaimer’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
5. FIRST DAY: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm on Day 1. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
6. FINAL DAY: You are expected to arrive back in Las Vegas around 5pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point. There is no accommodation included on the last day in Las Vegas, however we can request any additional nights should you need them.
7. A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
8. Please note on some days the group will split and hike in two smaller sub-groups, each with one, experienced and fully qualified guide.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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