Hiking and Camping in Grand Canyon - South Rim

Welcome to Arizona – home to the Grand Canyon, the star of your 4-day trekking trip. This morning, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Flagstaff and driven to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Drive through ancient ponderosa pine forests and high plateau grasslands and eventually reach the rim, where the initial views are sure to blow you away! The first leg of your hike today is on the South Kaibab Trail. Descend Cedar Ridge and make way for panoramic views of the canyon, as the ridge drops off on both sides. These views and the surrounding natural landscapes make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country. Look out for California condors as your trip leader gives you an insight into the geologic history of this famed spot. After your hike, head to camp, where a much-needed outdoor dinner will be prepared by your leader.

Today’s hike takes you down one of the most scenic and breathtaking trails in Grand Canyon National Park. As you hike, your leader will continue to provide a deeper understanding of the geological marvels that surround you. The youngest (and highest) layer of rock is estimated to be roughly 250 million years old, and the rock at the bottom of the canyon is estimated to be over 2 billion years old. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail, then make your way back to the rim and to camp. Here, you’ll have some downtime before dinner to shower, relax in your tent, read a book in the shade of the pines, or go on a walk. Cap off the day with another outdoor dinner with the group.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head on the Grandview Trail, taking you down a series of exciting switchbacks with seemingly endless views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The trail was built by one of Grand Canyon’s most famous miners, Pete Berry, in the late 1800s to extract some of the richest copper ore in the world. When his mine failed, he turned to tourism for a living, taking guests down his amazing, hand-cobbled trail. Descend through geologic and cultural history as you gaze into the depths of the canyon and take in the immense beauty of the landscape. After your hike, soak in a final evening under the dramatic night skies of Northern Arizona (officially a ‘dark sky’ region) and celebrate your Grand Canyon adventure with a final group dinner.

Say goodbye to the canyon on a scenic drive out of the East Entrance. You’ll stop at the historic Desert View Watch Tower before returning to Flagstaff. On the way you’ll explore two very special Northern Arizona gems that are intimately connected with the Grand Canyon. Explore the remains of an ancient civilization from 900 years ago on a few short hikes into the ruins of stone houses. Then, take in the views of the youngest cinder cone volcano in the Southwest. Both places highlight the diversity of the peoples and landscapes in the Grand Canyon region and within Northern Arizona. Tonight, your trip will come to an end.